From Bedridden to Biking

The debilitating pain began roughly nine months ago. A pain so excruciating he couldn’t bear to move. Every time he walked, it was like walking straight on the bone with no skin or tissue to cushion the tension — a feeling he will never forget. He was bedridden for nearly a week.

Ernie Becquer is a 52-year-old combat veteran, musician and FLX Bike owner in San Diego, Calif. His military experience has impacted him in many ways.

Before enlisting, he lacked discipline and purpose for his life.

“I was really lacking discipline and going into the service fixed that. It gave me a purpose. It gave me a higher calling,” Becquer says.

After serving eight years as a doc and working with various amphibious assault units in the United States Marine Corps, he suffered an injury resulting in a medical discharge.

“As much as I tried to go to physical therapy and do everything to get back to full shape, I just couldn’t get to the form that my job required so they had to let me go,” Becquer says.

Since then, Becquer has dealt with chronic pain in his back, knees and feet. In August 2019, his health worsened to the point where he couldn’t walk.

“I was literally bedridden. It was horrible,” Becquer says.

With medical guidance, he immobilized his legs and went to physical therapy for months. Becquer mentioned his love for bikes to his doctor but expressed the difficulties he faced riding uphill. That’s when she turned him on to electric bikes.

“She has recommended e-bikes to some of her bicycle-rider veterans that have had similar issues as me, and they’ve had really positive results,” he says.

After researching companies, he thought he narrowed it down. That was until he saw an advertisement for FLX, and everything changed.

“I had narrowed it down to three companies and all of a sudden, Rob pops up on my computer and he’s promoting the Babymaker e-bike campaign…I could tell this guy was living this. I could feel that he was very, very passionate about this. It wasn’t just a sales pitch,” Becquer says.

In January 2020, he came in for a test ride. After testing out the Babymaker prototype, Becquer wanted to buy a bike on the spot which led him to the Gladiator.

“The Gladiator and I were like the perfect pair for each other. I was freaking happy! So, I ended up buying that bike,” he says.

He began riding his Gladiator roughly 100 miles every week. One of his favorite rides is in the Lower Otay Reservoir.

“I lived in San Diego for over 25 years and I didn’t know all these things were out there. Every time I go on a bike ride, I see all these beautiful landscapes…this stuff was in my backyard and I never took the time to see it,” he says.

Becquer is always championing the company because of what they’ve done for him.

“I’m not a young guy, you know I’m 52 years old. I couldn’t walk and all of a sudden, I’m riding a bike and it’s empowering. It filled me with life. Riding that bike, for me, is life-changing,” he says.

Becquer believes the FLX team and culture are what sets them apart.

“FLX stands out because of their culture. It’s cool that the mission is to get people out of cars and get them riding bikes,” he says. “A company can only be as good as its people. If the people working there are awesome, which they are, then the company is going to be awesome. It’s a direct reflection.”

Becquer has seen a drastic change since purchasing his bike.

“My overall wellbeing improved greatly — leaps and bounds — from riding this bike. It’s just really powerful,” he says.

Despite suffering another injury, Becquer is determined to ride again. His no-quit attitude is a testament to the person he is. He hopes his story will inspire veterans and others to overcome any challenge.

As Becquer boldly states, “The only limitations we have on ourselves are the limitations we put on ourselves."

Experience the Ride of a Lifetime

Want more adventure in your life? You can get the same kind of freedom as Ernie.
Just click here to order a Gladiator today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? We've got answers.

What's the best commuter ebike?

For daily commuting, the Babymaker II Pro is our most popular pick. It weighs just 35 lbs — light enough to carry up stairs or onto transit — and its Gates Carbon Belt Drive means virtually zero maintenance. A single charge gets you 20–70+ miles depending on assist level.

If you want cargo capacity and a more upright position, the Moonrider is a great alternative with dual racks and a Bafang mid-drive motor that handles hills with ease.

What's the best lightweight ebike?

The Babymaker II is our lightest model at just 33 lbs — significantly lighter than most ebikes on the market. Its minimalist frame and compact battery keep the weight down without sacrificing range or performance. Perfect if you need to carry it up stairs or store it under a desk.

Do I need a license to ride a Superhuman ebike?

In most US states, no license, registration, or insurance is required to ride an ebike — as long as it meets federal ebike classification standards. Most Superhuman models meet these requirements. Rules vary by state and municipality, so we recommend checking your local laws, especially for Class 3 bikes on trails or shared paths.

What's a fat tire ebike?

Fat tire ebikes feature oversized tires — typically 4 inches wide or more. Those wide tires give you more traction on loose surfaces like sand, gravel, and snow, better shock absorption, and increased stability at low speeds or in technical terrain. Great for riders who want to go off the beaten path or ride year-round regardless of conditions.

If you're looking for the best fat tire electric bike for all-terrain riding, the Superhuman Bikes Bomber is our top pick. The Bomber is a 750W scrambler-style fat tire ebike built to go anywhere — sand, trails, dirt roads, or city streets. It runs on a 48V 17Ah battery with 40+ miles of range, 20-inch fat tires for maximum grip, hydraulic brakes, dual suspension, a comfortable bench seat, and optional foot pegs for a moto-inspired feel. Available in multiple colors and two configurations, it's one of the most capable and versatile fat tire ebikes on the market.

What's the best ebike for beginners?

We recommend the Moonrider or the Photon for riders new to ebikes.

The Moonrider has a step-through frame (easy to mount and dismount), an intuitive mid-drive motor, and comes with front and rear racks so you can start using it for real errands right away. Its Shimano 10-speed lets you gradually learn how to blend pedal assist with gear selection.

The Photon is a great option if you want something lighter with a throttle option, so you can start by letting the bike do the work and increase your own pedaling input as you get comfortable. It ships 95% pre-assembled — front wheel, pedals, and handlebars and you're ready to ride. (And they glow in the dark!)

How long does shipping take?

All in-stock Superhuman bikes ship within 3–7 business days of order confirmation. You'll receive a tracking number via email once your order leaves our warehouse. For the most current availability on specific models, check the product page or contact our support team.

What's the longest range ebike in your lineup?

The Weapon leads the lineup with 70+ miles of range on its 840Wh battery — the highest-capacity battery we offer. The F5 Trail also carries an 840Wh battery and delivers 50+ miles per charge under typical conditions.

Real-world range depends on rider weight, terrain, wind, temperature, and how much you pedal vs. rely on the motor. Using lower assist levels and pedaling more actively will always extend your range.