How did you get to work this morning?

Transport is Australia’s second largest source of greenhouse gas pollution, with high car use being one of the leading factors. According to the 2021 Census, 53 per cent of Australians drove to work – down from 77 per cent in previous years due to the rise of work-from-home arrangements during the pandemic – with a majority covering distances less than 10 kilometres.

Vamos, an Australian electric bike manufacturer, wants to change that.

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Co-founder Conrad Pattinson recently rode 3970 kilometres from Fremantle to Bondi to raise awareness about how everyday Australians can change up their routine, morning commute and lifestyles that rely on fossil fuels. And he did it while wearing a pair of thongs. His support vehicle was decked out with solar, and most of the power used to charge the bike’s battery was provided by the sun.

Pattinson launched the brand with fellow Bondi local and childhood friend Michael Fatouris in 2017; their long-lasting camaraderie is central to the brand. Sick of hot, sweaty buses and at a loss with the parking options on their university campus, Pattinson and Fatouris began their foray into e-bikes. Unsatisfied with the options available in Australia at the time (too heavy, too pricey, too ugly), they headed overseas in the name of research and returned with a plan.

Vamos, which is Spanish for “let’s go”, offers a growing range of e-bikes, as well as all the necessary accessories. There’s El Rapido for daily commuting; El Hefe, a cruiser with off-road tyre power; El Doblez, a foldable design; and the newest launch, El Amigo, a cargo-style bike that gives you the option to carry loads on the front or back. The rear tray can even be converted into a seat for a passenger.

The bikes come initially locked to a 25kmh speed limit, which means you can ride your e-bike rego and licence-exempt under Australian law, just like you would a pushbike. Just don’t forget your helmet.

Pattinson is taking his cross-country ride one step further, producing a documentary titled Electric Crossing to share what he learned along the way and provide insights on how Australians can tackle climate change in their daily lives. “If I can ride across the country, others can think twice about driving to the shops,” he says.

Pattinson also used his trip to raise money for the Australian Conservation Foundation and is just shy of reaching his $20,000 fundraising goal.

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