The easiest way to get lost in Prince Edward County might just be on two wheels. Along quiet backroads and vineyard-lined trails, electric bikes are changing how visitors—and locals—move through the landscape, turning long distances into something leisurely, even effortless.
For Erik Koning, that shift is personal. Born and raised in the County, Koning spent his youth exploring West Lake and the surrounding areas—a connection to the land that would later shape the vision for his business. In 2020, he turned his attention to a then-novel idea: electric bicycles.
The spark came during a trip to Berchtesgaden, where Koning and his father, short on time, rented electric mountain bikes to explore the region. In a single outing, they climbed peaks and covered ground that would have otherwise taken days. It was his first encounter with e-bikes—and a glimpse of how they could transform the way people experience a place.
Today, through his company, Westlake Ebike, Koning sees e-bikes as one of the most accessible ways to explore the County. “It’s a slower, more in-touch way of seeing the County,” he says. “You can go farther, faster, and they level the playing field when riding with people of different abilities.”
Modern e-bikes can travel up to 40 kilometres using the throttle alone and up to 80 kilometres or more with pedal assist. Even when the battery runs out, they function like regular bicycles—removing much of the intimidation factor for first-time riders.
Koning initially operated out of The Eddy’s red barns, but as demand shifted, he recognized an opportunity to make the experience more flexible. Many visitors were looking for spontaneity rather than structured bookings, leading to the development of Westlake Ebike’s tap-and-go rental stations. Riders can download the app, follow a few simple steps, and be on the road within minutes. The platform also offers safety tips, local cycling guidelines, and curated suggestions for places to stop along the way.
Stations are now spread across the County, including stops in Wellington, Bloomfield, Picton, and West Lake—placing riders within easy reach of beaches, wineries, and quiet rural stretches.
The fleet currently includes 22 bikes, available to riders aged 16 and up. Families can also attach chariots for younger children, making it an option for group outings. Running from mid-April through November, the service caters to both tourists and locals, with a discounted rate encouraging residents to use e-bikes for everyday errands, commuting, or casual rides.
Koning himself has fully embraced that lifestyle, using his e-bike for everything from grocery runs to beach days. But as the popularity of cycling grows, he also sees a need for infrastructure to keep pace.
While the Millennium Trail provides a 49-kilometre backbone through the region, it lacks connecting routes and looped pathways. Many cyclists are forced onto rural roads with speed limits reaching 80 km/h and inconsistent shoulders—conditions that can quickly turn a scenic ride into a stressful one.
“Building more cycling infrastructure will help keep the soul of the County alive,” Koning says.
For now, Westlake Ebike offers a different way in—one that trades speed for experience, and distance for discovery—inviting riders to slow down and see the County from a new, electric perspective.