all i'm saying is there is lots of things to worry about - and worrying about promoting eBikes because some youths might want to use them illegally is probably not something that needs to be that high up your list.

 

kids want to ride BMX's, mini motos and generally look cool... not ride something that would interest their Dad, the electronics engineer that they have to pedal to get up to a speed that a moped could easily do.

long live the ebike. Until about 8 years ago I hadn't ridden a bike for about 28 years. I then got a Powabyke and eventually decided i wanted to go further so got my Agattu. On Saturday I completed my 2nd successive London to Paris ride for charity with 300 miles and lots of hills on a non electric road bike, something I never dreamt a would be able to do a few years ago.

All this made possible by an ebike getting me fit enough to be able to go non electric.....

Thats exactly the story we're hearing all over the place But how did you find out about eBikes?

 

My soon moved out of our house and took the best bike with him.

Hence I needed a new bike.

I wanted a bike that would make me go more out than my previous bikes.

Thats when I got the idea to buy an ebike.

I wanted something not looking like an old ladies bike. Stealth looking. Relatively lightweight, good torque and good top speed.

Then I searched the web and found my BH Race the most attractive.

I have not regreted buying it for one second :-).

 

 

 

Thats exactly the story we're hearing all over the place But how did you find out about eBikes?

I was looking on the internet one day when I stumbled across Powabykes....the rest is history !

We're investing in a much larger demo fleet to support this for 2016 and an event trailer we can take to dealer events.

 

However we genuinely are struggling to find a successful way of advertising the eBike side of our brand, at a brand level.

 

I can imagine one area you might want to focus on is the cycle to work scheme, I'd imagine one thing that would put people off is imagine slogging into work, up a hill, getting into work a panting, sweating mess but an ebike helps share the effort so you don't get to work looking like you need an ambulance :-)

 

I did a charity ride recently for the British Heart Foundation (ran by the Knowle & Dorridge Lions), without my ebike (converted using a kit, sadly pre-made ones are too expensive for me as ill health prevents work) I wouldn't have been able to raise the £200 + gift aid for a good cause, so maybe contacting charities that do bike rides would be another avenue of spreading the word.

 

Sportives are a cyclist magnet, there are some that are very ebike friendly so approaching their organisers might help, have a presence with some demo bikes, catalogues, etc.

 

Another wild suggestion, try contacting Mike Bushell from BBC Breakfast, he is always willing to try/promote things to get people active, he might do a piece on ebikes.

 

If you find this helpful and feel the need to give me a free ebike.... Well worth asking :-p

You raise an interesting point Steveindenmark.

 

We have a massive problem working out where to actually advertise eBikes, especially the more sporty ones. The potential customers are so wide ranging, its hard to do any targeted advertising at the brand level, because where do you do it?

 

At the moment the best form of promotion for eBikes tends to be made at the dealer level by active dealers taking bikes out for people to try, and also eBike customers themselves promoting the concept to others.

 

We're investing in a much larger demo fleet to support this for 2016 and an event trailer we can take to dealer events.

 

However we genuinely are struggling to find a successful way of advertising the eBike side of our brand, at a brand level.

Sorry, you've misunderstood me. We're not struggling to sell bikes, we sold out again this year. We want to support our dealers and do more advertising, but so far everything we've tried has been a total waste of money.

 

Regarding the price, I'm afraid KTM and I suspect Haibike will never make cheap bikes... there are certain price points that with the components we use you simply can't get below without compromise that many brands don't want to make. The premium brands do offer very competitive pricing and I would argue they are exceptional value, but yes at £1500.00+ to many, they can not be described as cheap.

I am beginning to notice more ebikes in Swansea, but all are ridden by the over 50s if not 60s.

Some ask me about mine and wince when I tell them the price.

Strangely, the other day I was stopped by of all things, a 'Stop me and Buy One' ice cream van. He wanted to know all about it, but he was in his 50s

Locally, the one BIG thing and I cannot stress this too much is hill climbing ability. Speed and range always come second.

The UK is a hilly and windy country and manufacturers need to realistically interpret '250watt continuous' to provide adequate hill climbing grunt.

As a keen cyclist on both Road and Mtb I didn't really know much about eBikes other than the odd one's I had seen appeared to look like someone had knocked them up in a shed and so dismissed them as uncool and uninteresting and only good for getting to work and back. Then just out of boredom I searched ebay and came across a used Haibike Xduro AllMtn Pro and thought Wow! I had no idea that eBikes could look like this. However not knowing anything about eBikes and the fact the bike was 250 miles away I didn't pursue it. However my interest in eBikes was sparked so I did more research online and after a while purchased a Haibike Sduro Allmtn RC. I really couldn't be more pleased with any purchase I have ever made and through my enthusiasm my cousin and brother have both bought the same bike and are both very happy with their purchase. Although I am aware of KTM for motor cycles until I joined the forum I was unaware that they made eBikes too. My point to you for your marketing is use ebay. You can sell at list price and use classified ads , show loads of photos and plenty of room for descriptions, etc etc and if you want to throw a Spratt to catch a Mackerel you could sell your ex demo bikes. I am certain you would pick up quite a number of customers for a relatively small cost. If it works don't forget who told you. Regards Ed

Tom, yobbos who want to ride fast steal mopeds. They don't care how old they are.

