Seattle Born & Bred: Our Mission & Values

Do you know?

The first bicycle was invented in Germany in 1817, but the modern bicycle was born 50 years later in France.

The first electric bicycle patent was filed in 1881.

In 1897 the Humbler tandem became one of the first commercially available e-bikes (image above).

The original electric bikes used lead-acid batteries for over 100 years. It wasn't until the 2000s that lithium-ion batteries became widely available.

Hilltopper was born in Mike's garage in 2008. The first Hilltopper electric bike kit would go on to ignite the e-bike re-revolution.

We’re In Business to Help People & Our Planet

Here at Hilltopper Electric Bike Company we help people build sustainable communities, two wheels at a time. We’re here to power your adventures, and help make the world a little bit better while we do it.

We believe that holding true to a set of values, and focusing on the people behind the transactions is what makes a business great. As a company and a community we shift, we grow, we stumble, we pivot and we continually refine our work to build you the best bicycle and build a brighter, more sustainable future as we do it. Throughout this journey these are the values that guide our work.

CORE VALUES

PEOPLE
People first. People second. People third.
It’s all about the user experience.

QUALITY
Beautiful products that function and last.

HONESTY
No drama, no surprises, no BS.

JOY
Kids at heart, seeing potential everywhere.

SIMPLICITY
Minimalist designs that make life easier. Low maintenance. Long lasting.

BIKE DESIGN PRINCIPLES

BUILT FOR ALL PEOPLE
Designs that make life easier for people of all abilities and lifestyles.

MINIMALIST DESIGN
No clutter, easy to install, simple components that last. Clean lines.

BEAUTIFUL & CLASSIC
A bike you are proud to ride. A bike you will pass on to your grandchildren.

LONG-LASTING QUALITY
Minimal maintenance components that endure.

INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY
Technology that is easy to use and understand. Technology that makes the bike less complicated.

Our Values in Action

Buy A Bike, Give A Bike

When You Buy a Bike from Hilltopper,
A Child Get's Their First Ride

We don't do sales. We do community. Here at Hilltopper our mission is to create sustainable communities two wheels at a time. We're working with you to create a better world, by doing business to do good. For every Hilltopper Bike purchased, a kids bike will be donated to a child in need here in Seattle. Children receive their donated bike through our partners at Bikeworks.org, a rad community driven non-profit.

Photos courtesy Bikeworks.org

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