Exploring eBike-Friendly Routes in NZ: Scenic eBike Trails for Every Skill Level
by Frank Witowski | May 8, 2024 | Blog
Exploring eBike-Friendly Routes in NZ: Scenic eBike Trails for Every Skill Level New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse terrain make it a perfect destination for exploring on an eBike. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a casual rider, the Land...Hybrid Bikes founder Frank Witowski on taking on the world from his Nelson garage.
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Recent Posts
5.0
Based on 98 reviews
Michael Friend
1730171852
Thank You Frank and The Team from Hybrid Bikes.It's been a few weeks since I purchased my F24.Just like the 1st F24 that I rode a few months back. Which in my opinion is "Awesome". It feels Balanced, the Drop Seat is a Game Changer, along with the Duel Suspension making it SO comfortable to ride. The bigger battery means I can ride further than I've been able to so far.I along with my Husband have no difficulty discussing/sharing our knowledge of The Hybrid Bikes when approaching by members of the Public (of which there has been a number). As the F24 isn't the first Hybrid "we've" owned. My Husband purchased the M24 Jan this year and before that we both had M18 and F18's.Happy Hybrid Bike Riders.Mike & Judith Kris O'Leary
1730142084
We've been part of the Hybrid whanau since 2018 and love everything about it.It's such a friendly, personal business with Frank and Jim always available for service and upgrades. Now ready for the Alps to ocean ride with our new all terrain tyres.The stability and quality of these bikes fills us with confidence on any surface. McFarm Services
1729834755
I have purchased a M24 bike from Hybrid Bikes. I rode a few different brands before purchasing the hybrid, but it just feels nimble when you ride it, and not heavy like some other brands. Everything about the hybrid bike is just better, lighter, more power, more range, and one of the few bikes that comes with pedals, drink holder and a bike stand as standard equipment. Frank is great to deal with and Jim has been into bikes for longer than I have known him. Would highly recommend checking them out if you are in the market for any type of E bike. Kevin Holder
1729726724
I bought a Hybrid bike off Frank in 2019. What an incredible electric bike it was. Sadly it was stolen off the back of our campervan while on a trip up north. I have just replaced it with another Hybrid bike. Hybrid bikes are the best on the market, what a superb ride they deliver. Frank is so easy to deal with. Give him a call and he will custom fit you out with a Hybrid bike that will exceed all your expectations. Trish and Graham Bainbridge
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Trish Bainbridge
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Vienna, Salzburg, Black Forest, Dijon, Nantes, Bayeux- Anniversary cycle rideFrank and Jim at Hybrid bikes were enthusiastic about our planned 2024 cycling adventure in Europe to celebrate our 60th Wedding Anniversary. Together we designed a special bike around the Hybrid low entry model with 500 w battery and a 95 Nm torque setting. We tested the bikes out in NZ for a couple of months and then Frank boxed them for shipping as baggage on our plane flight. Without batteries of course they weighed in boxed at 23 kgs. ! So how did we get batteries?? Frank arranged for his battery supplier to ship two batteries to our Vienna hotel - they were there before we were. We assembled the bikes, made small adjustments and we were away. Couldn’t have been easier! Our trip was just under 3000 kms over nearly three months cycling across Austria from Vienna to Salzburg, down to Passau, along the Danube cycle trail to the Black Forest source of the Danube, across the Black Forest to Freiburg, into France at Mulhouse and then across France to Nantes, then to the Atlantic coast through Brittany and into Normandy to BAYEUX. The bikes performed beautifully, frequently batteries were in and out every night, charged in all sorts of conditions; even climbing the steepest hill in Austria was not a problem - we were the envy of othe E-bikers who were walking up hills. We had no flat tires and no mechanical failures - what more could you ask for? We have left the bikes in BAYEUX and will ride to the Baltic on our Hybrids in 2025 through France, Switzerland, Austria, Czeck Republic and Germany - can’t wait! Photos attached. Trish and Graham Bainbridge, Denise Gundry
1728768784
