Hybrid Bikes coverage in NZBusiness

Hybrid Bikes’ new recyclable e-bike packaging a challenge to other e-bike companies to do the right thing

Nelson Tasman business Hybrid Bikes‘ founder and owner Frank Witowski has issued a challenge to other e-bike companies to do the right thing when it comes to packaging.

The e-bike industry has experienced astronomical growth in recent times. But with that growth comes a corresponding mountain of unrecyclable packaging that goes straight to landfill.

Hybrid Bikes, New Zealand’s first climate-positive e-bike business, has decided to take a proactive approach, changing from single-use plastic packaging to 100% recyclable cardboard, and is now challenging other e-bike businesses to reassess their processes and follow suit.

Read the January 2021 coverage in NZBusiness magazine here.

Pictured above: A sample of the new packaging, which is set to arrive in March 2021. Frank Witowski and a Hybrid Bike at Rabbit Island, near Nelson.

About Hybrid Bikes:

Establish in 2018 by founder and managing director Frank Witowski, Nelson Tasman-based business Hybrid Bikes gained nationwide distribution and attracted attention from overseas markets, after only two years in business. Hybrid Bikes is 100% New Zealand owned and operated, and all the bikes are designed and built in sunny Nelson. Hybrid Bikes is currently the only e-bike business in New Zealand to have a climate positive certification from Ekos, having measured all required activity emissions and offset 11.41 tCO2e (120%) of its carbon footprint with certified carbon credits.

In October 2019, Hybrid Bikes was awarded top rankings of 81% and 80% for two of its bikes in the Consumer NZ rankings of e-bikes, giving one Hybrid model the same ranking as well-established global e-bike brand Specialized and surpassing other global billion-dollar brands like Giant and Merida.

Hybrid Bikes’ carbon fibre frame bikes are strong, durable, sleek, and light. They’re faster than comparative e-bikes and ranging between $5,150 and $5,350 depending on the model, they are significantly less expensive than other carbon fibre bikes on the market. Hybrid Bikes use only proven components from trusted manufacturers and the bikes can be used like a normal bike without the motor. Hybrid Bikes also have a significantly greater load capacity (160kg) compared with 100kg for an alloy frame. Hybrid Bikes come with the first service free and a lifetime warranty for the frame covering faulty workmanship.

For more information go to hybridbikes.co.nz