FAQ

An electric bike is a battery powered assisted bicycle with an electric motor built right into the bike. You still pedal, steer, brake and change gears like you would on a normal bike but the battery power will help you you whenever you need it.

When biking into head winds and up hills it makes it so much easier. It makes riding a bike a more pleasant experience as well as allowing you to bike faster without expending more energy.

We have the biggest Electric bike shop in Southland, so with all our 12 models there will be an E-bike to suit you and your needs. Designed for NZ conditions. Also we have ensured all the models have common high quality parts readily
available in NZ

This depends on the battery size in each model: Geobyke’s charging takes between 4 and 8 hours for a full charge. The charging rate is generally between 2-4 amps so the battery does not overheat.

Geobyke batteries are all a Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 ) composition. This is the same chemistry as found in most electric cars and they have now been on the road for up to 15 years. These batteries will last at least 4000 full charge cycles. These batteries work best when used regularly and can be charged at any time ie they don’t need to be low on charge before being recharged.

While a regular bike depends entirely on your energy, and a car depends entirely on its fuel tank, an e-bike sits in that sweet spot where you can infinitely extend your journey just by working a little harder as long as you’re prepared to pedal. There are no limits. Usually there is quoted a maximum “assisted” range on each E-bike. This can be anywhere from around 40km to 120km. Battery capacity is the answer, usually the larger the battery the further you can go.

Yes, all Geobykes do have a throttle, so when you get tired on the way home you simply push the throttle and away it goes, like a motorbike. It is especially good when getting started from a standstill. Also when climbing a hill and you need extra power for a short time it get around a tight uphill corner. However remember you are using more battery power so doing this will shorten your range.

On most Geobyke models the top speed can be set. Maximum motor assistance is up to 45kmph. However they can go faster but only by pedalling.

Geobykes are built from aluminium alloys and range from 23kgs to 31kgs, depending mainly on the size of the battery and motor.
They are strongly built to cope with harsher off-road conditions as well as heavier riders and their possessions for use on the wide variety of NZ trails while also being widely used on-road.

Yes, you can, our Geobykes are weather proof but not water proof, so avoid water getting into the motor, while washing and also like going through really deep water on a trail. If you are leaving the bike outside, please use a bike cover.

You can still pedal the bike to get home, but without the motor assist.

While both will get you up that hill, the "how" and "where" of that power delivery change the entire feel of the ride. Think of it as the difference between someone pushing you from behind (hub) versus someone helping you turn the pedals (mid-drive).

1. Efficiency and Torque (Mid-Drive): By placing the weight low and in the middle at the pedals, the bike remains nimble and well balanced. If you shift into a low gear for a steep climb, the motor gets a "mechanical advantage," allowing it to conquer massive inclines. Mid-drives usually use a torque sensor, which measures how hard you are pushing and matches your effort. It feels like you have bionic legs.

2. Simplicity and "Push" (Hub-Drive): Hub motors are great for the "get up and go" commuter. Because they operate independently of the drivetrain, you can shift gears whenever you want (or not at all) without affecting the motor. Plus, if your chain snaps, a hub motor with a throttle (which all Geobyke’s have) can still get you home. Hub-drives often use a cadence sensor, which just detects that the pedals are moving. This can feel more like a "surge" of power, which some people find fun while others find a bit jerky.
Unless you are jumping the weight balance differential is not noticeable. Our full suspension model is therefore mid-drive.

Geobyke’s run either the Bafang, Oli or Motinova motors. All three offer great value, performance, and reliability. They are widely used.

Bafang: The Powerhouse! Bafang is the go-to for speed and torque. One of the largest E-bike motor manufacturers.

Oli: The Italian dark horse! Oli is an Italian brand with very high torque-to-weight ratio; compact design; excellent for technical mountain biking or just general biking where instant engagement is key.

Motinova: The quiet Challenger! Extremely quiet operation; very energy-efficient which leads to better range.

Even if you're prepared to pedal, the following factors will eat into that battery level number:

• Stop-and-Go: Accelerating from a red light takes significantly more energy than maintaining a steady speed.
  
  
• Tire Pressure: Soft tires create "rolling resistance," forcing the motor to work harder to maintain momentum.
  
  
• Speed you turn the pedals at: Motors are most efficient when you pedal at a steady rhythm (usually 70–90 RPM). "Grinding" in a high gear at a slow pace drains the battery rapidly. So before coming to a stop, change down to 1st or 2nd gear so when you get going again it takes less battery to get you going.
  
  
• Eco Mode: If you stay in the lowest assist setting, you can often double your range. When you stay in a high gear (like 5th) on a steep climb, you're forcing the motor to operate at a low RPM under high load. This is the least efficient zone for electric motors
  
  
• The "Infinity" Trick: On flat roads or downhills, if you turn the motor off entirely (Level 0), your range is technically limited only by your stamina and the sunset.
  
  
  Pro Tip:
  If you're ever worried about "range anxiety," try the "Power Down, Gear Down" method. Shift into an easier mechanical gear before increasing the motor's assist level. It saves the battery and treats your knees a lot better!