I found Hybrid Bikes over a year ago. Loved the idea of the Carbon Fibre (lighter is a definite plus). We had a birthday trip to the South Island in early February and decided to go and meet Frank and check out the bikes in person. Two hours later we had put a deposit down on two F24's with a plan to finalise in October. Frank is passionate about what he does and it certainly rubs off. We received our bikes last week and they are all and more than what we wanted. I've ridden to work twice already and we did our supermarket shop at our local on Saturday. The service and delivery has been exceptional and I know that Frank will be there if I every need him. Happy to 100% recommend. hgreenhough
1727991231
Super happy we decided to purchase an e-bike from Frank at Hybrid Bikes. The bike is great quality and a dream to ride, and Frank is extremely helpful, a great communicator and very knowledgeable. Would recommend Hybrid bikes to anyone! Monique Morrison
1727590371
Just picked up my F24 hybrid bike. So happy with it. So much attention to detail. Franks’s service has been fantastic. Highly recommend. Rae Butler
1726044992
OMG Frank - I am so so so happy with my F22 Hybrid bike. I borrowed a friends EBike to access if one would suit my lifestyle. That helped me identify a few issues i.e battery life, frame weight, posture, etc. So I did some homework and compared other ebikes. Hybrid bikes ticked all the boxes, so I took a gamble that paid off. By pimping my ride with the 50l pannier bags and trusty lock, I am covering all options from supermarket shopping to trial riding. Thank you so much. Husband has been whizzing around on it and reassessing the style of bike he will require. 🤩 simon crispe
1724296512
We just did our first decent 38km run on our superb new Hybrid F18’s. Brilliant lightweight machines and superb aircraft quality design and manufacture. Great to support Frank’s Kiwi owned and operated business and no doubt we’ll see more of these wonderful machines being sold overseas soon too. Merrick Mitchell
1712006859
Great bikes, great people who go the extra distance to ensure that you get the right bike for your needs. Highly recommended. Sue Mullaly
1711426676
5 years ago my partner & I heard about a new e-bike brand being made locally in Nelson. We went to see Frank at Hybrid Bikes Ltd. and were so impressed we bought two of them.We haven't regretted that decision for one moment. Not only have the bikes proved to be exceptionally well made and perform above and beyond our expectations, the service & support from Frank & his business partners has been tops.Being carbon fibre, the bikes are lighter than most other brands.Frank has the ability to adjust the pedal assist speed limit which was a deciding factor for us.Frank also does an amazing job of supporting the local community with fund raising for Nelson Hospice being a priority. Stephen Walker
1711404227
Great and well run ride from Richmond to Rabbit Island. Bike performed perfectly. Erhard Wingels
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Paul Brockie
1711393309
Professional, customer service second to none with an excellent product and value! What more would you want in a world of confusion, mixed messages and scams. Frank is always just a phone call away pretty much 24/7!! Hybrid Bikes get my 5 Stars. Colin Bell
1711350982
We enjoy riding our Hybrids. 3 years, 7000km. They're stable, well-balanced and reliable. Frank is always helpful and ensures they're well-serviced. Great bikes and a great local firm. Margaret Nolan
1711347691
My husband likens it to a rolls Joyce on two wheels. I totally agree with him Jacqueline Mumm
1711347040
A fabulous ebike, being carbon fibre frame it is lighter to lift, ride in non e-mode or e-mode, easy controls...I did my research for a long time before purchasing, started looking at $2k+ bikes and test riding a few, but the HYBRID was bang on 100% all good for me, I immediately felt confident on the HYBRID, where I didn't on other brands. It was a bit more costly but that was superceded by the confidence I felt handling/riding the bike. Very pleased with my purchase. Joanna Westerby
1711345872
We love our cargo bike! My parents have 2 hybrid e bikes and I have one already but we decided to go for a cargo bike to make life easier with 2 kids! Loving it! So stable and easy to ride!Thanks so much Frank and team! Karen Sword
1709687790
Frank provided an amazing customer experience.He couldn't have been more helpful. For anyone wishing to know more about the Hybrid ebike Frank is your man. Frank has a range of bikes to try and offers knowledgeable advice with no pressure.After sales service is exceptional.Well worth taking my bike up to Nelson for the added extras and service.Frank also very patiently went through the use of the computer display options.I am extremely happy with Frank's service and absolutely love my Hybrid Ebike. Mark Saul
