On the road with the e-chopper from Stal Westerwolde
Westerwolde, a region located in the northern part of the Netherlands in the province of Groningen, is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. This enchanting area, which borders Germany, is known for its lush fields and idyllic villages.
Here, vacationers will find a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. While many explore the region on foot or by bike, there is an exciting and innovative way to experience Westerwolde: with the Stal Westerwolde E-Chopper.
Westerwolde is an insider tip for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience nature in its purest form. The region is characterized by a varied landscape, ranging from vast fields to dense forests and idyllic rivers.
What is an e-chopper and where can I rent one?
The E-Chopper we were traveling with looked very similar to a Vespa. It has 2 wheels and a comfortable low entry. Although it only has a maximum speed of 25 km/h, you need a driver’s license and must of course wear a helmet.
As the name suggests, the E-Chopper is not powered by an internal combustion engine, but by an electric motor. This makes it wonderfully quiet and I also found it quite fast. The battery has a range of 40-50 kilometers.
Similar to a Vespa, the E-Chopper has a throttle on the steering wheel and hand brakes like a bicycle. The model we tried out was also equipped with two rear-view mirrors and a display showing the battery charge level and speed. I particularly liked the holder for the cell phone, which made routing much easier. You can’t take luggage with you. So it’s better to think about a rucksack if you want to take a picnic break.
We rented the vehicles from Stal Westerwolde near Vesting Bourtange. Information about the provider and reservation options can be found on the provider’s website.
Briefing on the farm
Once we had checked our route on our cell phones and clarified all the legal matters, we picked up the helmets (and particularly smart protective caps for hygiene) from a room. A quick fitting and off we went to the e-choppers that were waiting for us.
As neither of us had ever ridden a Vespa, moped or similar before, we had everything explained to us in detail. From “how do I accelerate” to “where is the blinker”, every question was answered.
The vehicles are really easy to operate. Even inexperienced drivers quickly get a feel for the handling. I think it’s a great way to get around as an alternative to a bike, and it’s also a good way to get around as a group.
Here we go
Then the time had come… I was admittedly a little nervous … would I be able to do it?
So it was time to get on, tighten my helmet and turn the key. So the engine was running … then I slowly turned the throttle with my right hand. I was very careful, always bearing in mind that even e-scooters accelerate faster than you think.
The e-chopper slowly started to move and before it could really pick up speed, I braked. You also have to try out the right dosage when braking.
After I had gotten a first feeling, we drove off. Slowly down from the yard onto the small country road right outside the door. Yes, and then the fun began!
With the E-Chopper through Westerwolde
Our tour was a pre-planned route that we were able to follow with the help of the Routiq app. Here is the route.
In addition, we were able to orient ourselves at so-called bicycle junctions, which we had noted on a small map.
Our ride took us along almost underpassed roads, cycle paths, dirt tracks and forest trails. Some of the paths were paved, others were left in their natural state – but all of them were in excellent condition. For me as a city kid, it was a dream come true to ride through a town without fear and to be seen and noticed even by trucks and tractors.
Along the route, we were able to discover a wonderfully varied landscape. The Sellingen forests and the Ter Borg nature reserve are a paradise not only for e-choppers, but also for cyclists and hikers. I was particularly impressed by the heather fields and the freshly harvested wheat fields. When the path led along streams or a canal, there were flowers blooming in the meadows by the water.
Of course, there were also pastures for sheep and I would have loved to move into one or two of the farms straight away.
Time for “Kopje Genieten”
After about two thirds of the route, it was time for a longer break. We stopped off at a café/restaurant, which is located in a small wooded area on the planned route.
Kopje Genieten is a family-run business that immediately impressed me. Everything here revolves around the well-being of the guests. There are cozy seating areas in front of the house, a bright and friendly dining room and a large garden with additional seating for guests. I particularly liked the fact that the tables are spread out on the lawn and you can enjoy space and privacy.
Although it was actually time for lunch, we were more in the mood for coffee and cake. At Kopje Genieten, they bake seasonal cakes and all-time favorites such as cheesecakes and chocolate cake themselves. We were there during blueberry season and enjoyed two different blueberry cakes. I can’t say which cake I liked better. They were both just great!
I could have sat in the garden for hours and would certainly have eaten a piece of cake or two, but we wanted to finish our tour.
Address
Dennenweg 1a 9551 VJ Sellingen
Last stage with the e-chopper
Well fortified and full of new impressions, we continue our tour. The last stage took us back to Stal Westerwolde. We were now a little more confident with our driving and so we tested out how fast we could go. I thought it was fast and opted for the quieter option. This also gave us time to continue enjoying the area.
At the very end of the tour, we passed some paddocks before heading back to the farm. Including the break, we were on the road for about 4 hours. The time flew by and we had a lot of fun. Just give it a try!
Leave a Reply