New Zealand’s office workers are being encouraged to ride like Jason Momoa to tackle emissions on a retro-inspired commuter e-bike endorsed by international celebrities including Momoa, Kelly Slater, and New Zealand’s own Tiki Taane.

Bay of Plenty entrepreneur Dan Wallace has brought the Vallkree brand of retro-inspired e-bikes to New Zealand to redefine our e-bike market which he says has been dominated by over 50s riding recreationally.  

“We want to redefine how Kiwis perceive eco-friendly commuting. The rest of the world is destroying New Zealand with green initiatives. I lived overseas for 14 years and if you go anywhere in Europe, everybody's got a commuter e-bike in their garage,” says Dan.

“E-bikes are for the whole family. It’s not a weekend recreational trail rider. If New Zealand is ever going to meet emissions targets we must start thinking like this,” says Dan.

Vallkree was founded in 2012 by Japanese-Australian surfer Terumi Iwagami, who designed the bikes to skip heavy traffic in Byron Bay and speed straight to the surf. The brand has garnered a global following, attracting the attention of icons like Kelly Slater and Jason Momoa, who endorse Vallkree as their ride of choice, and now New Zealand’s own Tiki Taane is riding one.

Dan has 10 distributors nationwide, and aside from their vintage-inspired design the bikes are also unique in New Zealand because they can be ordered online and shipped directly to customers.

Vallkree models like the Moon Dog can also take multiple passengers, with spacious seating and cargo racks, making them ideal for families or couples.

“Vallkree are the first e-bikes in New Zealand that Kiwis can get shipped directly to them and assemble. We know Kiwis can be averse to buying big-ticket items online which is why we’ve kept distributors too. People can also get their bike sent to the distributor to assemble,” says Dan.

Dan Wallace.

Wellington commuter Jeff Ghazally uses his Vallkree Moon Dog to cycle 22km from his home in Naenae to Willis St in Wellington City, dropping his son Baxter off at school on the way.

He got his bike through New Zealand’s WorkRide scheme which sees participating employers purchase bikes, e-bikes, or scooters on behalf of staff members and lease them to their employees. The employee pays the bike or scooter back over the following year through pay deductions.

The agreement employers sign up to means staff members don't pay fringe benefit tax (FBT) on the bikes, and because the deductions are made pre-tax, the bike rider's taxable income is reduced, meaning they pay less in income tax.

“I was cycling and sweating in my lycra to work each day. Now the ride is really enjoyable. It’s not just about getting from A to B, but also about the pleasure of being on the bike and I’m not physically working so hard so it’s great downtime too,” says Jeff.                  

“The Moon Dog’s double seat is perfect for taking Baxter to his classes. It’s comfortable and enjoyable for both of us,” he says.

Jeff Ghazally and son Baxter on the Vallkree Moon Dog.