1708762778
Two weeks or riding our bikes and just loving it!Thank you so much Frank for our amazing new Hybrid E-bikes and your service around the purchase which was 5+ star. We so appreciated the extra help with our caravan bike rack as well.The bikes are so comfortable and we can’t believe how easy they are to manoever on all sorts of terrain. They have exceeded our expectations.Thanks so much! Adrian Secker
1707982986
I bought my wife a Hybrid bike that Frank generously gave to a charity action. It has been a huge success - we can ride together at the same pace and she loves her new bike. Recently we did the West Coast Wilderness Trail together and her bike coped really well with the trail. I highly recommend these bikes! Vern Herdman
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Hi Frank and the Hybrid team.I Just had to write to give you feedback on my new M24 full suspension bike.This bike is "one mean machine"! I love it!As you Know This is my third upgrade in Hybrid bikes. Bikes one and two were great bikes especially with the extended range of the larger battery and they gave me 1400 km of trouble-free riding on all sorts of tracks.The M24 is another level again.The new M510 Barfang motor is powerful and responsive. It has the characteristic that the more effort you apply the more power it gives. This applies from Eco through to Boost. (not that you need boost much!)The full suspension system gives a very smooth jar free ride over really rough track. It has the added advantage of being tunable to each rider.I ride regularly with a group and with the 720watt battery have no worries on our longer rides.The m24 is light weight, well balanced and is fantastic on our twisty bush tracks.Looking forward to many great rides on this wonderful bike and highly recommend it.Thankyou team Hybrid! Bruce Frampton
1706507858
We purchased 2 Hybrid bikes from Frank Witowski just over a year ago. We absolutely love them. They are everything Frank advertised them to be and more. We have used them on all types of roads and trails and they have performed beyond our expectations, in fact they have given us a new perspective on our lives. We found Frank very straight forward and honest to deal with and are very happy to give him and his Hybrid bikes our highest recommendations to anyone looking to purchase an E-bike. The strength and versatility of these bikes, based on our experience, will not let you down. Thank you Frank. John Gargiulo
1706504679
I recently purchased the M24 E bike from Frank at Hybrid Bikes Nelson.His knowledge and service was exceptional.However having recently purchased a motorhome we had to make changes to the bike rack on the back of MH.It was very complicated as we had to cut bits off, rejoin, drill holes etc. There is no way i could of done this myself.Frank told me to bring the MH round and he spent two hours making the changes, all without charging me a cent for his work.If that ain't exceptional service i don't know what is, and i can't thank him enough.Oh, and by the way the bike is absolutely great and rides like a dream.John Gargiulo Chris Cunningham
1706410121
I’m loving my Hybrid ebike, I ride alone and always make a beeline for the Port Hills in Chch. It’s a very smooth ride uphill, easy set up to allow for the desired level of physical input. I appreciate the 5 stage power settings, occasionally need to tweak it up, just a bit.I love the downhill ride, weight on the pedals, leaning into the corners. The bike handles beautifully, I’m a small light-weight, and find the bike very responsive and reliably stable.My bike service guru in Chch, Simon from Everyday Bikes, has often praised the quality of the Hybrid bike’s components, compared to other brands.I’m very grateful to Frank for his ongoing support and advice, his communication skills are on a par with his bike design skills. Thanks Frank. chris rutledge
1706166200
We've had our Hybid bikes for a year and they have been great. No problems with either bike and they running as well now as when we first got them. Excellent components. The riding position for the bikes is very comfortable and the carbon fibre construction makes for a light and strong bike that rides easily on trails and NZ's rough roads. The hybrid controls are easy to use. As a former cyclist its been a boon to get back on the bike and out on the road. Frank could not be more helpful and gives great advice. Highly recommended. Jakob Kleinmans
1705299169
