Father-son duo look to provide adventure through e-bike shop

Montana E-Bikes and More is the result of three generations of bike and adventure lovers.

Josh Houser, whose own parents owned a bike shop, has joined forces with his son Matthew Houser to provide unforgettable trips and fill a need in the community.

“We mostly talk about creating exceptional experiences for people,” said Josh. “We’re not just a rental shop. We’re really an experience shop because we want people to explore and enjoy Montana. We thank all of our tourists for being in Montana and we're excited for them as they go adventure.”

The Whitefish shop is located next to Super 1 Foods in the Whitefish Mountain Center.

Growing up in his parent’s bike shop, Valley Schwinn in Twin Falls, Idaho, Josh brings a lifetime of knowledge to the shop. Along with his industry expertise, he has hiked the 80-mile Highline Trail in Utah with llamas, tented his way across Iceland, rafted various rivers, and has camped, hiked, and biked his way around the west.

“From birth to age 14, I was in my parent’s bike shop,” said Josh. “I just loved biking. That's what I did. My parents never had much money growing up, but I always thought I was rich because I had a new bike.”

As for Matthew, his spirit for adventure began at age 13 after completing a 40-mile backpacking expedition through Zion National Park in Utah. One year later, Matthew found himself diving into the world of entrepreneurship by starting his own window-washing company.

“Even as a little kid, I was always just passionate about business and what it can do for a community and the people it can impact,” said Matthew. “I didn’t go to college or have any formal training, but I learned through apprenticeships and from business people who have poured into me.”

According to Josh, e-biking can be a great way to exercise while allowing the user some flexibility as the bike can be put in different modes or even turned off.

“You can choose the amount of power that you want on the bike and how much help you get, but everyone who walks through that door is still getting a great workout,” said Josh.

In addition to rentals, the shop also sells e-bikes and provides full service. The father-son duo will also rent e-bikes during the winter months. Josh said that as of now, Montana E-bikes and More is the only shop to provide this service in the valley.

“[Winter e-biking] is really big in Canada and we went to France in the middle of winter and everyone was riding bikes there, but this is not a part of our culture,” said Josh. “If you don't ski, then it's often hard to find things to do in the winter.”

This unique service along with their outstanding customer service and fair wages for employees is part of what sets them apart, according to Matthew.

“We're really an experienced shop,” said Matthew. “We already have 23 five-star reviews and all of them talk about our customer service. We are just so psyched to help people in whatever way we can and celebrate with them,” said Matthew.

Whether customers have never been on a bike or it’s been 50 years, Josh and Matthew hope to create a lifetime experience for locals and tourists alike.

Montana E-Bikes and More is located at 6475 U.S. 93 S, Suite 6 in Whitefish and can be contacted by phone 406-200-8495 or email josh@mtebikes.com.

Reporter Summer Zalesky may be reached at szalesky@dailyinterlake.com.