Photo courtesy of Flux
If you ever want to meet a person who lived an incredibly diverse and unique life in their early 20s, look no further than Matt Brueggeman, one of three founders of electric moped company Flux.
After graduating with a degree in Chinese from the University of Wisconsin, Brueggeman moved to China, where he lived for six years. In 2008, during the Beijing Olympics, his friend Alex Meyer came to visit, and together they devised the idea for Flux.
“Electric mopeds have the potential to become the ‘Model T’ of electric transportation,” Brueggeman said. “The average person can use an electric vehicle for short distance on a daily basis that costs less to operate, has less headaches to maintain, is greener, quieter and more fun to ride, all at a competitive starting price.”
Brueggeman remained in China while he and Meyer worked on starting the company. The Lake Forest, Ill.,-native held jobs that included globalization consulting, continuing care retirement communities consulting and art gallery sales. His first job is where he met his wife, Ellen Lang, who also is the third founder. They moved to the United States in December 2012.
Flux manufactures and services the electric mopeds, which start at $1,999, and sells them out of its storefront at 710 Williamson St. The removable lithium ion battery can be charged at any standard outlet in 3-5 hours and allows for a range of about 20+ miles.
According to research conducted by Flux, its electric mopeds have an operational cost of $0.014 per mile (with a $0.12 kWH) compared to standard gas mopeds’ cost of $0.04 per mile ($3.50/gallon), which–including maintenance savings–translates to a $100 savings per 1,000 miles.
Brueggeman said that Flux is targeting college students and professionals who work and live downtown.
“(This group is) looking for convenient and dependable short distance transportation,” Brueggeman said. “What public transportation, a car, biking and walking cannot provide, the 100 percent electric Flux moped can … all you need to do is get on and go.”
Flux, which had its grand opening on April 4, is open Monday-Wednesday by appointment, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday.
