Ngā Tiriti Ngangahau
Māngere ebike trial

​Mackie Research, along with partners Massey University, Time to Thrive and key stakeholders Auckland Transport, Waka Kotahi, and the Māngere Otahuhu Local Board have now completed the three-stage Māngere ebike trial. 

While we wait for the final report to be signed off, here are some key benefits demonstrated from the three-stage trial:
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• Ebikes have proved to be very popular in Māngere, where there is often transport disadvantage.
• There are examples of ebikes filling gaps when there is transport disadvantage (e.g. commuting from Māngere to the city where there is poor public transport).
• There are significant savings through reduced transport costs.
• Giving individuals choices for how they wish to travel makes life easier.
• Ebikes reduce congestion and improve productivity.
• In many cases, ebikes have helped to promote fitness and recreation, which is likely to reduce health costs.
• Ebikes do not involve expensive infrastructure, although a network of safe places to bike is important.
• A community driven bike hub model works best with support and opportunities for locals.
• A local ebike library, with plenty of support and ‘have a go’ opportunities often leads to people buying their own ebike.

There are other trials also taking place around New Zealand and they too are showing considerable benefits. A recent ebike symposium in Wellington allowed a range of ebike schemes across New Zealand to share their findings. For our trial, the following quote from a participant sums up a key benefit from using an ebike in everyday life:

“Usually on the pay cycle, my petrol tank is damn near empty … Then we got the ebikes … when I got paid again … it had only gone down by half, because it had pretty much just sat in the driveway.”

Our conclusion, from our three-stage trial and other ebike trials and schemes nationwide, is that ebikes have considerable potential yet further work is needed at a national scale to incentivise their use, particularly in low-income communities.
​Read the stage 2 report here.