Explore the Pignada forest in Anglet by electric scooter!

A few minutes from the heart of the town of Anglet and its 11 beaches discreetly nestles the last wooded dune of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Sublime place to stroll and paradise of biodiversity , the Pignada forest remains the largest natural area on the entire Basque coast . A haven of peace and tranquility for hikers and athletes who I explore on the handlebars of an all-terrain electric scooter , accompanied by a cheerful team of nature lovers.

Discover the giant electric scooter and a remarkable forest heritage

Yesterday toy for toddlers, today an eco-responsible means of transport . In the past decade, the scooter has hopped from a pleasant leisure distraction into a real means of travel, embodying an eco-friendly lifestyle. Since its invention in 1895, this thin board mounted on two wheels and fitted with an articulated steering rod has evolved.

In Anglet , Jean-Daniel, the founder of UHINA reveals to me one of the last models of electric scooters appeared on the market: a concept inspired by the Fat Bike with large tires, completely exclusive. His choice fell on several decisive criteria, compliance and safety are the watchwords. UHINA's superb scooters fully comply with French traffic laws : the speed of scooters is bridled at 25Km / h and in perfect adequacy with the regulations in force in urban areas as well as on greenways, cycle paths and forest trails. It opts for 100% electric and silent machines, robust, comfortable, suitable for all sizes and "all terrain" to pass without obstacle small obstacles and cross hills without losing speed on sandy soil. The top!

UHINA: kayaking, rafting and scooters!

Jean Daniel presents the scooter to the group

Originally, Jean-Daniel, a Basque passionate about nature and the great outdoors, offers with UHINA kayaking and rafting trips in the white waters of the hinterland. In 2018, seduced by the beauty of the Pignada forest , he launched an original nature ride project in electric scooter in partnership with the town hall of Anglet . “This project was born out of a real crush for this wild space at the gates of Biarritz. This forest is one of the 11 protected areas in the department, it is a real privilege today to explore it with visitors and make them aware of its preservation through the guided tours that we organize. The town of Anglet and the forest park are unique in the Basque Country, they are home to 23 protected plant species out of 75 in France. This exceptional heritage is a national treasure, ”he confides to me.

A fun and educational course with lots of surprises!

Make way for action! The meeting with the other participants - in groups of 8 people maximum - is fixed in the parking lot of the Gymnasium Le Pignada at the edge of the forest . Jean-Daniel and Julien, our guide, prepare the scooters. After a short briefing on the operation, on starting and on the change of the 5 gears , we take possession of our scooters. The first meeting with the XXL tire machine is impressive. We are closer to professional mountain biking than to children's toys!

A few laps in the car park are necessary to get started with scooters before setting off into the forest. Balance is found very quickly. Easy to use , there are only two simple things to understand: the accelerator is used to accelerate, the brakes to brake. We drive at a pace to the path that enters the woods. A stop is essential in front of the information panel and Julien takes a few minutes to approach the incredible biotope of this preserved site composed mainly of maritime pines and cork oaks . Let's go for 1h30 of stroll and thrills on a natural carpet of sand and pine needles! The electric scooter is quickly tamed and the small group propels itself gently through the sumptuous wooded landscapes that parade before our eyes!

Throughout the walk Julien tells us unusual anecdotes about the forest. A first stop is made at the water collection point . In fact, the Pignada forest contributes greatly to the protection of the region's underground and drinking water . During the second break, we discover with surprise the "Secret Hut", the work of Daniel, a local artist committed to the preservation of this unique environment.

Stop at the Secret Shack

A walk accessible to all

The standing position , specific to the scooter, is very pleasant and the gaze riveted towards the horizon, conducive to contemplating the sublime decor. Another highlight of this scooter ride is that it is aimed at all audiences. A family activity accessible to all ages with 2 distinct models: a scooter intended for children from 8 years old and a scooter for adults and adolescents from 11 years old. Everyone has fun in their own way: this nature walk pleases all participants.

An experience that I highly recommend as a couple , with friends or family for its originality, its new sensations and its conviviality , in harmony with nature!

Practical information :

Accessible to all from 8 years old, walking in with Uhina scooters are made by reservation from ¹ April 2020.

On the equipment side, consider wearing a good pair of shoes. UHINA provides you with the helmet on site.

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Photos and Article prepared by Lesley Williamson for the Guide to the Basque Country

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