Country’s first ‘un-petrol station’ opens for e-bikes

New Zealand’s first public solar-powered electric bike charging station is now switched on.

Auckland company Big Street Bikers has teamed up with energy provider Mercury to create the project dubbed the “un-petrol station of the future”.

It’s positioned next to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, at the bottom of the Nelson Street bike path, and was launched today.

The Rechargery’s initial pilot will use an array of solar panels, supported with batteries for storage, to provide most of the energy the e-bikes need to get around.

Aucklanders and visitors to the city are invited to test ride an e-bike around the harbour, or even hire one for a full day adventure.

Big Street Bikers have ride-to-own subscription plans on offer to make e-bikes more affordable and accessible for commuters with discounts available for Mercury customers.

Visitors to the Rechargery can also charge their own bike for free while hanging out, grabbing some food or going to work.

Big Street Bikers co-founder Matt Weavers says he’s “chuffed” with the initiative.

“It’s a first for New Zealand and a sustainable step in the right direction to help solve the traffic problem in our city,” he says.

The station will run to the end of summer as a pilot scheme and may continue as a permanent fixture if successful.

Mercury chief marketing officer Julia Jack says it’s a “wonderful opportunity” for the company to “help inspire more Kiwis to experience the joy of riding e-bikes”.

“The fact that we’re helping to power the Rechargery with Mercury solar is a great bonus and the perfect example of energy made wonderful,” she says.