My parents and I at the shop!
The Story of Motown Mopeds
My name is Erin Guillen and I am the owner of Motown Mopeds.
I grew up in Manistee, MI. I rode mini bikes, dirt bikes and quads as a kid and loved the sense of freedom and exhilaration that came with riding these vehicles.
My parents bought two mopeds when I was 15 and I was hooked. I no longer had to ride my bicycle up and down enormous hills to get to the beach or a friend’s house. Even when I got my first car I still rode the moped on occasion. The miles per gallon the moped got helped to keep a few bucks in my slim wallet.
I moved to Detroit in 2018. While living here I’ve noticed the lack of public transportation options and how dangerous the electric scooters can be. The Motor City is filled with cars but aside from expensive rental bicycles, perilous scooters and ride share services there aren’t many ways to get around. The bus system can be inconsistent and the Q-Line? Enjoy a brief ride up and down Woodward if that’s all you’re looking for. The cost of renting a car? Not feasible for many.
I hope to show residents and visitors the fun that one can have on a gas powered scooter. Residents may need to rent them to get to and from work. Tourists can stimulate other Detroit small businesses by renting my mopeds and hit multiple neighborhoods while riding. Detroit and it’s storied neighborhoods should be explored and appreciated. My mopeds can assist with this.
We can’t wait to get you on a moped for a ride!
-Erin Guillen, Owner
The name?
Q. Aren’t these scooters? Why did you call this Motown Mopeds?
A. I thought about including scooters in my business name. I also considered that most of my customer base could possibly associate my business with the electric scooters you rent with an app. I did not want this association. My vehicles all have 49cc engines so the state of Michigan considers them a moped. More info.
“Motown” is nod to the success of the label founded by Berry Gordy Jr. We hope our rides are as smooth and groovy as all of the sounds Motown Records have inspired.
