General News
22 August, 2023
Electric buzz has Geoff scooting around town
GEOFF Rooney has ridden motorcycles as a teenager and ventured around in a classic Kombi van. He’s even ventured down the Avoca River at Charlton enjoying the silent whir of an electric motor attached to his tinnie. And after a holiday in Byron...
GEOFF Rooney has ridden motorcycles as a teenager and ventured around in a classic Kombi van.
He’s even ventured down the Avoca River at Charlton enjoying the silent whir of an electric motor attached to his tinnie.
And after a holiday in Byron Bay, Geoff has returned to his Inglewood home with the latest in electric travel - an emotor-cycle with a front end styled the Harley Davidson way and steering bars fashioned like that other iconic two-wheeled transport icon, the Indian.
“I had a motorcycle until my mid-20s and then picked up on it again about 15 years ago,” Geoff said.
“The electric version is ideal for scooting around town - top speed 25kmh and with a range of between 30 and 50km.
“It was designed in Byron Bay, comes with a Japanese engine and the full-on leather springer seat is really comfortable. The fat ring tyes make for a smooth ride too and it’s got five levels of toque and nine gears.”
Geoff first stopped in Inglewood when his Kombi broke down and ended up singing the Ray Charles’ version of Georgia at a hotel karaoke night.
He says he ended up buying land in town and later retired to the Inglewood after decades working in the poultry industry around Charlton.
When not holidaying on the beach or talking about his new motoring acquisition, Geoff is part of a two-piece band Brotherhood of May-tone with Peter Nelson, playing acoustic guitar and on vocals.
“I know the words ... not like the karaoke night when I made up the words for the verses,” he said.
Geoff said emotorcycles were popular around Byron Bay where parking was at a premium.
“With an ebike, you can park anywhere for free. They’re popular and everywhere,” he said.
“Now I’m back home, I can charge it in the van while driving along or at home, hooked up to the solar panels.
“And there’s no petrol to worry about and no rego.”
Geoff’s motoring investment is well timed. The price of petrol has nudged back above $2 for the first time in more than a year.