Electric Bike Shop to ‘Kruse’ Into Sunset Boulevard

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

With “environmental, convenience and health advantages” in mind, Palisadians Andrew and Tara Grove are bringing Kruse + Company to a retail shop on Sunset Boulevard, slated to open soon.

“Kruse + Company is a locally owned retail shop that sells premium electric bicycles and related products, with a focus [on] family-cargo and city bicycles,” according to a statement released by the company ahead of its opening. “The store will be a warm and inviting space for everyone to learn about and experience the joy of e-bikes, because some things are best discovered in person.”

The store will occupy an approximately 1,900-square-foot space at 15121 Sunset Boulevard, previously Puzzle Zoo Toy Store. It will offer both sales and service of e-bikes “from several of the leading manufacturers,” with a “knowledgeable team,” “committed to guiding first-time e-bikers to this leading edge of eco-conscious and fun transportation.”

According to the statement, it was their own personal experience with e-bikes that inspired the family, residents of El Medio Bluffs since 2013, to create Kruse + Company.

“The Groves first decided to try an e-bike when their oldest child began kindergarten,” the statement said, “but the choice offered more benefits than they ever even imagined. Soon they were riding their e-bikes more often than taking their cars. The benefits of riding electric bicycles quickly sparked a new lifestyle for the whole family.”

The name originated from the owners’ youngest son, whose middle name is Kruse. The history of “Kruse” dates back to his great-great-grandfather, who was born in Denmark.

“The name was chosen to reflect the owners’ belief in the importance of family and in the hopes that they could help create a piece of the Danish bicycle culture in the Palisades,” according to the statement. “‘And Company’ was added to recognize the rest of the family, and to highlight that cycling is more fun in a group.”

Kruse is pronounced with an “s” (like Chris) instead of a “z” like cruise—“but the pun is intentional, and the occasional slip-up is embraced.”

Brands that will be sold at the store include Riese & Muller and Tern, with more to be revealed soon. The family stated that every product they carry will “deliver on quality, safety and sustainability.”

They shared that electric family and cargo bikes are “great for shopping trips, carrying the little ones and even hauling all your supplies for a camping trip.”

“Electric city bikes will provide you with a comfortable ride that will make you want to ditch your car for good,” according to the statement. “Electric mountain bikes provide that extra power to climb one more hill or push the adventure just a little bit further … Kruse + Company can help you choose a safe, reliable, quality e-bike that is perfectly suited to your needs.”

Kruse + Company shared plans that all of the products sold come from manufacturers that conduct “stringent third-party testing for safety and longevity,” and they will also provide service and routine maintenance.

They shared they plan to “get the store open as soon as possible,” ideally by December, but they want the space to be “the best and provide an experience unlike any other bicycle shop.” For now, interested Palisadians can check out Kruse’s website, as some bicycles are already available for sale.

For more information, including to find out when the store will officially open, visit krusebikes.com or instagram.com/krusebikes.