We bought 2 ebikes and use them regularly now on our way to town which is quite a steep decline/ climb. Our Hybrid Bikes are fantastic and we really enjoy the smooth functionality and the power of these bikes. We also very much enjoy the after sales service; it's unprecedented, very competent and friendly bike maintenance and support. Linda Ballard
1705288449
We have owned our Hybrid ebikes now for 2 years and have had such fun on them around our Nelson bike tracks. Any glitches or servicing is carried out locally and quickly. Our panniers carry big loads of groceries or picnic supplies, the seats are so comfortable and the batteries last for as long as we would want to be on the bikes! An excellent choice of bike for us over 70 year olds! Thanks so much, Frank, for creating hybrid bikes. Linda and Al Ballard Ann Greig
1705190806
Just got my new F22 Cruise Elite yesterday and it is amazing. Been for a couple of rides and it is so comfortable and easy to ride, just purrs along. Frank was amazing from first looking at the bike to delivery, kept in contact all the way. On delivery made sure the bike was set up for me, given full instructions. Looking forward to more adventures and venturing further afield. Jan Trafford
1704928946
We are loving our new Hybrid F18 cruise elite e- bikes. We received great service from Frank and we even did a 'bike fitting' the day before pick-up so that we could ride directly from Frank's Hybrid bikes base in Stoke, to our homes 70 kms away, along Nelson's Great Taste Trail. We have named our bikes Black Pearl and Black Betty (Betty and Pearl for short!). Ride #1 done and dusted and we are looking forward to many more adventures. Thanks Team Hybrid, it has been a fun process purchasing our new bikes from you! Chris Bucknell
1703406204
I am so excited to relay my experience with Hybrid Bikes. Frank was amazing from start to finish, ensuring that the process was easy and his technician did a great job of setting up the bike to my size etc when it arrived. I value Frank's ethics in ensuring everything is as expected. I just love getting out there trying different trails around home. As I am becoming more confident I am hoping to do some trails up in Nelson and the West Coast. Thanks again Hybrid Bikes ! Paul Chester
1699929750
Frank is a man of passion for what he does and it shows in the design and performance of his Hybrid bikes. I heard about his bikes through a relative who owns one and has done many adventures.Frank was very helpful in the way he introduced me to the bike and explained how to get the best from it and gave me a lot of confidencegoing forward that I would be well looked after.I have only had my M22 elite for a short time but already the enjoyment of riding this bike is inspiring me to get out and enjoy life.Thank you Frank and the team at Hybrid Bikes. Peter Nolan
1693966209
Frank was awesome in setting us up on our hybrid bikes. Couldn’t ask for better service. Looking foreword to lots of easy riding Robyn O'Neill
1692788338
Buying our Hybrid bike was the best decision I've made in a long time. A comfortable light bike that I can lift onto the bike rack on our car. The tracks, trails and paths that we have explored have opened up areas of our community that we never knew were there! Loving the "hi ya's" from other cyclists and walkers. The team at HYBRID are so good to work with. Frank is generous with his time and knowledge. No question goes un-answered. Having a great team to respond to emails and send out any little extras is such a bonus. Angus Johnson
1692682972
E-bikes are more than just getting from A to B. They are fun!We asked a lot of questions of Frank, who was obliging and customer focused with a great sense of humour. The innovations of Hybrid make a big difference to comfort and grunt. Eg boing boing seat....definitely try that. If you want to compare technical specs then hybrid bikes measure up very well. Plus they come with extras like solid stand and carrier and bell and lights, as part of the bike. We found Frank great to deal with as he is passionate about bikes, creative and wants you to enjoy. Frank is very approachable despite us being newbies to e-biking we were made to feel comfortable and ask as much as needed. Grateful and happy customers. Cheers Frank!Kind regards Angus & Sandra adrienne wylde
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Linda Williamson
1684140640
