The Rise of The Elliptigo

In America, billions of dollars are spent each year on bicycles and much more money on general exercise equipment. Many people opt for cardio exercise, whether that is running, biking, walking, HIIT, or a multitude of other options. In 2005, the journey began for what is known today as the Elliptigo.  The Eliptigo “combines the motion of an indoor elliptical trainer with the outdoor mobility of a traditional bicycle”, according to their website. It resembles a cycling motion, but the user is in a stand-up position. 

 Former marine and ironman triathlete, Bryan Pate, lost the ability to run and wanted to find a low-impact running device that could substitute his running. Bryan found that cycling and using the elliptical was not as satisfying as running. The adrenaline rush and the muscles used could not be replicated to his standards.  Bryan then partnered with ultramarathoner, ironman athlete and mechanical engineer, Brent Teal. Together they worked to develop a prototype and in 2006 Brent finished the “alfa”. Over the next four years the pair developed the “charlie”, “echo” and “delta” models. In 2009, they quit their jobs to become full time employees for the Eliptigo. The first official sale for the pair occurred on February 24, 2010 and the rest is history. 

The Elliptigo became a worldwide hit from celebrities to Olympic athletes using the equipment in their training for the games. Just two years later, Brian and Brent appeared on Good Morning America, Runner’s World, New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and countless others. The Elliptigo has been featured in movies as well as holding many world records. 

The current Elliptigo equipment models come in three ranges depending on terrain ability and gear shifts. The standard stand-up bike retails for $999 up to $1,499 and the elliptical bike goes for a whopping $2,199 to $3,699. To give a comparison, most standard bikes retail for just a couple hundred dollars. Barb Mckenna wouldn’t consider buying one “just because I have plenty of other equipment and for the price; I never really experienced it before”. The Elliptigo is not sold in stores so trying it out is not an option for the customer. Kelty Oaster said, “It was really weird! Not at all what I expected, you have to get on and pedal right away or you’ll start swaying side to side. It is a good mix between a bike and an elliptical”. 

Overall the Elliptigo is an exciting new piece of technology for people of all fitness levels. It can be a good supplement for athletes as well as be a low-impact option for people that cannot run. The development of the Elliptigo is inspiring and I don’t believe you should let the price deter you. The company has built an amazing community and created a whole new breed of athletes ready to show the world what the Elliptigo can do.