Fans of Electric Bikes Brisbane.
This story first appeared in the October issue of EVtalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE
A keen cyclist, Nick Willis got smoked by “a guy in jeans and a back-pack” while riding up the Samford Range in Queensland.
Being a competitive sort, he tried to catch the flying bike and rider and only managed to do so when the other rider stopped for red traffic lights.
So Nick, still struggling for breath, asked him what he was riding, along the lines of “have you got a motor or something?”
That was indeed the case, and the e-bike rider explained he loved doing something fun, active and healthy instead of driving.
That piqued Nick and partner Samantha Willis’ interest.
“Nick and I have both worked at senior levels in corporate and were looking for a change into an industry that was associated with the outdoors and something that helped our communities,” Samantha says.
Cargo bikes feature. The first e-bike from foldable bike firm Tern has now arrived.
“We looked into it and saw what was happening in Europe, and Electric Bikes Brisbane was born.”
They started in a small space in Enoggera in August 2013.
Since then the couple has seen a huge change in technology, acceptance and uptake, although they say Australia still has a long way to go.
“In 2016 we moved our business to a more central and larger premises in Milton and have since launched e-bike hire and also our EBB Owners Club,” Samantha says.
Customers mainly want e-bikes for recreation, commuting to work or for health reasons such as while recovering from an operation.
“Recently, we have seen more and more people making a choice for sustainability or eco reasons.
“I love now that school leavers are opting to get an electric bike for their daily transport vs a car, and that families are getting an electric cargo bike and selling their second car [and in some cases all cars].
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She says the trend can only do good – “good for our environment, our health and our wallets (as running costs are so much lower).
“I just wish the governments and councils would get on board and support and encourage more sustainable transport choices like they do overseas.
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Electric Bikes Brisbane stocks a huge range of e-bikes, and now also e-scooters and electric motorbikes – servicing a range of electric transport needs.
The Willis’ stand by their philosophy of having a range of good quality products that meet a variety of needs while providing options at different price points.
They believe in excellent service and support, so customers tend to value the whole package rather looking for the cheapest e-bike online.
“So our product range extends from the best of the best global brands to good quality entry level and we support a good range of Australian and New Zealand brands as well,” Samantha says.
E-bikes start at A$1800, and for something special can reach A$15,000.
The latter really are special, she says.
They include top-of the range gearing like an internal hub with electric shifting, a dual battery providing up to 300km range, and the best riding experience possible.
These are custom made in Germany and are being used for some extraordinary riding, such as travelling the full east coast of Australia along the Great Dividing Range.
The more expensive e-bikes are generally made in Europe, the US or in Australia, while lower-priced ones are made in China.
But Samantha says they only take on brands that provide exceptional warranty and service support, particularly as a faulty battery is an expensive part.
Test rides are encouraged.
“Our philosophy is to play ‘matchmaker’ – help find the perfect bike for what you need and your budget,” Samantha says.
While having a large range helps, she says the test ride experience is also very important in helping determine which one is right for the customer.
“We also offer the ability for people to hire some of our e-bikes if they want to take the home and trial the experience first, and we have group rides that people can sign up to if they are curious or want to try an e-bike on a longer ride than a test ride.
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When you buy an electric bike you should expect to receive a charger, a manual, and instructions on how to use it and look after it.
Premium brands also provide additional items like tools, pumps and spare keys.
All Electric Bikes Brisbane bikes can be charged with the battery in the bike, and 99% of them have batteries that can be easily removed for charging too.
Charging is the same as charging an iPhone or laptop.
Charging times vary, depending on battery size and the charger capacity, but are usually between two to eight hours.
Visit HERE or phone 1300 553 110 for more information.
