In a new Lifestyle Section in May's Business Bulletin, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce checks out some of the travel, transport and luxury fashion available in the region.
In the first feature, Danny McKay, the Chamber's resident Journalist, is recruited by Sport Aberdeen and Eskuta Scotland to test out the SX-250 Series 4 electric bike.
Having not ridden a bike of any description since my early childhood, I was initially a bit apprehensive when offered the opportunity to try out an Eskuta courtesy of Sport Aberdeen and Eskuta Scotland.
A very nervous, wobbly test drive didn’t do much to improve my confidence, but after taking advantage of the quiet roads around AGCC’s office in Bridge of Don to re-learn how to ride a bike, I was a pro in no time at all!
The Eskuta feels safe, comfortable and convenient. The hill-climb button makes setting off easy, and the power kicks in the moment you start to pedal, meaning there’s no need to furiously pedal and tire yourself out.
I was given the SX-250 Series 4 electric bike, which delivers up to 40-50 miles per charge. It features a step-through steel frame, self-adjusting suspension, disc brakes, LED lighting, and security system.
The seat lifts up to reveal the well-hidden battery which is easy to take out and bring indoors to charge – which I only needed to do a once a week.
There’s storage on the front and the back which is surprisingly spacious and can fit charging cables, a bike lock and a crash helmet with room to spare.
The Eskuta is a perfect blend of styles. It’s big enough to feature storage boxes, wing mirrors, lights, indicators and a dashboard – plenty to feel right at home on the roads.
But the Eskuta is classed as a pedal bike, so retains advantages such as being able to use bus lanes and cycle paths – not to mention there’s no need for road tax, insurance or any of the other pesky requirements that come with a motorbike or car.
It’s the best of both worlds.
My initial loan of the Eskuta was delayed slightly as Aberdeen enjoyed/endured some of the heaviest snowfall we’ve seen in years, so I’d definitely recommend investing in a good pair of gloves for riding the Eskuta!
Thankfully I also got to experience the Eskuta in the finer weather, and the convenience of it was a game-changer, using it for the daily commute, to nip to the shops, to go to Pittodrie on matchdays, and even to the pub for a couple of (soft) drinks.
It really is ideally suited to urban life and reminded me of the moped culture in many European cities, with suave, stylish locals riding similar bikes and scooters everywhere you look.
Whizzing through city centre streets and along the beachfront, I could have been in Greece or Italy – only it was much colder and I wasn’t quite as tanned.
Parking is never an issue either, as even when there’s no bike rack there’s always a lamppost nearby to chain it to.
The Eskuta comes with a built-in alarm, but I opted to use a bike lock as well for added piece-of-mind.
All too quickly, my time with the Eskuta came to an end and I had to reluctantly hand the keys back to the team at Sport Aberdeen, which has recently become the exclusive supplier of Eskutas in Scotland.
However, having started out thinking the Eskuta would just be a bit of fun, I’ve been fully converted and will now be looking to buy one ASAP!