I agree there should be a lot more activity in the north of the country, and we addressing the situation. We are trying to take space as E4 at the Sky ride in Manchester but are having an issue with the organisers at the moment.
If anyone has any suggestions for a venue attached to an event that would attract the type of people that would like to try an electric bike please let me know. If we cant find such an event, would a pure e-bike day be well attended?
All the best
David
To be honest, Manchester is still a bit far south for people in the north-east, Newcastle-upon-Tyne would be a better location. Manchester is about 130 miles from here, probably 150miles for people on Tyneside.
We went to a caravan show at Event City, Trafford Centre, Manchester in February which is where I first saw anyone selling electric bikes, there was only two traders I think, but we made it a weekend away due to the distance. Then a few weeks later there was a smaller caravan show on Teesside where I saw one of these traders again (Poweredbicycles.co.uk), and I got talking to them. They let me have a go of their bikes even though I told them I wouldn't be able to buy from them, as I was getting one on the company cycle to work scheme and they'd chosen to use one supplier for all bikes.
I was impressed with their bikes though, I tried a mountain bike and a folder, as I had been planning on getting a folder to be able to take it to the caravan too. But after trying the mountain bike, I was swayed that way, and as it would be mainly for travel to work, the mountain bike was the better option. The folder felt twitchy, and top heavy.
It was very good of them to let me try them, even though they knew I wouldn't be a sale, and did draw me into wanting an electric bike more. The Fast4ward Peak I ended up getting was better specced in some ways, and not others. It's 36v where theirs was 26v, but they had disc brakes where mine has V brakes (which are actually very good). But the Peak has better gears (Shimano Alivio).
I would think you'd do a lot of business up here, so long as you get the word out about the shows to maximise attendance. Tagging on to other shows is probably better than a standalone show, and cheaper too. There are lots of events up here which would be suitable. We go to classic car shows, often well attended by older people, and the always have stalls at the shows too, possibly a ready made market. There's lots of these throughout the summer season.
There are other big events such as the Pickering Traction Engine Rally in July or August which gets a massive attendance. Any of these types of show would bring you into contact with potential customers. I know everyone who's had a go of my bike has been impressed, it's just getting people to try one.
