This year’s Cycle Show launched numerous new models from the ranks of well-established brands, as well as introducing fresh faces to the UK’s market and an ‘intelligent power’ product breaking rank with the traditional ideas and positions for powering electric bikes.
Headlines touted the biggest electric bike line up since the show’s launch (back in 2002), as well as reportedly the largest advanced sales for visitors on the Saturday – when Pedelecs attended.
Once again a dedicated e-bike test track had been set up, offering over 100 bikes to test on the outside track, from brands including 50cycles, Powabyke, Emu, Italjet, Juicy and KTM.
Leading the line up on 50cycles’ stand were the Kalkhoff Integrale and Include, models from the Impulse Evo range just launched in the UK.
New from RooDog were the 2016 model of their Striker crossbar e-bike and the new Mayfair.
Slovakian brand, Dema, demonstrated their E-Cross models to the UK public for the first time. Founder, Robert Mateffy, originally established a business designing and selling conversion kits in his home country. Growing that business into other European countries eventually saw Mateffy team up with traditional cycle company Dema, to produce the electric bike offshoot company Dema E-Bicycles, and the models on the display at the NEC.
Dema are planning to make the new bikes available in Q2 2016.
Take Charge, e-bike retailers based in Bath, Cheltenham, Exeter and Woking selling multiple e-bike brands, chose to display their SmartMotion range at the show. The New Zealand brand is renowned for its part in ensuring a reliable postal delivery service over undulating home territory.
Momentum Electric were demonstrating their latest developments in the form of a step-through prototype, alongside their Upstart model, with a new Model T due out shortly.
Cambridge engineers, ARCC Innovations, launched their e²-pod to the world at the NEC. Currently available pre-fitted to either the Moulton TSR and Cinelli Mystic Rat bicycles, this kit utilises a 4.0 Ah Bosch battery which you can pick up off-the-shelf for around £80. ARCC tells us this battery gives a typical range of about 30 miles and can be recharged in an hour on a desk top charger.
The total weight of the bike, motor and battery is around 12.4kg for the Cinelli and 17.3kg for the Moulton.
The Pedego stand added its usual splash of colour to the day’s activities, with the brightly coloured Comfort Cruisers accompanying the unique Cargo Stretch and the ‘ultra’ low step through Boomerang on display. Early in the 2014 season, Pedego launched the first ‘fat’ e-bike, the Trail Tracker, which was originally shown as a concept at Interbike 2 years’ prior. Positive reactions saw the Trail Tracker go into full production.
Peak-district based Juicy Bikes displayed their colourful range of retro-styled electric bikes at the show; show discounts are being extended until the end of September.
Rough terrain addicts found further fat bikes from Haibike, showcasing their Sduro FullFatSix, and Cube, with their 2016 Nutrail Hybrid fat bike.
French company V’elo Electrique demonstrated their lightweight, electric folder. Looking to branch into the UK market with their 16”, 9.9Kg ‘Pocket+’ the company say it folds to just over 12” square in around 20 seconds.
Italjet, purveyors of heavily-crafted e-bikes, styling firmly in the world of retro motorbikes, showcased their unique range, including the Angel and Ascot.
Amps – home of the Wisper brand – echoed others’ sentiments of brisk-paced interest and sales throughout their 4 day stay at the NEC. With several new models on display from premium brand Riese & Muller and Diavelo, also launched were SE versions of the new 905/705 Torque retailing at £995.
