More Than a Bike: The Story Behind James22
Welcome to James22. I’m Jacob Billingsley, founder of James22, and I’m grateful you’re here. This blog is where we’ll share more about our journey, our mission and the ideas driving everything we do.
I was introduced to the world of e-bikes through a friend’s bike shop. The more I learned, the more I saw how quickly they were reshaping the riding experience — opening the door for more people to get outside and ride, not just serious cyclists, but families, beginners and anyone looking for a better way to connect, commute or explore. As the market grew, one question kept surfacing: what if I built my own? I saw an opportunity to create something that combined quality, accessibility and purpose from the ground up, and soon the idea for James22 was in motion.
Building the Bike

So I went all in. I started researching everything I could about e-bikes — motors, batteries, frames, brakes, suspension systems, drivetrains and the details most people don’t think about until they’re stranded halfway up a hill. I wanted to understand what separated a decent bike from a great one. More importantly, I wanted to build bikes that felt approachable — not just for hardcore riders shaving seconds off their times, but for everyday people who wanted freedom, adventure and a reason to ride again.
Why “James22”?
Somewhere in the middle of that process, something unexpected happened. One Sunday at church, my pastor preached a sermon on James 1:22 about living out your faith through action and being doers of God’s Word. The message stayed with me. Over time, it became clear the company needed to stand for more than bikes alone — it needed purpose. Before long, the name James22 was born, rooted in the belief that faith should move us to serve others, love our communities well and live out what we believe every day.
Riding Toward Something Bigger
That vision continues to shape everything we do. Yes, we’ve built what we believe are some of the best e-bikes on the market. But we also want James22 to become a community centered on connection, generosity and service. We will partner with organizations already doing incredible work, highlight opportunities to serve in local communities and host service rides and meetups along the way. Because at the end of the day, life — much like riding a bike — is better when you don’t go it alone.
James22 started with a simple idea, but it has grown into something bigger: a mission to create products people love while pointing them toward purpose and community. We’re excited for the road ahead and grateful for everyone choosing to ride alongside us. At James22, we believe you should ride with purpose and give with heart.
See you on the roads.
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