Scott “Scooter” Landes, a Souderton native and lifelong cyclist, opened the bike shop after completing a six-week, 3,000-mile-long cross-country bike tour. Photo by John Worthington | The Reporter.
Scooter’s Bike Shop opened its doors on July 15, 1975 on Souderton’s West Broad Street
After graduating from college, 25-year-old Scott “Scooter” Landes set out on a journey to find himself.
A Souderton native and lifelong cyclist, Landes hopped on his bicycle and hit the streets to begin a six-week, 3,000-mile cross-country bike tour.
Along the route, Landes rode through dozens of small towns and frequented local bike shops. Many of the shop owners would host Landes for the night and sometimes accompany him on his next few miles. The experience sparked a career interest for Landes.
“I was just seeing people that weren’t hating getting up in the morning,” said Landes. “They certainly weren’t getting rich, but they were enjoying what they were doing.”
Upon returning home, Landes informed his father, a local physician, of his plan to open a bike shop in Souderton.
“After complete silence for 30 or 45 seconds, he said, ‘Well, if that’s what you want to do, make it the best damn bike shop in town,’” said Landes.
Scooter’s Bike Shop celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 18 during Souderton’s 3rd Friday event. (Courtesy of Souderton Connects)
The shop has been located at 130 N Main Street since 1989. (Courtesy of Scooter’s Bike Shop)Humble beginnings
Scooter’s Bike Shop opened its doors on July 15, 1975 on Souderton’s West Broad Street. It began as a small store of bicycle parts and 40 bikes. The shop later relocated to Main Street in 1978.
Over the next decade, Landes’s inventory expanded, and the shop gradually outgrew the space. Landes quickly set his sights on the neighboring building, Frederick’s Shoe Store, which offered significantly more space and a full basement. In 1989, the 150th anniversary of Frederick’s, Landes made his pitch to owner Jake Frederick.
“I kidded him about taking early retirement. He was 93-years-old,” said Landes. “He only stayed open for the 150th anniversary of the business, and then I bought the building and moved in.”
Landes promptly renovated the space into the bike shop that stands today. Over the years, his inventory grew from 40 bikes to over 400, and the business began offering additional services such as repairs and fittings. Landes notes that repairs are performed in front of the customers.
“We’re always transparent. We let people watch the mechanics if they want and see what’s going on,” said Landes. “So we’re a little more mom and pop that way, but a lot of people like it.”
The shop offers a broad selection of bikes as well as additional services, including fittings and repairs. (Courtesy of Scooter’s Bike Shop)50 years in business
At Souderton’s 3rd Friday event on July 18, Scooter’s Bike Shop celebrated 50 years in business, with free water bottles, hot dogs and a photo op with Souderton Connects, a non-profit revitalization organization.
Landes described feeling “very lucky” during the milestone celebration, saying he never expected to last 50 years.
“I feel lucky that I was able to do this for a living and actually survive, because there were times where I wasn’t sure,” said Landes, adding, “It was neat not ever having to do a job application.”
While celebrating the business’s success, Landes conceded to some “lean years,” particularly in the 80s and 90s with the advent of shopping malls. But he contended that local economic revitalization plans are helping to turn the tide back in favor of small businesses.
“When I was growing up, this was a vibrant business community. People were walking up and down Main Street with packages, but that all stopped when the malls opened,” said Landes. “So now it’s nice with the revitalization of small towns. People are realizing if you spend your money in your small town, the money tends to stay there and benefit the community.”
Over the years, the shop had to adapt to changing inventory and technological improvements, including electronic accessories and E-bikes, said Landes.
“It’s gotten a lot more complicated, more detailed,” said Landes. “But it’s still fun, being like a kid again and getting exercise. It’s a low impact aerobic activity that you can do late in life, and it’s a green activity too.”
Asked about the key to his shop’s longevity, Landes cites good customer service skills, industry knowledge and passion and quality products at fair prices.
“Business is pretty simple; it’s not rocket science,” said Landes. “You just gotta treat people the way you want to be treated.”
Retirement
Landes officially retired from the shop last year, handing over the reins to his sons, Zach and Benjamin. He still visits to help with bike repairs and housekeeping.
“I pop in a couple days a week to vacuum up the dog hair and recycle the cardboards, so I’m still the most important guy here,” Landes laughed.
In retirement, Landes remains an avid cyclist. While voicing uncertainty about the shop’s future, he expressed hope that it will remain a local fixture for many more years.
“It’s up to my sons. They’re enjoying it,” said Landes. “So I think we’re gonna keep going.”
