Community Story – 11 Years Riding Electric with FONZ – Page 2

Community Story – Ben E.

The first. Still riding. Still evolving.

Ben has been riding FONZ for eleven years - right from the early days - but his story on two wheels started well before that, on a Vespa GT 200. What began as a love for classic scooters evolved into something quieter, smoother, and ultimately more personal.

When Ben returned to Australia after living in London, he needed a practical way to move around the inner city.. poor public transport, limited parking, and busy streets made that clear quickly. Like many riders, he turned to a Vespa, which served its purpose - but the noise was hard to ignore.

So when Ben began researching emerging electric technology, he discovered something new: a small Australian brand preparing to launch an electric scooter unlike anything else on the road at the time.

That brand was FONZ.

Ben reached out, and founder Michelle replied personally. When orders opened, he didn’t hesitate, placing a deposit immediately. Eleven years ago, Ben became the first-ever FONZ owner, even sharing matching white bikes with Michelle, separated by just one number on their licence plates.

Being an early adopter meant growing alongside the product. Early models were modest by today’s standards, but Ben loved being part of the evolution — offering feedback, sharing wish lists, and watching each generation improve in speed, lighting, braking, and everyday usability.

Over the years, Ben moved through multiple FONZ models, each one marking a step forward. From early upgrades that made hill climbs easier and night riding safer, to later models that brought higher top speeds, ABS, improved storage, and refined design - each iteration deepened his connection to electric riding.

That journey reached a personal milestone with his current Z Series, a custom-built version finished in Ben Buckler Blue, a tongue-in-cheek homage to where Ben and Michelle first met. With LED lighting, ABS, under-seat storage, a top box that fits two helmets, and instant torque, it represents everything Ben had hoped electric riding could become.

But for Ben, riding FONZ has never just been about performance.

Some of his most meaningful memories are with his children. On his daughter’s eighth birthday, she received an unexpected gift (a helmet, gloves, and riding gear) and joined him pillion for the first time. With Bluetooth headsets fitted, their rides became uninterrupted time together: no screens, no distractions, just conversation and shared experience.

“On my daughter’s 8th birthday, she went pillion for the first time. With our Bluetooth headsets, we could chat the whole ride - no distractions, just us. It’s little moments like that that make riding electric truly special.”

His son followed the same tradition when he turned eight, and rides quickly became a fun family ritual. Beyond his children, Ben has shared rides with friends, family, colleagues — and even a Rabbi!

“Everyone’s amazed by how quiet and torquey the ride is,” he says.

The scooter also became a practical solution for busy family life, navigating Sydney traffic effortlessly between school pickups, activities, and home, turning stress into freedom.

What stands out most for him today is the absence of noise.

“There’s something calming about riding electric. You hear the rain on your helmet, the world around you. Even long rides feel peaceful.”

One of his favourite trips is riding out towards Windsor and Billabong Retreat — powered by solar, travelling back roads where the journey itself becomes part of the destination.

After more than a decade riding electric, Ben has no desire to return to petrol. The simplicity of the motor, the instant torque, and the ease of charging helped shape not only his riding habits, but his broader lifestyle — including moving to an EV family car and building a solar-powered home ecosystem.