Waggs E-bikes are your local electric bike specialist.

Electric bikes are getting people back on bikes in large numbers. Commuters can now escape the traffic and arrive at work sweat-free. People who haven’t ridden for years are now enjoying the growing number of recreational cycling opportunities that New Zealand offers.

Whether you are after a commuter, electric bike, a comfortable bike for the paths and trails, or a serious off-road mountain bike, we can help you out. Call us today, or come and visit us in-store for an introduction to e-bikes and we can help find the right bike for you!

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FAQs

• Does it cost anything to test ride a bike?

  No, our demo rides are completely free. Simply call us today or email

• Will you give me instructions on how to use it?

  Yes, you’ll get a full briefing on how to use the bike, and we’ll supply a free helmet and lock if you need it.

• What is an electric bike?

  An electric bike is a power-assisted bicycle with an electric motor and battery built into the bike. You still pedal, steer, brake and change gears like you would on a regular bike but the extra power will let you go further and faster. They “flatten” every hill and turn every headwind into a tailwind, in other words taking the bits that aren’t fun out of cycling, leaving you with the enjoyable bits.

• Do you need a license?

  No, in fact, you can go anywhere that a regular bike is allowed to go – cycle paths, cycle lanes, rail trails and other shared paths – as long as your electric bike is rated not more than 300 watts of power. Under current law, more powerful e-bikes can’t be ridden on public roads (unless they are registered as “mopeds”).

• How fast do they go?

  Most electric bikes will have a motor that tops out at around 35km/h +, with a couple going up to 45km/h like the Stromer. The real speed advantage will come going up hills, where you will be flying past riders on non-electric bikes. E-bikes will also take off quicker from standing starts, allowing you to get away safely in front of traffic at the lights. They’re also great for merging with general traffic, allowing you to maintain a more consistent and safer speed when doing so.

• How far do they go?

  As long as you’re prepared to pedal there are no limits…but most e-bikes will quote a maximum “assisted” range. This can be anywhere from around 35km at the low end to 200km at the high end. Bear in mind that manufacturer’s maximum ranges usually assume a fairly optimal set of conditions. Still, the vast majority of electric bikes will have sufficient range for what 95% of people would do in a day. Battery capacity is measured in “amp hours”. 10 – 11 amp hours should take you around 50km, and larger batteries beyond that, although some bikes (especially mid-drives) may be more efficient.

• How long do the batteries last?

  Depending on the battery, they are usually good for somewhere between 500 and 2000 charge cycles before they deteriorate significantly. This is where it’s really important to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable supplier. $1500 e-bikes might seem like a bargain at the time, but battery failures on cheap products are relatively common. We get asked to repair said batteries and are usually not able to help as they are made specifically for the bike, which means the owner is usually lumbered with a very heavy “normal” bike. Buy from established brands that use Samsung, Sony or Panasonic cells and you’ll generally be OK.

• Do the batteries charge while you're riding?

  Generally, no. The physics of a bike is very different to a car, and it’s usually not worth doing. When you get 50 – 100km by spending just 15c on electricity per charge, you’re talking unparalleled mileage, so nearly every electric bike just has a removable battery that you charge at the wall.

• How long do batteries take to charge?

  3 to 8 hours, depending on the amp hours of the battery and the charger.