Hybrid Bikes first came to my attention in a positive manner via an article in the AA magazine. Then recently I rode the Otago Rail Trail and had the opportunity to try a friend's Hybrid F18. I emailed Hybrid Bikes to say what a positive experience it was to ride the F18 and to say I was considering purchasing an e-bike as an alternative to my non-powered bikes. Frank immediately replied and sent one up to Cycleworx at Papamoa so I could have a test ride! Brad at Cycleworx was extremely helpful and spoke highly of the quality of design and components of the Hybrid brand. I proceeded to do more research by purchasing access to the Consumer report on e-bikes, which 'recommended' the F18 and talking to bike enthusiasts. I decided to go ahead and buy the F18 last weekend and happily rode it the 40 km home (I appreciated the power assistance, since I was into a headwind most of the way!). Throughout the whole process I have been so impressed by Frank's communication, his choice of agents (in Brad), the ethics of the company and of course by the actual bike. I look forward to the option of commuting to work and enjoying lots of off-road riding. Colette Pienaar
1682934335
It’s been a pleasure to deal with Frank at Hybrid Bikes. He loves what he does, and he’s good at it! Personalised service with the customer’s unique needs catered for. Very responsive to messages and texts. Trevor Goodeve
1682914071
WOW talk about old fashion service........Frank is the MAN. We absolutely love our new Hybrid bikes. I emailed Frank a question on a Sunday evening, and bingo........he got back to me straight away. All sorted. This is the service we all dreamed about but never seem to receive anymore. AAAAA+++++ Kind regards Trevor Karen Harlen
1682537375
I have not cycled for about 30 years. I needed to get more active, move my joints and decided an ebike will be ideal. I trialed some Ebikes and was worried about the weight of the bikes. I came across Hybrid Bikes on YouTube and contacted Frank here in Nelson direct. He took time to teach me about biking, gears, the assistance of the motor etc. He custom fit the bike to suit my body. Its very comfortable. I've been cycling to work and back and loving it. I would have not been able to do this without an Ebike. Its remarkably easy to manoeuvre the bike to park it due to its light weight . I'm looking forward to a stronger more flexible body. Rob Mitchell
1682485080
Hi Frank,Thanks for your ready assistance in selling my trusty F19; a move that allowed me to upgrade to an F22. The new bike is performing beautifully. It had a great workout last weekend when I joined friends to ride into the Roding Reservoir and up the rough forestry trail onto Mt Mailita in the hills behind Richmond.Best Regards Rob Mitchell stuart shepherd
1682408005
We have had our Hybrid bikes for a year and love them. We are currently on a seven week tour of the South Island biking a wide array of trails and our Hybrids are central to the journey. We visited Frank and Jim whilst in Nelson to fit a dropper seat on one bike and a suspension seat on the other. They gave top and thorough service and ensured the new gear was working well for us. Great bikes and great team at Hybrid.Stuart and Maree Shepherd, Auckland Robbie Harlen
1682374782
We started the journey of getting ebikes several weeks ago, gathering info from different outlets then we discovered Frank and his Company Hybrid Bikes, the rest is history, his non pressure, informative approach made us comfortable spending our money and investing on these bikes.They are set up to suit each individual by Frank no matter how much time it takes him.If you want an awesome Carbon Fibre ebike with awesome backup call Frank Sue Barber
1678678900
I had previously owned a Ebike which I had clocked up over 17,000 kms on, and thought it was time for an upgrade.I meet Kelvin Tong at Ebikes Plus in Palmerston North and he had informed me there was a new Ebike being made by Frank Witowski in Nelson. It sounded just what I was after, so I put my name on the list at the Palmerton North Store. On arriving it was different than my old bike, and took a few rides to get the feel of it, but "WOW" it has exceeded my exportation's. It is a Hybrid with a 720w battery.I'm nearly 80 years old with 5 replacement hips, I need to wear a brace on my right leg after my last hip replacement, which caused my foot to drop.I have just completed a 90km ride on a single charge with another 4km showing to spare.I thoroughly recommend the Hybrid Ebike. Brendon Johnston
1677298832
Great bike and great service. I use my M18 Sports Elite E-bike to commute to Auckland’s CBD. I previously commuted using a motorbike scooter and find the 6km E-bike journey, fun, quick, and with the added benefit of some exercise. I regularly take my bike to Waiheke island (E-bikes travel free on the ferry) and it’s an ideal way to negotiate the hilly roads. Frank and the team offer superb customer service which included sending me a personalised video on how best to maintain my bike.