Our Story
WalkSmart was officially founded in 2017 by Seb Aroney and the team at Modern Power Solutions. For some years previous to this, Modern Power Solutions had been involved with the wholesale and supply of e-mobility products across Australia. Wholesaling these products direct to retailers via platforms such as DropShip Zone, Catch of the day and eBay,
It was between 2016-2017 that the decision was made to separate and develop WalkSmart into its own brand. The vision was formed, to create a new online and in-store experience, solving the problems other retailers made while filling a gap within the market.
The need for a re-imagined all-in-one e-mobility store was increasing as the products took off in demand. Our vision was to combine importing, retailing, servicing and warranty handling into the one business.
Seb and his team developed a business model with a focus beyond selling the product.
"We quickly realised that selling the product was only part of the job."
"The types of products we are dealing with are unique, with unique requirements. Given the nature of the product, ridden by our customers, used in tough environments- on-going maintenance, servicing and warranty repairs are significantly higher than other products, such as fridges or computers for example. Yet many retailers sell them as if they are the same"
At WalkSmart, we understand this and have taken steps to provide the best possible user experience both before and after a sale:
- We have an in-house workshop to repair the products we sell, giving us the ability to handle warranty directly instead of pointing customers to the manufacturing corporations for product repairs. Many of the manufacturers are overseas, so warranty repairs are difficult and costly for the customer.
- We have a service centre, stocking all parts and maintenance tools to ensure our customer's electric vehicles are functioning 100% at 100% of the time even if they are out of warranty.
- We have an excellent team of staff that are there to help our customers compare between electric vehicles, allowing them to determine which model is best for them.
"Our vision for the store was based on the car dealerships model. Having the showroom out the front, service centre at the rear, and test driving facilities in the courtyard."
"Our plan for 2019 and beyond is to continue opening up stores in other capital cities, Melbourne next, then Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. As we believe the brick and mortar store model is both optimal and paramount for these products."
