Solar-powered Rechargery runs hot

This story first appeared in the April issue of EVtalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

New Zealand’s first public solar-powered electric bike charging station is running hot.

The Rechargery has been busy since opening on February 15 with lots of electric bikers popping in, Matt Weavers says.

He’s the co-founder of Big Street Bikers (BSB) which runs the converted container facility next to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, at the bottom of the Nelson St bike path.

“The moment people get on electric bike for the first time is a wonderful thing to see and that’s happening every day,” Weavers says.

“We want it to become a home for the electric bike culture of Auckland and that’s slowly happening – which is really cool.”
Many car users are also asking questions about how it all works, then taking an e-bike test ride, Weavers says.

BSB has joined with power company Mercury to use an array of solar panels supported by batteries to provide most of the power e-bikes need to get around.

Aucklanders and visitors can test ride an e-bike around the harbour area or even hire one for a full day.

BSB also has ride-to-own subscription plans, designed to make e-bikes more affordable and accessible for commuters and students – with discounts available for Mercury customers.
Rechargery visitors can bring their own e-bike to charge for free.

“The solar-powered shop concept has proven to be a hit with everyone. Most people are enamoured of the thought that we are providing a transport solution that doesn’t rely on digging up old dinosaurs and wrecking the planet,” Weavers says.

“It’s the first of its kind in New Zealand and lots of Kiwis that pop by are quite proud that it’s actually living up to our image of a 100% pure New Zealand.
“We’re chuffed to have the support of Mercury to get the concept off the ground. They have done a great job in raising the profile of electric bikes so it was a natural alignment for us.”
Weavers says it’s a sustainable step in the right direction to help solve the city’s traffic issues.
As a pilot scheme, the Rechargery will run at least to the end of April then it might become a permanent fixture and the first stage of a point-to-point e-bike share system which runs on sunshine.

“We’re huge fans of electric transport in general and the Rechargery is a wonderful opportunity for us to help inspire more Kiwis to experience the joy of riding e-bikes,” Mercury chief marketing officer Julia Jack says.

“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.”
Rory Hunter is among several staff at the Rechargery helping customers.

He says there’s miles of smiles from people who return from test riding an e-bike.

Many go on to hire or buy one, he says. Age doesn’t seem to matter either.

“We have people in suits and from the young to the elderly try out the e-bikes.”

He says the chance of a free test ride is a big drawcard but many visitors also pop in out of curiosity.
A variety of e-bikes – from the popular step-throughs to mountain e-bikes and folding models – are offered at the Rechargery.

Those wanting to buy an e-bike can order one there and the bike is brought in from BSB headquarters.

The fact that Mercury customers can get a $250 discount on their e-bike is also popular with buyers, Hunter says.

The Rechargery at 18 Viaduct Harbour Ave is open 7am-6pm Monday to Friday and 10am-3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Visit www.bigstreetbikers.co.nz for more information.