SACKVILLE, N.B. – When Liandra Fahey began doing online research for a possible business start-up, the idea of a bike rental company quickly struck a chord.
“It just felt like something that would do really well in Sackville,” she explained, “where we’re eco-friendly, we’re environmentally conscious and I think that people are always looking for something a little different to do.”
Fahey decided to run with the idea and her background in early childhood development from working for several years at the Bridge Street Children’s Academy and her recent graduation from the Nova Scotia Community College with a social services diploma led her to consider something other than a conventional fleet of rental bikes, as she decided she also wanted to cater to people with mobility issues.
And that’s how Wind-E-Bikes came to be, a new business that features a variety of electric bikes suited for virtually every need.
“We have two bikes that are more like cargo bikes . . . you can put baskets and big cargo bags on them and you can also have a bigger child sit on the back.
“And then we have four Rad Rovers, which are the fat tire bikes with shocks and are a bit better for trail riding, and we also have a tandem, which is for two people.”
While all the electric bikes come with a throttle, which means the rider doesn’t have to pedal at all if they choose to, the Rad Rovers and Rad Wagons also have pedal assist.
“When you’re pedaling,” Fahey explained, “it just helps propel you forward.”
The bikes have a range of 40-70 km, depending on how much the rider uses the motor, and they have a top speed of 32 km/h, which abides by Canadian standards.
The rental bikes are available for $20 an hour, $30 for two hours, $50 for a half day (four hours) or $80 for a full day (eight hours).
She’s also in the process of organizing tours in the region.
“We’re planning some longer trips to Murray Beach and Parlee Beach,” she said, “and set it up so we have the campsites booked and have a car take all the coolers and bags and tents and meet us there so we actually bike all the way there, charge the bikes overnight and then bike back.”
Fahey added that locals who might be contemplating purchasing their own electric bike are utilizing the business to test drive them before making a purchase.
While Wind-E-Bikes may be Fahey’s business, she said she’s already enjoying a great deal of support.
“My family helps out a lot because they love the bikes,” she said. “My sister actually went out and bought one a week later because she liked it so much. She doesn’t have her driver’s license so she just loves the freedom of having the bike and not having to get insurance or pay for gas.”
After speaking to Fahey for only a few moments, her own admiration for the bikes is quickly evident.
“They’re pretty great, really. They’re fun and they’re just something a little different, and you can basically travel anywhere close in the same amount of time as driving in a car . . . it’s very comparable so it’s not the same as feeling like you would take your bike but it’s quicker to take the car. It takes that out of it.”
Fahey also credited the Town of Sackville with supporting her business venture, saying she had no problem securing a permit to operate the business, adding they have repeatedly offered support for the new venture.
And what do customers think about Wind-E-Bikes?
“So far everyone who’s tried them absolutely loves them,” Fahey said.
In fact, even though Wind-E-Bikes was launched in late June, TripAdvisor Canada has already listed the fledgling company under its Best Things to do in Sackville 2018 – Must see attractions in Sackville, NB section: www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractions-g154959-Activities-Sackville_New_Brunswick.html.
And what does their first review have to say about Wind-E-Bikes?
“I truly enjoyed this experience! The staff were wonderful and accommodating. The bikes were awesome! I love how each bike is given a unique name and personality. The trailer was bright and colorful and appealing to the eye. I recommend Wind-E-Bikes for family and friends. Less exertion than a regular bike. A good excuse to get out of the house. Cheap to rent! I will definitely be back.”
– Dakotah S
Wind-E-Bikes sets up near the Sackville visitor information centre on Mallard Drive.
For more information on Wind-E-Bikes, phone 506-536-8527, visit www.WindEBikes.ca or check them out on Facebook.
