Island Adventures co-owner Nicholas Brownell likes to say that if you can ride a bike, you can ride an e-bike.
The same is true for the electric low-speed vehicles that look like the fancy, souped-up golf carts popular among the rich and famous, provided you’re at least 18 years old and hold a driver’s license.
But you will not find these low-speed vehicles – which now make up 50% of revenues and have seating options for six passengers – rolling down the fairways of Newport Country Club. State and city regulations treat them the same as motor vehicles.
“They must abide by all of the rules you have on any street,” Brownell said. “But they are street legal.”
The Newport-based rental company is coming off its third and most successful summer season, riding high on the wave of the city’s tourism sector that shows no sign of cresting.
“We were really busy this year,” said Brownell, noting that the business was booked solid through July’s Newport Folk Fest weekend.
Brownell and his business partner Stephen Clair are now focused on shoring up the company’s corporate outing bookings, pitching an electric-powered cruise around the waterfront mecca as the perfect mix of team building and memorable times.
A surprise to many first-timers, the low-speed vehicles are lightweight, spacious and easily maneuverable, equipped with GPS and a navigation app that highlights pathways showing the safest routes.
For others, especially tourists, Island Adventures offers a compromise between the drag of driving your car through frustrating city traffic and the time and energy-consuming workout of traditional pedal-bikes. Both tourists and locals can effortlessly cruise the city from the historic mansions lining Ocean Drive to the urban North End.
“It really is the best way to explore the island,” Brownell said. “And the best part is there is no prior experience necessary.”
The vehicles are not allowed to ride on any roadways with a marked speed limit of more than 35 mph. A good business model, given that none exist in Newport, which is among many municipalities trying to foster what environmental and transportation advocates call “multi-modal” infrastructure.
Island Adventures also rents electric beach cruisers that top out at 20 mph, in addition to inflatable kayaks, paddleboards and water vehicles, and offers parking on-site.
Brownell says e-bikes have become increasingly popular among older consumers.
“They want a bike to stay active. But they do not want to go too hard,” he said.
The business partners both have full-time careers in the mortgage and finance sectors, hiring family members or others looking to make some cash and gain work experience. Brownell’s son Nixon serves as general manager. His father, Steven, even puts in the occasional hours.
“I’ve hired my barber’s son and my friend’s daughter,” Brownell said.
Island Adventures will stay open through October before closing shop until the warm weather returns.
OWNERS: Nicholas Brownell and Stephen Clair
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Electric vehicle and e-bike rental
LOCATION: 4 Spring Wharf, Newport
EMPLOYEES: 14
YEAR FOUNDED: 2022
ANNUAL REVENUE: WND
