National Bicycle Dealers Association Connects
The NBDA greatly values the importance of deeper interpersonal connections – we believe it is a critical part of your business success.
The NBDA greatly values the importance of deeper interpersonal connections – we believe it is a critical part of your business success. NBDA Connects is a comprehensive directory of resources designed to be a catalyst to ensure you meet the right people who know the bicycle industry, respect your business, and want to help you grow both personally and professionally.
The resources within this page are compiled to help both the industry at large and NBDA members find success and growth. The work the NBDA is doing to advocate for supplier retailer best practices, industry wide databases, and connection to advocacy groups should be celebrated by all. Note: items specific to members are noted with unique members-only icon: 
Learn More:
Working with Vendors - Vendor Best Practices Committee
The NBDA Best Practices Committee has a mission to guide retailers and suppliers to better practices for working together. As the industry continues to evolve, and the market changes, the NBDA sees this as an important time to remind suppliers of the importance of the independent retailer and that retailers need to be treated as customers, and to remind retailers that suppliers need support for their businesses and brands.
While we are here offering a number of suggestions for both suppliers and retailers, we mostly want to encourage better conversations. Please contact us with any feedback, comments, requests, suggestions or questions at bestpractices@nbda.com.
Best Practices Committee Publications:
E-Bike Resources
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Documents:
- Safe Charging and Storage of Lithium-Ion Batteries – Detailed guide for specialty bicycle retailers.
- Battery Safety Best Practices – One-page handout for consumers.
- Submerged Battery Advice – Document released 29 Sep, 2022.
- Consumer Submerged Battery Advisory – Document released 29 Sep, 2022.
- NYC Inspection Checklist – Inspection Checklist for Micromobility Devices and Batteries.
Electrical Safety Foundation International Resources (www.esfi.org):
- Lithium-ion Battery Safety – Electrical Safety Foundation (esfi.org)
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: How and Where to Buy E-Bikes and Scooters – Electrical Safety Foundation (esfi.org)
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: Signs of a Charging or Battery Problem – Electrical Safety Foundation (esfi.org)
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: How to Charge and Where to Store – Electrical Safety Foundation (esfi.org)
- Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: New York City – Electrical Safety Foundation (esfi.org)
- Be Smart About Fire & Electrical Safety – Electrical Safety Foundation (esfi.org)
- Kids Corner – Electrical Safety Foundation (esfi.org)
UL Solutions Certification Link:
- UL Solutions, a global independent safety science company with more than a century of expertise innovating safety solutions, has provided a listing of all brands that has tested with UL to meet standards. The list is available here: Download the Guide on Their Retailer Page
Electric Bike Laws – State by State:
- Electric bicycle (e-bike) laws are different in every state, and can be confusing for riders, retailers, and suppliers. PeopleForBikes is making riding an electric bicycle easy and accessible for all. Find your state’s specific rules here: FDNY Smart E-Bike Guidance
NBDA E-Bike Database:
- The NBDA is compiling an e-bicycle specific database that focuses on current certifications and insurances held. The intent of the database is to create a quick-access resource for our members to be able to review multiple e-bicycle brands and their certifications held. If you would like to be included, please fill out the form below. If your information changes at any point, please edit your information so that the database remains current. The database will be under constant review by both the NBDA and associated firms, testing labs, and brokers to ensure the information submitted is accurate. Although the NBDA and above mentioned partners will do our due diligence to ensure accuracy, the NBDA and partners cannot be held liable for inaccurate information found within. Access to the database is open to the public, and all companies regardless of NBDA membership status may submit and edit data within.
Shipping and Transport
- What I Learned from D.O.T. – Karen Wiener at the New Wheel
- https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/training/hazmat/understanding-risks-damaged-defective-or-recalled-ddr-lithium-batteries
- https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/2022-01/Test%20Summary%20Brochure%20web.pdf
- https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/training/hazmat/lithium-battery-guide-shippers
Find a Sales Representative
Sales Representatives: submit your information to the database for free here.
