BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Electric bike specialist EBCO has added Evans Cycles and Rutland Cycling to its growing dealer base.
According to EBCO, this is indicative of the increase of cycle dealers large and small stocking e-bikes and "proof positive that electric bikes are earning their position in mainstream cycling and have reached that important tipping point".
Evans Cycles will be stocking EBCO in a six store strategic trial with a view of rolling out to more stores during the year.
“One of the main reasons for the comparative slow growth of the UK e-bike market has been the lack of product visibility," said Paul Stanforth from EBCO.
"This is changing rapidly, we have already seen EBCO e-bikes selected by not only independent retailers and specialist e-bike shops but also from major Retailers such as Cycle Republic, Chain Reaction (destination Store) Halfords, Edinburgh Cycle Co-Op and now Rutland Cycling and Evans Cycles.
"We believe EBCO have been selected not only for our extended range with quality e-bikes retailing from £899 to £2250 (featuring industry leading motor systems from Bosch, Shimano Steps and TranzX) but also for our commitment to training, both workshop and sales focused with strong aftersales back up resulting in a very strong retail proposition coupled with the EBCO brand in what must be the largest visible e-bike footprint in the UK e-bike market.”
Evans Cycles’ Joel Natale, Commercial Director – Bikes & Own Brand, added: "Evans Cycles has been in and out of the e-bike market like many others over the last 25 years. Having been burnt previously it made sense to partner with suppliers we trustwho could support their brand and our stores like EBCO. We can all see the rise of e-bike use and the maturing of the market in Europe, as such it felt like the right time to re-enter the e-bike market.”
EBCO added: "The number of IBDs stocking e-bikes is growing. IBDs are seeing a refreshed business opportunity in e-bikes as new reliable technology, competitive pricing and contemporary e-bikes styling bring younger riders into the market adding to the constantly growing existing e-bike consumers. We increasingly see more shop space given to e-bikes which is a positive move and alongside our specialist training and after sales support and back up gives both the dealer and consumer more confidence in the product."
