E-bikes and e-scooters are increasingly popular as easy, fun, not-too-strenuous modes of transport. Could this be the solution for your commute? If you’ve been considering making the switch, check out the lowdown from three people who have committed to an eco-friendly commute and never looked back.
Cleve Cameron – Founder & Chief of Culture, Big Street Bikers
As an e-bike lover how do you feel about e-scooters? 
They actually complement each other in urban mobility – they all have a part to play in the mix. Bikes are used more for commuting, and scooters are good for short distances (i.e. catching a train into town). The idea is that ‘scooters do the last mile, e-bikes do the first nine miles’
E-bikes solve the commuter problem and they are just as fun as scooters. You’ve got more freedom and range with bikes, you can go further and take more things with you. I think of e-bikes as ‘Freedom machines’.
You can meet Cleve, and rest of his e-bike gang by joining them for a fun ride on Thursday 22 August. You’ll get to try different models and hear about a special Unitec deal.
Daniel Achonwa – Admissions Processing Office, Unitec
What was the main reason an e-scooter was a good solution for your commute?
The main reason I got my e-scooter was because I thought it was a sustainable and convenient alternative to driving around and also to reduce the use of my car. It’s environmentally friendly as it’s zero emission.
What were pros and cons you weighed up in your decision making?
Some of the pros:
- It was my way of being more environmentally conscious and reduce my carbon footprint.
- It was a very easy and convenient/fun way to get around, without getting impacted by traffic or worrying about getting a parking spot, no waiting for the taxi or bus, and it can just be folded and carried inside most, if not all buildings.
- It had decent speed (30kmph) and could do a distance of up to 30km. My e-scooter also has cruise control.
- Low maintenance cost – no fuelling, only needs about 4-5 hours’ charge – and no noise to charge.
Cons:
- An e-scooter is limited in the speed and distance it can travel, which is also sometimes affected by the incline of the road you are travelling on.
- It’s not necessarily the fastest way to get around, especially if your destination is beyond 15km.
- Being at the mercy of the weather can be an issue, especially given how erratic Auckland’s weather can be.
- Extra caution is always needed when riding, especially when crossing driveways and streets.
- It might be a bit heavy for some people to carry around when folded up; when not riding as it weighs around 12kgs.
Basically, anyone getting an e-scooter would need to make certain lifestyle adjustments and see if the pros outweigh the cons but I do recommend it.
What questions or comments did you get from staff when coming into work on your e-scooter?
Most staff/colleagues thought it was a really cool idea and most of them wanted to have a go on it. Some have contemplated getting one but are in a dilemma as they have to drive between 12km and 20km to/from work and for others, they can’t afford to buy one of these scooters at the moment.
Gail Van Veen – Disability Liaison Adviser, Unitec
Why was an e-bike the right choice for you?
I had been riding my manual bike to and from work and didn’t particularly like having to bring a change of clothes and showering on arrival at work. I toyed with the idea of getting an e-bike when Unitec had a trial of them. I tried and was instantly hooked.
There were two main reasons I decided on an e-bike, firstly the cost of petrol and wear and tear on my car getting back and forth to work each day and also trying to look after my health and well-being and staying relatively fit.
Do you ride to work every day?
Every morning I open the garage door and make the decision then whether to ride my bike or hop in the car, due to the weather or chores I may have to do after work. When riding to work I merely have to cross our road and walk down a right of way and the bike path takes me all the way, coming out by building 76.
I endeavour to ride every day, however I don’t put pressure on myself if this is not always possible.