Retailers, Brands, and Bicycle Industry Members: Access the Sales Rep Database on the Member Resources page.
Resources for Bike Mechanics and Bike Fitters
Bicycle Mechanics Instruction
- Bicycle Industry Employers Association
- NorthWest Arkansas Community College
- United Bicycle Institute
- Project Bike Tech
- Appalachian Bicycle Institute
Ebike-Specific Instruction
Bicycle Fitting Instruction
SRAM
Bicycle Mechanics and Fitters Database
Bicycle Mechanics and Fitters: submit your information to the database for free here.
Retailers, Brands, and Bicycle Industry Members: Access the Bicycle Mechanics and Fitters Database on the Member Resources page.
Find a Bike Shop
Members, update your information in your NBDA member account to make sure that consumers can find you on our Dealer Finder!
Youth Outreach Programs
- Pedal Kids
- All Kids Bike
- Youth Cycling Coalition
- Outride
- Little Bellas
- NICA
- Sprockids
- Velo Kids
- Project Bike Tech
- Triangle Bikeworks
- Pedalheads
Want to be added to the list? Email us here.
Bicycle Industry Advocacy Groups
Want to be added to the list? Email us here.
Networking Opportunities and Events
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NBDA Member Mingles:
- Join NBDA members for these informal networking sessions designed to expand your network with face-to-face introductions to NBDA members across North America. Topics vary each session. Come ready with your questions and insight to share, leave with personal relationships and lasting friendships. Sessions are open to retailers, mobile repair/retailers, suppliers, advocates, sales representatives, mechanics, fitters, and anyone interested in a unique networking and groupthink platform. A great resource for those just entering the industry!
- See all upcoming networking events on our event calendar.
- Join NBDA members for these informal networking sessions designed to expand your network with face-to-face introductions to NBDA members across North America. Topics vary each session. Come ready with your questions and insight to share, leave with personal relationships and lasting friendships. Sessions are open to retailers, mobile repair/retailers, suppliers, advocates, sales representatives, mechanics, fitters, and anyone interested in a unique networking and groupthink platform. A great resource for those just entering the industry!
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P2: The Profitability Project
- P2: The Profitability Project brings together non-competing retailers to share data, successes, tips, and secrets to building and maintaining bicycle retailer profitability. Members gain access to critical support that would be far costlier through individual consulting. A small participation fee covers the NBDA’s cost to maintain the group, hold meetings, and bring in expert facilitators to maximize effectiveness. New P2 groups are forming now. Stay ahead of your competition and realize your business’ full financial potential. Sign up for a P2 Group now or Learn more about the P2 Program here.
- P2: The Profitability Project brings together non-competing retailers to share data, successes, tips, and secrets to building and maintaining bicycle retailer profitability. Members gain access to critical support that would be far costlier through individual consulting. A small participation fee covers the NBDA’s cost to maintain the group, hold meetings, and bring in expert facilitators to maximize effectiveness. New P2 groups are forming now. Stay ahead of your competition and realize your business’ full financial potential. Sign up for a P2 Group now or Learn more about the P2 Program here.
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Networking Trips
- Special events may be held throughout the year. It may be a weekend retreat, motivational speaker, or special trip for our members. All events are located on our calendar. If you are interested in getting involved in the planning, please contact us.
- Special events may be held throughout the year. It may be a weekend retreat, motivational speaker, or special trip for our members. All events are located on our calendar. If you are interested in getting involved in the planning, please contact us.
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Trade Shows
- Stay tuned for industry trade shows for 2025
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NBDA Dealer Forum
- Although face-to-face networking is important, we don’t always have the time. You can interact with other members and grow your business without ever leaving your home by taking full advantage of our 24/7 dealer forum. Learn how to access the forum here.
- Although face-to-face networking is important, we don’t always have the time. You can interact with other members and grow your business without ever leaving your home by taking full advantage of our 24/7 dealer forum. Learn how to access the forum here.
