The latest must-have amenity reshaping the hospitality and meetings landscape
The hospitality industry is in constant pursuit of the next big thing, an amenity that not only enhances the guest experience but also sets a property apart. At the moment the e-bike fits that bill. This eco-friendly and accessible mode of transportation is rapidly gaining traction, transforming how travelers, and increasingly, meeting attendees, experience their destinations. For meeting and event planners, this trend presents exciting new opportunities to elevate events and create memorable experiences.
Why E-Bikes are Taking Over Hospitality
The rise of e-bikes as a hotel amenity is driven by several converging factors. Today’s travelers, particularly younger demographics, prioritize wellness and sustainability. E-bikes tick both boxes, offering a fun, low-impact way to explore local areas while minimizing environmental impact. Hotels are recognizing the competitive edge that e-bikes provide, attracting a wider range of guests, from leisure tourists seeking adventure to business travelers looking for a healthy commute. Beyond attracting new demographics, e-bikes enhance the overall guest experience. They offer a sense of freedom and adventure, allowing guests to explore further and access locations that might be challenging with traditional bikes or other modes of transportation. This enhanced exploration translates to higher guest satisfaction and positive reviews, a crucial factor in today’s digital age. The accessibility of e-bikes, with their pedal assist, further broadens their appeal, making cycling enjoyable for all fitness levels, including older travelers and those with physical limitations. Finally, e-bikes can be a cost-effective option for hotels in the long run, requiring less maintenance than cars or scooters and potentially generating revenue through rentals.
What This Means for Meetings and Events
The e-bike trend is not just for individual travelers; it’s poised to revolutionize the meetings and events industry. Imagine attendees swapping stuffy conference rooms for invigorating e-bike tours, fostering team bonding amidst scenic landscapes. E-bikes offer a fresh take on team-building activities:
Guided Exploration: Instead of traditional icebreakers, meeting groups could embark on guided e-bike tours of the local area, led by a local expert who can share insights about the region’s history, culture, and attractions. This offers a fun and active way for colleagues to bond and experience the destination together.
Interactive Challenges: E-bike scavenger hunts or themed rides can add an element of friendly competition and engagement. Teams can use e-bikes to navigate to different locations, solve clues, and complete challenges, encouraging collaboration and problem-solving.
Eco-Friendly Commuting: For conferences or events spread across multiple venues, e-bikes can provide a convenient and sustainable way for attendees to travel between locations, reducing reliance on shuttle buses and taxis. This not only promotes wellness but also aligns with corporate sustainability initiatives.
Wellness Breaks: Incorporate short e-bike rides into the meeting schedule to provide attendees with refreshing breaks and a chance to stretch their legs. This can help improve focus and energy levels, combating the fatigue that often accompanies long meetings.
Unique Event Experiences: Themed rides, such as a wine country tour by e-bike or a ride focused on local art and architecture, can add a unique dimension to the event and create lasting memories for attendees.
Further Reading: How to Plan a Wellness-Minded Meeting
Pedaling Towards Success
For meeting and event planners, incorporating e-bikes requires careful consideration:
Partner Strategically: Collaborate with local bike rental companies or hotels with in-house e-bike programs to ensure access to well-maintained equipment and expert guidance. Consider partnerships that offer a variety of bike types, including e-bikes, traditional bikes, and specialized bikes for different terrains.
Prioritize Safety: Safety is paramount. Ensure helmets are provided, routes are clearly marked, and liability waivers are in place. Consider guided tours for larger groups, especially in unfamiliar areas. Provide safety briefings and ensure that all participants are comfortable operating e-bikes.
Incorporate into Agendas: Weave e-bike activities seamlessly into the event schedule. Short, refreshing rides can revitalize attendees during long conferences, while longer excursions can offer immersive destination experiences. Be mindful of time constraints and plan routes accordingly.
Embrace Thematic Rides: Tailor e-bike tours to the event’s theme or the local area’s culture. A historical bike tour or a culinary-themed ride can add a unique dimension to the event. Consider incorporating local guides who can provide context and insights.
Promote Wellness: Highlight the health benefits of e-biking. Combine rides with other wellness activities like yoga or meditation for a holistic experience. Offer different levels of difficulty to cater to varying fitness levels.
Capture and Share: Encourage attendees to document their e-bike adventures through photos and social media, using event-specific hashtags to amplify visibility. Consider setting up photo booths or contests to encourage participation.
Who to Partner With
While the e-bike amenity is still growing, here are some hotels and chains that have jumped on the trend:
Luxury & Boutique Hotels:
The Mark Hotel (New York City): This iconic hotel offers customized N+ Mercedes-Benz Formula E Team e-bikes, making it a truly luxurious way to explore Manhattan.
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts (Aspen, CO): As part of their partnership with Bluejay Bikes, Hotel Jerome offers guests access to high-quality e-bikes to explore the stunning scenery of Aspen.
The Maker Hotel (Hudson, NY): This stylish hotel in the Hudson Valley also partners with Bluejay Bikes, allowing guests to explore the charming town and surrounding countryside on e-bikes.
Rosewood Miramar Beach (Montecito, CA): This luxurious beachfront resort offers Bluejay e-bikes for guests to enjoy the scenic coastal routes of Montecito.
Mohonk Mountain House (New York) a Victorian castle resort nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, has a fleet of 15 award-winning electric bikes for use on miles of groomed trails surrounding the property.
Chains & Groups:
Auberge Resorts: This collection of luxury hotels and resorts has embraced the e-bike trend, with several properties offering Bluejay e-bikes to guests.
Kimpton Hotels: Kimpton has been known to offer bikes at some of their locations, and as the e-bike trend grows, it’s likely they’ll incorporate them into their offerings.
Hyatt Hotels: Some Hyatt properties are beginning to offer e-bikes, often through partnerships with local bike rental companies.
Where to Find More:
Bluejay Bikes Hotel Partners: Bluejay Bikes has a list of their hotel partners on their website, which is a great resource for finding hotels that offer their e-bikes.
Hotel websites: Check the websites of individual hotels, especially those in the luxury and boutique categories, as they often highlight their unique amenities, including e-bikes.
Travel blogs and articles: Many travel publications and blogs are starting to feature hotels that offer e-bikes, so keep an eye out for those articles.
It’s important to note that the availability of e-bikes can vary depending on the hotel and location. It’s always a good idea to contact the hotel directly to confirm whether they offer e-bikes and what the rental process is like.
The Road Ahead
E-bikes are more than just a passing fad; they represent a shift towards more active, sustainable, and experiential travel. For meeting and event planners, embracing this trend can unlock new possibilities for creating engaging and memorable events. By strategically incorporating e-bikes, planners can cater to the evolving needs of attendees, enhance the overall event experience, and position their events as forward-thinking and innovative. As the e-bike revolution continues to unfold, the meetings and events industry is set for a ride of its own.
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
Photo by Bluejay Bikes
