Putting power to the pedal
People are looking for new options to explore New Zealand’s cycling and walking trails, as Mike Bain explains for our series.
Tourists visiting China often comment on the high number of bicycles used by people in busy daily commuter traffic.
That’s what Neil Cubis noted on a recent visit to China, where he discovered over nine million bicycles were used in Beijing.
Cubis is the chief executive on EBENZ, a new bike important company in Hamilton.
He detected a growing market for recreation and alternate transport and while in China, sourced a brand of electric bike.
He returned to New Zealand and is now distributing his bikes to retailers across the Waikato.
‘‘The electric bike is not new to New Zealand, but their popularity is rapidly growing,’’ he said.
Importing four models, EBENZ has covered the range of recreation and sporting bikes.
‘‘For those who just want a cheap way of getting around or if you want to be active, the e-bike is ideal,’’ he said.
Customer feedback is coming in fast to dealers who have sold the bikes.
Blair Taylor from Spoken Cycles in Cambridge said the bikes have proved to be popular in the market.
‘‘There is a lot of interest from seniors who heard the experiences of others,’’ he said.
‘‘Just being able to get outdoors, being able to take advantage of the many tracks we have around Cambridge, not worrying about wind and hills is great,’’ he said.
The electric bike comes with a set of pedals which can be used in conjunction with the bike’s electric motor. Or riders can just sit back, flick the switch and enjoy the ride.
For cyclists who enjoy recreational riding, which would require a mountain bike, there is an option available with extra fat, offroad tyres, shocks, and comfort seats.
Distances travelled under power are variable dependant upon models but topped at 45km while speeds can be reached up to 30kmh.
‘‘Costing around $5 to run under normal use, the e-bike will change the way people in this country will commute especially around our cities in the future,’’ said Cubis.