Chris Zahner on Zooz Bikes: From Urban E-Bikes to Motor Culture

Chris Zahner, founder of Zooz Bikes, an electric bike company that focuses on the thrill of the two wheels plus throttle; and bringing the experience to those who might not have considered such fun since they were a kid. Zahner started building fast electrics bikes to address his personal challenge of increasing two-wheel time in Chicago's gridlocked urban environment. He was inspired and reminded of BMX bikes' simplicity and strength and officially launched the company in 2020. Sam and Zahner recorded this conversation at a motorcycle event in Alabama that celebrates the small displacement motorcycle, and although the electric bike isn’t usually considered an immediate relative of the internal combustion motorcycle, the ZOOZ does scratch the same itch. Zahner emphasizes the personal experience of motor culture and the community’s appreciation the bike's subtle design and relevance. Zahner shares his background in engineering, racing, and welding, inspiring him to pursue his passions and build out his ideas. He shares his experience of learning to weld at a young age and then building his first motorcycle, which was a turning point in his life. Reveling in the atmosphere of the Small Bore event hosted by Barbershop Motorsport Park, Zahner encourages viewers to visit the Barber Museum and any event they host. He concludes by praising Sam’s great pants.