Power and practicality.
What made you decide to build a Lekkie bike?
Fell in love with this lovely blue and orange cargo bike. A Bicicapace from Bicycle Junction.
I used to ride a bike and biking reminds of summer on a sunny day.
Brings back feelings of youth and freedom.
Riding round Wellington is dangerous and though functional this bike is heavy. As I have biked in Wellington in my youth I don’t need the challenges of the hills and wind so decided the only option was to get the bike of my dreams fitted with an electric motor.
The cargo bike is big, bold and colourful. Makes me feel visible.
The basket is fantastic. Carries 35 kg so means I can use it for groceries. Practical.
My dream is to bike to the beach in summer and go snorkeling. Fits all my gear.
What system did you choose and why?
Lekkie Summit. The system was chosen for me as it had to fit the bikes structure
Where did you have it installed?
It was fitted at Bicycle Junction in Newtown
What modifications or accessories have you added to your bike?
To the bike I have added a mirror. To me, I insist on wearing a frock. ’Frocks on Bikes’
How has the Lekkie bike changed your life?
I feel safe, and free on my bike. I can get around town as fast as a vehicle. I hate taking the car into town but love taking my bike. It makes me smile and my heart sing.
My work as a garden designer focuses on being eco- friendly in my
designs and in my life. What better way to walk (OR Bike ) the talk.
If I can arrive to appointments on my bike this helps re-enforce this philosophy.
What is the most interesting moment you have had as a Lekkie bike owner?
The most interesting moment was coming off the bike at high speed when I chose to go on the kerb to avoid the car parked in the bike lane.
The basket saved the bike. The helmet, leather gloves and leather shoes saved my head, hands and feet. The tights hid the huge gash in the knee for a short time. The lesson was, this is a vehicle, treat it like one. Change down gears and speed for kerbs and corners etc. I am now much more careful.
On a more positive note, I get lots of lovely comments.
For me it is the only way to go round Wellington. I get to my destination without a sweat. No shower or change of clothes needed. I get exercise, and enjoyment. It saves walking or having to take the car on a busy day.
You do need to treat it like a vehicle. I used to ride a motorbike and learned, to be safe you need to drive defensively. Trust no-one.
I use the same principles on my lovely electric bike. Dedicated bike lanes would make it a dream.
