More power to the pedal

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

Auckland visitors and residents can check out the city’s highlights on an electric bike guided tour.

Power to the Pedal is rated number one on TripAdvisor for bike tours and outdoor activities in central Auckland.

Eddie Jack, an Auckland resident who moved to the city from Scotland in 2002, started the e-bike tour business just over a year ago.

He noticed the city had very few cycle tours, a more common feature in overseas cities.
Jack had enjoyed bike tours in Paris, Sydney and several other major cities where e-bikes were available.
He found it a great way to see the sights “without breaking a sweat”.

“I love cycling and getting out and about,” Jack says.
In his previous job as a lawyer, he also preferred a quick and easy transport to work.
Getting around Auckland on a conventional bike requires a fair degree of fitness, especially to get up the likes of Mt Eden, he says.

“So e-bikes were a no-brainer for Auckland.”

He’s watched e-bikes grow in popularity around town.
“You can have a bit of fun and enjoy a casual ride with friends.”
Power to the Pedal believes bike tours are best experienced in small groups, so tours are limited to six riders plus a guide.

“We like the idea of engagement and providing a more personal experience so that number is about ideal to handle,” Jack says.

It also avoids issues around taking larger groups together through traffic lights and junctions.
Cycle-specific headsets are used so riders can receive commentary and safety instructions from their guide on the move.

Tours make considerable use of Auckland’s award-winning cycleway network and, after extensive research, Power to the Pedal uses a leading United States e-bike brand called Pedego.

Power to the Pedal’s longest guided tour covers about 30km of central Auckland. It takes in highlights such as Mt Eden’s summit, the Auckland Domain, the waterfront, the Viaduct, Westhaven Marina and more, using cycleways most of the time.

An afternoon tour covering about 16km focuses on historical aspects of the city and takes a loop around Grafton Gully, Karangahape Rd, Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, Westhaven and the Viaduct.
“It’s a bit more off the beaten track,” Jack says.

Power to the Pedal also offers a unique evening tour of the city lights, mainly along the waterfront, including a view of the now LED lit Auckland Harbour Bridge, with its lights powered by solar and battery technology.

About 90% of the evening tour is on cycleways and is all on well-lit paths, including Auckland’s famous Lightpath, also known as the Pink Path. Lights and high visibility gear are provided.

The pace of each tour group is set by the riders. Jack says fitness is not a key factor as e-bikes provide a measure of equilibrium and enable all riders to maintain a reasonable speed, even for those with longstanding injuries or minor health issues.

Riders’ ages can vary from around 14 years to the over 80s.
Briefings are provided before each tour.

Depending on the group’s preference, the guided tours can take in some selected stops, perhaps including a coffee break.

“Our guides are 100% local and love to explain what makes Auckland such a fantastic place to live,” Jack says.
Photos are sent to remind riders of their tour highlights.

Power to the Pedal rents out e-bikes too, whether for a few hours or a full day.

“We’re also finding that locals are taking our e-bikes out on rentals with a view to doing something of an extended test ride – to work out whether they want to buy one,” Jack says.

“Safe to say, the usual post-ride feedback is that they do.

“We can give our riders plenty of route suggestions and insider tips, to make the most of their time in the saddle.”

Visit www.powertothepedal.com for more information.