Newsroom

24 September 2024
All-access e-bike breezes down the Cairns Esplanade

An inclusive style of e-bike has taken to the Cairns Esplanade, offering people with mobility impairments a stylish new way to enjoy the waterfront.

The battery-powered three-wheeler is equipped with a front cargo hold to transport a passenger in a wheelchair and offer a “wind in your face experience”.

The rider sits in an elevated position behind them so they can see the path ahead.

The “Brike” is the joint effort by Cairns Regional Council and Spinal Life Australia, and is part of the Active Lifestyle and Cycling for All Program, funded by the Queensland government.

Specially designed for people with disabilities and their families, it can travel at up to 10km/h and has a total carrying capacity of 200kg. Both riders are required to wear helmets.

The Brike was launched at the annual Cairns Disability Expo in late August and is available to hire from the Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre at 2-4 Smith Street, Cairns North.

A half-day hire costs $35 and a full day is $70, and riders are limited to travel on the bike path along Cairns Esplanade.

“We are thrilled to provide another activity that makes Cairns more accessible and inclusive,” says Cairns Mayor Amy Eden. “This new form of active transport forms part of council’s commitment to foster a vibrant and healthy community where everyone feels they belong.”

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