HB&O help Electric Bike Company spark commuters into action

Sept. 16, 2010 - PRLog -- The collection of ‘e-bikes’ are designed by Ebco, who are based at Pegasus Court in Warwick and will launch at the Cycle Show in London’s Earl’s Court on Thursday, October 7.

Combining stylish design with state-of-the-art technology, they are a far cry from the murmuring machines of the past and fall in line with the government’s cycle to work scheme - which could encourage commuters to ditch their cars in favour of pedal power.

“What sets this range of bikes apart is that style and design have been heavily considered in their production,” said Paul Stanforth who runs Ebco along with his brother Rick.

“Traditionally electric bikes have been aimed at older people but this market is starting to explode and we hope people will want to use them for commuting and for leisure.

“Under the government’s cycle to work scheme, employers can buy these bikes and claim the VAT back by hiring them out to employees, who then get a £1000 bike for effectively half the price.”

New laws state that electric bikes must be partially powered by pedalling in order to avoid being classed as a vehicle, which would require tax and insurance.

And Paul believes the additional power could persuade people to use the bikes for their daily commute as it would allow them to exercise without getting ‘sweaty and uncomfortable’ before a full day at work.

The Stanforth brothers previously owned Saracen mountain bikes, which sold over a million bikes in its heyday. The brothers sold that company in 2008 but feel their latest venture has similar potential.

“The electric bike market is in a similar position to mountain-biking during the mid-eighties, it is poised for significant growth,” said Paul.

“In Holland one in every eight bikes is electric and therefore, electric bikes account for a third of the value of their bicycle market.

“We have 400 e-bikes ready for the launch and although we have not set any specific targets, there has already been a lot of interest and we hope to double our turnover every year, for the next three years.”

Having researched the market for two years, the Stanforths have a good idea of the market they are entering and will have a familiar face alongside them in the shape of Leamington-based financial advisers Harrison Beale & Owen.

“Harrison Beale & Owen have been with us for 25 years,” said Stanforth.

“They were with us during the Saracen bikes era and we had no hesitation involving them in this latest project because they always served us well.”

Rob Kendall, managing director of Harrison Beale & Owen, said: “Rick and Paul’s knowledge of this market is first class and we have every confidence in them.

“They put a lot of work into designing and developing their ideas so it is great to see the final products and they deserve all the success that comes their way.”

For further information email info@ebco-ebikes.co.uk or visit www.ebco-ebikes.co.uk.

END

Pic: (ebco bike 2 and 4) (l-r) Rick Stanforth from Ebco, Rob Kendall, managing director at Harrison Beale &Owen and Paul Stanforth from Ebco

(ebco bike 9) (l-r) Rob Kendall, Rick Stanforth and Paul Stanforth


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