BikeBiz

Electric showroom

Powabyke Having almost trebled year-on-year sales, Powabyke has ‘exciting developments’ on the horizon, such as a folder launch later this year.

Powabyke has found its new X-byke range to be its most popular, selling its first two shipments before they’d docked.

Powabyke MD Nick Child explains: “For years people have been dabbling with the idea of getting out of cars, saving money and reducing their carbon footprint, but until now it hasn’t been easy.”

“With the X-byke we have created a vehicle that’s easy to commute with, potentially saving thousands of pounds a year. The message is getting across, and people are warming to e-bikes, particularly our sleek, light-weight X-bykes, as a modern urban must-have."

Better profit margins on the X-byke range have seen bike dealers cash in too.

The Powabyke MD added: "We’ve used our experience to create a dealer-friendly electric bike. With attitude changes to the electric bikes market, more consumer footfall is being driven into shops."

Powacycle Infineum is the new high-end brand of electric bicycles from PowaCycle, the UK’s biggest electric bike brand. The modern-styled Infineum Extreme will be available from March 2009. Further models, including a continental-style and folding bike are in development for 2009.

The range of bicycles offers retailers good margins, has been designed for easy serviceability and with the stackable battery concept, lightweight frames, and stylish looks, offer retailers many unique selling points.

The Infineums carry a patented stackable battery system, which allows for unlimited range. Each battery weighs less than 2kg and can offer 25-33 miles cycling. Each extra battery placed onto the bike increases the range by that much again.

All the components of the Infineum are connected to a wiring loom close to the component itself, meaning that if an individual part fails on the bike, replacing it is quick and easy.

Mission Mission’s latest electric tricycle –the Transmission –replaces its original US- designed, Taiwan-made tricycle. The earlier model hit problems when the US firm went bust, leaving the distributor high and dry. But the company was able to overcome the difficulties and now Mission imports its model direct from an established Taiwan factory.

The 24-inch wheeled Transmission currently has a lead acid battery to keep prices competitive, bearing in mind the Tricycle is purchased by the older consumer and those who are disabled. At a retail price of £795 (trade £475) the Transmission is one of the most affordable e-trikes available.

Mission owner David Wiltshire said: “We’re looking at different batteries in future. Consumers have yet to realise that replacement batteries cost less than running a scooter or car for a year. The European directive for Tricycles is hard to define, but we’ve followed it to the best advice.” When fully charged total riding distance equates to about 35km with a load of 120kg, including rider weight.

Giant Giant’s Hybrid Cycling Technology works differently to a traditional throttle powered e-bike. The Hybrid integrates a state-of-the-art power system that works harmoniously with your pedal power to provide a seamless output of energy.

Giant created a system that combines leg power with an electric motor to give all types of riders the ability to travel further, faster and with greater ease –ideal for those looking for something to take the edge off your daily commute.

What’s most important about these technologies is that they are essentially invisible to the rider. For those who simply want to hop on a bike and head out on a great ride, Hybrid Cycling Technology allows them to do just that. Other than charging the batteries and flipping the 'on’ switch, there’s nothing else a rider must do to experience the pure fun of hybrid-powered cycling.

Izip Moore Large has been distributing the American IZIP electric bike brand for over three years, establishing a network of over 50 stockists throughout the UK.

“We have experienced year-on-year growth with sales in 2008 exceeding 1,500 units, giving the IZIP brand a substantial market share of the recently reported UK estimated sales figures,” says brand manager Gary Mather. “Our test bike scheme has made a significant difference to our dealers’ sales conversion rates as they are allowing potential consumers to try before they buy –which usually results in a purchase.”

The range consists of six models retailing between £449.95 for the Trailz ST entry-level model through to the sophisticated Lithium-Ion powered Trekking LI at £1,299.95. The range also includes a folding bike with 16-inch wheels and a very popular 24-inch tricycle. Further range developments were presented to dealers during the recent seminars at Moore Large’s head offices.

The new IZIP Express and Urban Cruiser Enlightened will both become available later in 2009.  

Dealers interested in becoming an IZIP stockist should contact the Moore Large sales team on 01332 274252 or any of the company’s field sales force.

50 Cycles From late 2007 50 Cycles has focused on Kalkhoff's range of electric bikes. Based on the tech behind Panasonic's Japanese WiLL bike, but beefed up for the more demanding European market, Kalkhoff's Agattu, Tasman and Pro Connect electric bikes are now UK best-sellers.

Each model comes in the full range of frame sizes and boasts long range (up to 50 miles on a charge). The two headline models will be the Kalkhoff Patagonia and Endeavour, high-end touring bikes that feature Rohloff's 14-speed hub gear. 50cycles caters for customers spreading the cost of ownership through finance or Cycle To Work. The firm is also keen to speak to cycle hire centres, after pilot electric bike hire schemes proved popular.

Bronx Following the success of its electric bikes over the past two years, Bronx has now expanded the range to include 26-inch ladies and 700c gents models with seven-speed and six-amp batteries. Bronx has also introduced three-speed trikes in 20 and 24-inch wheel sizes with a ten-amp battery.  

The battery used on the Surnrunner e-bikes/trikes is lithium Iron Phosphate-based. It is small in size and light in weight. Bronx claims that it is the safest and most suitable for high output and long cycle life. The battery itself is guaranteed for three years or 1,000 charges. It has also been proven as the most environmentally friendly battery choice, according to Bronx.

Gazelle Cycle Imports Gazelle Cycle Imports’ technical manager Kenny Hope tells BikeBiz: "Electric bikes sales have increased dramatically as tech has made e-bikes a realistic alternative for people.”

The Easy Glider’s popularity and added interest in the new Innergy range have upped Gazelle sales. And the firm has a model for all –from 24-speed trekking style Medeo Innergy to the Chamonix Innergy –one of its most popular in Europe. Hope added: "Gazelle has reported a massive sales increase in Holland. If Europe is turning to ebikes then dealers have to ask not if we want to sell electric bikes, but if we can afford not to."

Reece Cycles The Python Metro, available exclusively through Reece Cycles, is made from lightweight alloy and comes equip with a six-speed Shimano derailleur.

As a pedal-assist bike, the model can hit the top-end legal e-bike speed of 15 mph and has a typical range of 25 miles per charge. Designed to feel like a relaxed commuter with a low-maintenance build, the bike is fully adjustable and, utilising a removable battery, easily charged. The pedal-assist bike also comes with front and rear lights, which handily turn on and off at the saddle.

The Metro rolls on deep section alloy rims and features a front V-brake and a rear mechanical disc. A 250w Brushless motor powers the bike, running on energy from a Lithium Polymer 36V 8ah battery. The battery takes around four to six hours to charge and lasts for an estimated 500 cycles.

The bike's parts carry a one-year warranty, while that extends to two years for the frame.