Vertical Lodge is launching what it describes as the world’s first battery-swap network built specifically for a mountain biking destination, with stations in bars, cafés or restaurants. Guests swap an empty battery for a charged one in about a minute – with unlimited swaps throughout their stay. Every e-mountain biker knows the dilemma: ride in Turbo and call it a day after 90 minutes, or ride in Eco and wonder why you bought an e-bike in the first place.
The real cost of range anxiety isn’t the ride that ends too soon. It’s the ride that never starts. The big loop into the hinterland, the crossing into the next valley, the descent that means another climb — you look at them, work out the remaining range, and stick to short loops near the coast.
The ALL DAY TURBO app lets guests reserve their next fully charged battery before they arrive. It offers trail navigation unlike anything seen before and a wide range of curated rides – from the classics around the NATO Base and Melogno to long days deep in the hinterland. Trails, swap stations, bars, cafés, restaurants, beaches, water points and fountains appear on the same map.
Coffee breaks become energy stops: the stations sit where riders would stop anyway. The stations are not vending machines in a car park, but part of the local hospitality scene. The aim is long rides in Turbo, rather than routes dictated by battery levels. Local bars, cafés and restaurants benefit from extra customers, too.
We’re not selling range. We’re selling the freedom to stop thinking about it.
Tom Janas, founder
Vertical Lodge
Every guest at Vertical Lodge rides a high-end NICOLAI S16 e-mountain bike, provided as part of their stay and powered by a Pinion MGU. The bikes are hand-built in Lower Saxony, Germany. Their Pinion drive combines motor and gearbox; a Gates Belt Drive replaces the chain, with no conventional derailleur.
More holiday, less parking hassle
Parking is scarce on the Ligurian coast. The included 45 km/h electric motor scooters each carry two guests to the beach, the old town or dinner. They charge on surplus solar power from the lodge, so the car can stay parked for the entire holiday. Electric cars can also be charged with this power for the journey home.
The hosts are bike nerds
Betty Janas is the reigning German XCM champion, and Tom Janas is a co-founder of Sportograf. Their Passive House-certified Vertical Lodge sits within Finale Ligure’s world-famous network of over 200 trails, 500 metres above sea level. The hassle-free package includes accommodation, an e-MTB, battery swaps, a lifetime Pro licence for the app and 45 km/h electric motor scooters – for riding, guests only need to bring a helmet and shoes. Prices start at €157 per person per night, depending on the season, group size and length of stay.
