FEATURED SMALL BUSINESS: Last Mile and CaliKites

Today we're talking with Brian Schwarz, owner of Last Mile and CaliKites, two sweet destinations for cool gear. Last Mile specializes in personal electric vehicles and CaliKites is the go-to spot for kiteboarding equipment. Whether you're looking for an e-bike, electric scooter, or a full kiteboarding rig, they've got you covered for both sales and service. 

Brian, tell us a little about your shops.

CaliKites and Last Mile are all about movement, freedom, and fun. CaliKites is dedicated to kiteboarding, winging, and all things water sports. Last Mile is our other shop focused on electric mobility — e-bikes, scooters, and electric skateboards. Both stores are built around helping people discover new ways to explore their city, their coastlines, and the outdoors.

What inspired you to open these two businesses?

It started with passion. I fell in love with kiteboarding 25 years ago, and I wanted to create a place where people could not only buy gear but also feel welcomed into the sport. With Last Mile, I saw how electric mobility was transforming how people commute and play, and I wanted to help guide that change by curating the best products and offering real hands-on advice.

What's special about the in-person experience vs. buying sporting goods online?

The big difference is touch and feel. You can demo products, compare models side by side, and get honest advice from people who actually ride or kite every day. Online reviews can only take you so far — the in-person experience is about expertise, trust, and community.

What’s the next big thing in electric vehicles?

We’re seeing big advances in battery range and smart integration. Lightweight, long-range e-bikes and e-scooters are becoming more accessible, and I think modular batteries — the ability to swap and extend range easily — will be huge. There’s also a cultural shift: more cities are building infrastructure for small electric vehicles, which makes them not just fun, but practical.

Is there a community component to Cali Kites or Last Mile that you’d like to highlight?

Yes — we love the community side. With CaliKites we organize local kiteboarding events and are always out on the water cheering on the crew. With Last Mile, we host group rides where people can test gear, share experiences, and connect with others who are as passionate about electric mobility as we are.

Give us the scoop - what's your favorite local kite surfing spot?

Crissy Field is hard to beat — incredible wind, stunning views of the Golden Gate, and a community of dedicated riders.

Favorite local e-bike spot?

It's all about taking in the city. It's WAY faster and more fun to explore your city on an electric vehicle. My mode of choice is an electric skateboard. They are fun, fast, easy to carry and good practice for all of our boardsports. It directly translates into snowboarding, surfing, and kiteboarding. 

What's the most popular electric commute vehicle in SF?

Right now, lightweight e-bikes are the most practical choice. They’re quick, reliable, easy to park, and versatile enough for both commuting and weekend rides.

What do you want people to know about running a small business and why small businesses are vital to a healthy and vibrant community?

Running a small business is a labor of love — it’s about relationships more than transactions. Small businesses create character, knowledge, and community that you can’t get from big-box stores or online giants. We know our customers by name, we support local events, and we keep the energy of the neighborhood alive. Supporting small businesses means investing in a community that gives back.

Last Mile - Locations in SF (Hayes Valley) and Marin (San Rafael)

CaliKites - San Francisco in Hayes Valley