Woodstock Wheels going strong in second season

Luke Hanson, who owns Woodstock Wheels, shows an e-bike to Paula and Wes Stearns, of Quechee, at Taste of Woodstock in Woodstock, Vt., on Aug. 13. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Riding a bike along a country road is a treasured pastime for many, but not an accessible one for everybody. In 2021, Luke Hanson saw a need to open up that experience to more people, and he’s made it into a business — by adding some electricity to the mix. 

Now in its second year, Woodstock Wheels offers e-bike rentals to those looking to tour the local countryside in the beautiful Woodstock, Vermont, area. It’s a region Hanson knows well. He grew up biking these scenic trails and roads, and he put that knowledge to use, turning something he loves into an experience his customers are enjoying. Providing an accessible experience for many different customers is the most rewarding part of the business, Hanson said. 

“That’s one of the great things about this, especially for someone who’s a little limited physically, maybe more elderly, when they come back and you just see the smile on their face, saying ‘I felt like I was 25-30 years old on these bikes,’” he said. “The bikes help you out a little bit, but you’re able to go 40-50 miles on them and see the scenery on roads you wouldn’t be able to access in a car.

Hanson says year #2 has been a busy one, with a mix of local people and also visitors who have e-bikes at home but weren’t going to travel with them. Sometimes, having e-bikes helps them bring relatives who may not otherwise be able to participate. Additionally, Hanson said about 50% of his customers are people who ride regular bikes, but also love the opportunity to do a longer trip more easily.

Well before starting Woodstock Wheels, Hanson saw first-hand the demand for this kind of concept. During a trip to Peaks Island, just off Portland, Maine, in 2021, he saw people flocking to a bike rental shop on the island. Plus, he knew outdoor activities in general were surging post-2020. 

“People were just itching to get outside, so I said, ‘This is the time,’” Hanson recalled. 

Looking forward, he’s hoping to have a permanent location for his venture, perhaps at the East End Park. He’s also exploring the idea of “e-hubs”, essentially locations where the bikes could be stationed and available for customers. 

“It would be kind of like city bikes, but off-road capable bikes where the trails connect to different towns,” he said. 

Woodstock Wheels’ rates are based on a two-hour, four-hour, or an all-day tour. More details are available at WoodstockWheels.com. 

— Gareth Henderson

For more information, check out Woodstock Wheels online or contact Luke Hanson here. The Woodstock Wheels tent is open just outside the Woodstock Rec Center, Monday and Thursday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.