Bellarine embraces electric vehicles and bikes

CROWDS gathered at the Springdale Neighbourhood Centre on Sunday for the first Bellarine EV and E-Bike Expo.

Organised by Parents for Climate, Bellarine Bicycle Users Group, Springdale Neighbourhood Centre and Geelong Sustainability,

the event explored the latest in electric travel.

More than 400 people headed along to the free event, where a range of vehicles and bikes of all makes and models were on display, with attendees able to speak with owners, ask questions and even go for test rides.

Bryce Gaton and John Paul Lopez Taberdo were key speakers at the event, taking those interested through the different vehicles and bikes on the market and sharing their experiences.

Parents for Climate’s Jacqui Dunn said the amount of people who attended exceeded their expectations and they hoped the expo would dispel myths around EVs and e-bikes.

“Bryce came along and did an excellent job of talking about the rumours and then saying why they weren’t actually accurate, to reassure everyone that electric cars are actually very safe.

“There were so many questions from the crowd, so it really showed that everyone was interested and involved in the day.”

For event organisers, one of the highlights of the day was seeing how interested people were and pointing out the fact e-bikes are suitable to a wide range of people.

One couple in their 70s attended the event, mentioning they would not ride an ordinary bike any more, but rode their e-bikes three to four times per week.

“We want to show that it’s available not just for young people, and there were young people there using E-bikes, but also people in their 70s and 80s who are riding regularly on theirs,” Ms Dunn said.

She thanked all the volunteers who helped put the day together and those who came along to support the event.