Grey Power September 2019

16
NZ GREYPOWER MAGAZINE » SEPTEMBER 2019
Pedal Power for older people
When Nelson-based Frank Witowski (50) recovered from
cancer and decided to prioritise his fitness, he looked for
an e-bike to help him achieve his goals.
BY LISA POTTER
Former editor of Grey Power Magazine
After discovering
the bike he wanted
didn’t exist, the
canny mechanical engineer
decided to make his
own. It didn’t take long for
word to spread and Frank
was often approached
when out riding his prototype
by people keen
to know where he had
bought it.
Two years later and
Hybrid Bikes has taken a
podium finish in a recent
Consumer NZ e-bike survey.
The brand is stocked
in 26 retailers nationwide,
as well as attracting interest
from overseas. In fact,
Frank is fresh off the plane
from attending European
trade shows and meeting
with interested overseas
stockists.
“It’s really exciting to
put New Zealand on the
e-bike map,” he said.
With a lifetime passion
for creativity and
engineering, Frank is no
stranger to the business
of being an entrepreneur.
In fact, Hybrid Bikes is his
third start-up company.
With a refusal to let
neither age or illness slow
him, thanks to his successful
e-bike design he’s faster
than ever.
The self-confessed
workaholic’s passion for
cycling and determination
to continue pursuing interests
he enjoys, saw him
turn his skillset to designing
what he considers the
perfect e-bike.
"I knew what I wanted
when I went looking for
an e-bike and I couldn’t
find it,” he said. "I wanted
something simple to
use, comfortable to ride,
lightweight to handle and
I liked carbon - and it
wasn't there, so I thought I
might as well do it myself."
The resulting bike was
between three and five
and 5kgs lighter than most
e-bikes, and was smooth
and powerful to ride, he
said.
His e-bikes range features
quality parts like
Shimano, Tektro and Novatec,
and has Samsung
batteries powering the
largest Bafang motor possible.
The tyres allow for
on and off-road action.
As well as the satisfaction
of enjoying his own
design, Frank takes much
pleasure in seeing other
people taking up and enjoying
cycling thanks to
his e-bikes.
“It’s really
exciting to put
New Zealand
on the e-bike
map.” - Frank
Witowski
A perfect example is his
78-year-old grandfather
who “was never really into
cycling”.
“He is now cycling
around 50kms a week -
and clocking it up effortlessly,
feeling fitter and
healthier, and also happy
getting outside involved
in an activity and meeting
new people through it.
The e-bike has made this
achievable for him.”
Franks said two standout
features of his Hybrid
bikes were the lightness
and the power.
“I wanted to make biking
accessible for as many
age groups as I could, so
a light bike was really important
so older people
can handle it and lift it
onto a bike rack,” he says.
The Hybrid has five
power options, whether
you just want a small
amount of power or maximum
to help with steep
hills.
“I love hearing from
people who have discovered
that cycling is an option
for them thanks to the
power of a Hybrid e-bike,”
he said.
“Seniors are our largest
market with many sharing
stories of how much
they’re enjoying being able
to cycle again.”
Hybrid Bikes is offering
a $250 discount on a new
Hybrid Bike to Grey Power
members and Gold Card
holders. This is available
directly via the Hybrid
Bikes website (hybridbikes.co.nz).
Frank Witowski: On a
mission for older people.
Photo/Supplied
Test-ride surprise
If, like me, cycling has never really been “your thing”
a helping hand from an e-bike could be the answer to
allowing you to enjoy the activity.
I approached the opportunity to test-ride an e-bike
with a small amount of reluctance - largely because I
haven’t sat on a bike for about three decades and also
because no matter which way I set off from home, I
meet a fairly steep hill within the first few minutes.
This terrain has always been the deal-breaker for me.
Before even starting to enjoy the pleasure of a bike
ride, I’m out of breath with aching knees from attempting
to master the mini mountains.
So it was a surprise to discover just how life changing
the e-bike experience was. I powered up the hills
with a sense of joy and ended up cycling much further
than I intended, simply because it was so enjoyable.
While the e-bike definitely assisted me getting uphill,
I still got all the physical benefits of being outside
in the fresh air and pedalling.
It’s been more than a week now, and instead of
driving to the local cafe for a cheeky mocha, I hop
on the e-bike - so I’m getting exercise and fresh
air, as well as saving fuel. That’s a definite win.
- By LISA POTTER
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