The electric bikes are already proving really popular!
The notorious Hills of Donegal no longer pose a threat to tourists after a community group launched an electronic bike scheme.
The Craoibhin Community And Enterprise Centre in Termon were tired of hearing about people who couldn’t explore the most remote parts of the county.
So they have purchased a consignment of bikes for tourists and hope to create two jobs in the process.
The electric bikes are officially launched.
Manager of the centre, Mary T McGrenra said the Grassroutes Electric bike scheme is receiving a great reaction.
“The hills of Donegal are notorious and we had been thinking about the best way of overcoming them while still getting out in the fresh air.
“Cycling is very popular but it doesn’t suit everyone in Donegal. But the new bikes are perfect for people because it feels like someone is pushing you up a hill.
“Now people can see all parts of Donegal that may not have been accessible otherwise,” she told Donegal Daily.
The bikes will be based at Glenveagh National Park – the focal point for thousands of tourists each year.
However if people are staying in other parts of Donegal, they can be delivered to their doorstep.
One charge of the bikes last for 180kms.
The centre currently has five of the electric bikes as well as 10 hybrid mountainbikes.
Ms McGrenra said the group hope to start tours of Donegal using the electric bikes and hope to create some new jobs.
“We have plans to start tours of Donegal and especially around this area.
“The bikes are based in Glenveagh National Park and it will be a real attraction for people to take them form Glenveagh and explore the surrounding countryside.
“We are looking at the idea of providing guides so that people can see the best parts of Donegal with someone who knows the area well,” she added.
The German-engineered Kalkhoff bikes can be rented for €35 for a full day or €20 for a half day.