Solar powered Sunshine Cycles bike hire plan to take over Gold Coast streets

A new bike hire business wants to make a home on the Gold Coast, this time with an environmentally friendly twist.

THEY’RE the new solar powered vintage cruiser bikes and they are planned to take over the streets of the Gold Coast.

Sunshine Cycles is a new bike hire business, designed and created by Byron Bay’s Luke Young.

He launched the first “Sunpod”, containing five electric bicycles, at Kirra Beach on private property near the Kirra Beach Hotel, on the weekend.

“We have tried to create something that won’t have a negative effect on the environment,” Mr Young said.

Developers wanted something kind to the environment. Picture: Jerad Williams

“They run completely off the sun and all the products used in the manufacture (of the bike) are made from recycled plastics.”

The electric bikes can travel up to 25km/hr, have a 60km range from the Sunpod and have a four hour life time before needing to be recharged.

“You could go up to Surfers Paradise and back (from Kirra),” Mr Young said.

“They have really big batteries in them. You can get from Kirra to Burleigh in about 25 minutes.

“We have drop off zones they need to be dropped at. If you don’t drop them back, you can’t stop hiring them. Eventually we will have point to point, but for now we are trialling them.”

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN FOR $1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 8 WEEKS. (MIN. COST $4)

The Kirra Sunpod won’t be the last, with Mr Young planning to have them scattered across the city.

“We are in the process of working of working with council. I would love to get their support,” Mr Young said.

“We really wanted to get one (a pod) on the southern Gold Coast to see how people like it.”

Gold Coast City Council didn’t answer if they welcomed the bike hire business, but said in a statement said: “Officers will now work with the business owner to ensure it is operating lawfully and safely, and with all necessary and relevant approvals in place.”

The bikes are available through an app. Picture: Jerad Williams

The Kirra Beach is the sixth location to have Sunshine Cycles launch – with a Sunpod at Kingscliff and four in Byron Bay.

OTHER NEWS

‘I didn’t think I would ever get out’

Star Students: Southport High’s 12 best

‘No excuse’: Anger over disgusting act in Coast parks

To try out the bikes, you need to download the app LINKA GO. Rental of the bikes starts at $8 for half an hour but there are discounted rates and plans for members.