E-bike service helping cut costs for Kiwis

Ōtautahi – Christchurch electric bicycle subscription service Shutl is planning on consumers to subscribe to its electric bikes.

Shutl co-founder Aidan Smith says its Kiwi start-up is targeting commuters as rising fuel and food costs is having people look for cheaper alternatives to cars and public transport.

E-bikes are hands down the best alternative to a car in New Zealand cities. The cost and commitment barrier has been slowing uptake, but with Shutl those barriers are no longer issues and the community is quickly adopting their service.

Shutl provides e-bikes on a subscription basis, ranging from $35 a week for an annual subscription and $49 a week for a four-week rolling subscription.

Every subscription comes with its own e-bike, servicing, on-demand repairs and theft cover, which takes all the hassle away from ownership. 

Smith’s optimism for creating a community that future generations can be proud of is paramount to where Aotearoa is heading in the next 10 years.

“We are at a pivotal moment in history where people can decide whether they are going to support or ignore the climate crisis and a simple way to show support is to get out of the single-person car trips and onto a bike.

Shutl launched its service in Christchurch in June this year and is seeing strong uptake from individuals and businesses wanting to make a meaningful impact in their community.

“We (Shutl) have had a number of Christchurch businesses looking to enable their staff to have a healthier and greener commute by offering an e-bike to be used during work hours to get to and from meetings around Christchurch,” Smith says.

Shutl is planning to launch its service in Auckland in March and Wellington later next year as it is motivated to change the way NZ moves.

For the majority of Kiwis going to and from work, a 1600kg passenger car is not needed, an electric bike has the capacity to carry a person, their lunch, laptop and gym gear without a problem; plus a bit of fresh air and healthy movement adds to the benefits on offer, Smith says.

For those in Christchurch who are interested in getting on their own electric bike without the hassles this summer, you can sign up to Shutl.