Electric Bikes NZ Ltd

Electric Bikes NZ is a Whakatane-based Company importing UK-Designed, Chinese- manufactured "Wisper" electric bikes and retailing those nationally direct from their website.

Managing Director, Anthony Clyde, spent quite some time researching a range of different electric bikes before deciding to base his business on the "Wisper" bikes because their power-to-weight ratio, performance and durability all marked them out as being at the head of the field. He was also impressed with Wisper's ongoing investment in research and their commitment to remaining an innovative designer and developer of electric bikes. As Anthony explains:

"The 'ride the future' caption in our logo sums up why we have created this company. Electric Bikes are exciting and something we really believe in and want to promote throughout New Zealand. They just make so much sense in an energy-constricted world and they add a fun and exhilarating experience to our lives."

These electric bikes can be pedaled like a normal bike, drawing on the electric rear-hub motor for assistance through a hand-grip throttle when needed on hills, into headwinds or when carrying heavy loads. The hub motor is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery with the top model bikes giving a pedal-assisted range of around 85km on a single charge.

The battery's are quick-locked to the frame and can be easily removed for recharging overnight or for security reasons when the bike is locked up during the day. In normal use Anthony estimates that the electricity use of one of these bikes is the equivalent of getting 3000 miles to the gallon! In Anthony's view:

"Electric Bikes put the fun into cycling again! A quality electric bike looks, feels and rides just like a normal bike. You can still pedal and get all the exercise you need... but, come to a hill, wind on the throttle, and up you go, without even getting a sweat on! Our electric bikes are all legally still bikes, so no license required."

The company took a little time to get established. However sales of electric bikes have grown strongly as people have become more aware of the benefits of these bikes and as a growing number of regional dealers have come on board. Anthony's experience, both with clients and new dealers, has been that the quality of these electric bikes means that they almost sell themselves once people have experienced them.

A working capital loan from Prometheus enabled the company to increase their stock to meet the growing demand for these electric bikes and for the "pedal4me" electric hub drive kits that they also sell which allow you to convert your existing bike into an electric bike. The company is building a reputation for friendly, informative service and has a strong commitment to customer service as it aims to be there for the long haul. We wish them all the best in their endeavours to provide a future-proof and sustainable transport solution to New Zealanders.

Designed in the UK by Wisper Bikes, manufactured in China and imported into New Zealand by Electric Bikes NZ Ltd these electric bikes add speed, stamina nd uphill strength to cycling, making it a more verstile and attractive low-emission personal transport option.