“As a small business, we feel it’s our duty to help support other small businesses in our community,” says Peter Johnson, CEO and co-founder of Phat Scooters (phatscooters.com). The result? Donating scooters to local restaurants for delivery transportation during COVID-19. “Watching how COVID-19 was affecting their businesses and profitability and knowing we had a solution that could help it was an easy decision.”
Phat Scooters’ PHLEET e-bikes, which were donated to nine local restaurants, are specifically designed for food delivery. Not only do they feature plenty of room for food storage, but they also allow drivers to avoid traffic by traveling in the bike lane. “If we can help other local businesses keep their lights on, keep their people employed and help our community stay afloat, of course we’d do anything we could to make these hard times a bit easier,” says Johnson.
Johnson’s drive to do better started back in 2017 when he was in search of a convenient mode of local transportation that wasn’t a car. “A few Google searches and we found some electric scooters; once we got them, we knew we could make them better,” he says. The highlight of the brand is that every single scooter is completely customizable—from the vibrant colors to the sleek designs.
“We truly believe that what sets our scooter apart is the customization options we offer, as well as the customization ideas that customers ask us for,” says Johnson. “When we don’t have something, we make it our mission to find it and source it.” Add a tricked-out music system, stylish graphics (think camo, floral or tie-dye) or colorful LED lights for an entirely individualized ride.
By teaming top-notch mechanics and functionality with fashionable designs, Johnson has built a brand that’s posh with a purpose. “Creating a culture and lifestyle around the Phat experience extends past the scooters themselves, and that’s what I pride my business on,” he says. Driven, indeed.