Jax Rides: Fat-Tire Electric Bikes Tour Business Launches In Jacksonville

“We needed to construct one thing that’s an expertise, not simply one other exercise,” stated Jax Rides co-owner Katie Derringer as she launches the fat-tire e-bike tour service in Jacksonville’s city core together with her spouse, Amy.

The tour’s electrical automobiles are most likely in contrast to any others you’ve seen on the First Coast.

They seem like a cross between a scooter, a bicycle and a bike, and that’s intentional.

“They’re modeled to seem like an quaint Harley, and the explanation we picked them is as a result of we would like that actually hip, edgy, cool vibe which you could’t get on the again of a Segway – no offense Segway riders,” stated Amy.

Segway e-scooters have develop into standard in cities across the nation, together with Miami, as a straightforward strategy to get round.

The Derringers’ enterprise is not rent-a-ride service, however fairly an city core touring service.

The excursions, which final between 90 minutes and a couple of hours, start in Springfield and proceed via Downtown and the Southbank.

Tour narration consists of details about Jacksonville’s historical past and popular culture, together with suggestions like the very best locations to eat.

The bikes can hit speeds as much as 20 mph, in line with the Derringers, with a variety of about 30 miles per cost.

To maintain the excursions enjoyable and distinctive to Duval, every e-bike has a reputation, all of which is able to make sense to anybody who’s lived in Jacksonville for some time. Names embody Minshew, Lynyrd, Duuval, Skynyrd and Ritz. 

After all, Ritz is known as for the Ritz Theatre and Museum in LaVilla.

“I like exhibiting folks LaVilla. I believe lots of people don’t acknowledge or respect the musical historical past that Jacksonville has and the place the origins of the blues got here from and the way integral we [Jacksonville] have been to beginning that, and I like sharing that data and upping Jacksonville’s cool issue,” stated Amy.

The Derringers stated one of many greatest challenges they found alongside the best way was their enterprise was distinctive sufficient that insurance coverage firms didn’t have an current coverage mannequin.

“We truly shopped most likely about seven totally different insurance coverage companies,” stated Katie, including in addition they needed to search authorized recommendation to ensure they have been in compliance with Florida regulation.

The excursions are supposed to be enjoyable and household pleasant. Though the motive force should be not less than 16 years previous, mother and father can convey alongside their youngsters as passengers.

“It’s nice for those who’re a household of 4. One father or mother takes one bike, one father or mother takes the opposite bike and so they every have a child, and now you might have a household exercise for the afternoon,” stated Katie.

Artwork additionally lends to the tour’s vibe.

“Part of the cool issue for me is numerous the fashionable artwork murals. Largely that’s facilitated by Art Republic and all kinds of various unbiased artists and teams,” stated Amy.

The excursions function on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.  The associated fee is $55 per bike with a security briefing and observe session included.

Every paying grownup rider can embody a passenger at no extra cost. Passengers should be a minimal of 48 inches tall.

Excursions will be booked by date and time at JaxRides.com.

Invoice Bortzfield will be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.