Sean McGee described the first time he rode an e-bike as a lightbulb moment.
As owner of Longleaf Piney Resort, located on the Longleaf Trace in Hattiesburg, McGee knew the bikes would offer a unique way to view the Trace.
“It was evident to me that this would fit good with what I had going on out here at Longleaf Piney Resort,” McGee said.
An e-bike uses an electric motor and battery though McGee’s bikes are pedal-assist, meaning the motor makes it easier to pedal or riders can just rely on a throttle, similar to a motorcycle. The motor can also be turned off so they can be ridden as regular bikes.
“They’re a lot of fun,” McGee said. “They’re super easy to ride, and you don’t have to be an avid bike rider, but it helps if you have ridden bikes. If you’re comfortable on a bicycle, you’ll love this.”
The bikes, which go up to 20 mph, allow people who may not be able to pedal long distances to view the Trace or get around town with a range of about 30 miles.
“These are so easy to ride. With an e-bike, you can see as much of the Trace as an avid rider and feel great at the end of the day,” McGee said.
Easy Rider E-Bike Rentals is located along mile 10 of the Trace.
“You can get downtown and back really easily, get to Lucky Rabbit, get to SoPro, venture off into midtown or you can head west back toward Sumrall,” McGee said.
E-bikes can be ridden anywhere a regular bike is permitted and can be rented for $25 for a half-day or $45 for a full day. A helmet and bike lock are provided, and most bikes have a basket.
Bikes are only available to rent on weekends, but McGee said an expansion of rental hours may be in the future as the weather warms up.
“Everyone who rides them for the first time is really kind of amazed by them, and I have some people that scoff at them because they’re not ‘real bikes,’ but you can turn the power off on them if you’re looking for more exercise,” McGee said.
“More and more things are offering electric alternatives, whether it’s bikes, cars, equipment, whatever, so this is just another part of the evolution I think. It’s more about riding and enjoyment and less about exercise, but you can do both.”
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Contact reporter Laurel Thrailkill at [email protected] or on Twitter.
