eBikes Wanganui is a bike shop on Putiki Drive in Putiki, just across the river from central Whanganui, hiring out electric bikes. It holds a 4.1 rating from eight Google reviews, with customers praising the value, the comfortable easy-riding bikes and the polite staff; one family notes child seats were supplied for a full day out.
Electric hire bikes suit a river town like Whanganui: the motor takes the sting out of headwinds and the odd rise, so a casual rider can comfortably cover the riverside paths, the bridge crossings and a good stretch upriver. Before setting out, check the battery is charged, have the seat height set properly and get a quick run-through of the controls — a decent hire operation does all three without being asked. Fleets run low on fine weekends and school holidays, so booking ahead saves disappointment.
From Putiki, the river paths and the swing bridge reviewers mention are only minutes away by bike.