 

KTM, the original poster is Danish. There is a different mentality to bikes over here. Once the electric bikes came in the shops people started buying them and now you see them every day, they are very common. Admittedly, a lot are being used by the elderly who have come back into biking. We often get a peloton of electric bikes coming past the house on a coffee morning run. There are so many electric bikes that they advertise themselves. They are not the norm, but it is getting close.

 

The "Adventure/Touring" side of electric bikes is new and the manufacturers need to have a dedicated advertising team to look at this and work out a strategy. You cannot have one guy selling SAGA Holidays and 18-30 Holidays, there is too much of a difference. The publics perception of electric bikes is a pensioner riding down the shops to get their morning paper. But it has moved on so much more than that, but the industry has not got the message across.

 

If KTM want to sponsor me to Ride the Long Way Down or Long Way Round to advertise their bikes, I will be happy to oblige. You know what happened the last time KTM rejected an offer like that. :0)

 

I also agree about price, but also understand that if you want a good bike you have to dig deep, especially if it is a bit different. But electric bikes come in very wide range of prices. I can tour on any bike but my tourer cost £2000. It has everything I specifically wanted, all top quality and it doesn't have a motor. The best does not come cheap.

Edited July 31, 201510 yr by steveindenmark

Most people who want to use high speed e-bikes are commuters under 50s.

 

40s: 30mph is plenty

50s: 22mph is plenty

60s: 20mph is plenty

70s+: legal speed is plenty

 

I am 55 and find 15mph fine (and safe) for cycling my 10 mile round commuite through Cambridge City. I can understand people wanting a higher speed cycling on roads or longer commutes. I have a friend at work who has a 48V monster that does 20-25 mph on a longer 30-40 round commute. He constantly has problems with spoke breakage.

 

Jerry

You raise an interesting point Steveindenmark.

 

We have a massive problem working out where to actually advertise eBikes, especially the more sporty ones. The potential customers are so wide ranging, its hard to do any targeted advertising at the brand level, because where do you do it?

 

At the moment the best form of promotion for eBikes tends to be made at the dealer level by active dealers taking bikes out for people to try, and also eBike customers themselves promoting the concept to others.

 

We're investing in a much larger demo fleet to support this for 2016 and an event trailer we can take to dealer events.

 

However we genuinely are struggling to find a successful way of advertising the eBike side of our brand, at a brand level.

 

Colin.....when Kudos first started we did a series of road shows across the UK.....Redbridge,Manifold Trail,East Anglia....the biggest problem is getting enough people to attend,having said that the people who attended were very serious and often bought an e-bike afterwards,some are still contributors to this forum....one bought a KTM....Artstu!

It was fun to do,took us to attractive parts of the UK that I otherwise would not have travelled to,despite a massive marketing effort it was hard to get enough attendance to justify the cost and effort.

It was very important to work with a good local dealer.

They were a better way of testing e-bikes,in a real situation,than the small and congested circuits available at cycle shows,although they offer a much higher footfall,having said that Kudos and KTM will have good stands at the NEC cycle show in September.

What is needed are one day e-bike road shows,going to areas of the UK,where access to a range of e-bikes is not generally available....it needs to be brands which compliment rather than conflict with each other.

So,a good use for your trailer and demo bikes would be go and show e-bikes in the more remote areas of the UK....the lady at the tea rooms on the Manifold Trail would make you most welcome.

KudosDave

This is all correct... but you're drawing lines in the sand regarding legality, and expecting someone to abide by some and not others.

 

I'm not sure how many of these types of youths you know, but having spent a lot of time with the KTM brand now and also having previously worked as a teacher in some of the roughest schools in Oldham, I can assure you - there is little chance of any of them wanting to be seen riding an illegally fast pedelecs. They just aren't cool and are too expensive compared to an equivalent and equally fast and illegal motorbike. They just bomb about on illegal mini motorbikes, that cost pretty much nothing to buy and they never get caught using.

 

This is the sort of thing they are using.

 

http://www.gumtree.com/p/ducati-motorbikes/mini-moto-pocket-bike-50cc/1126853832

 

Colin.....fat e-bikes may change that conception by 14 plus teens,with motors and gears tuned to accelerate rather than speed....although I suspect the techie teenager will soon overcome what speed limiting device we fit....the bikes need to look sexy and cool not old codger style.

KudosDave

Edited August 1, 201510 yr by Kudoscycles

As a keen cyclist on both Road and Mtb I didn't really know much about eBikes other than the odd one's I had seen appeared to look like someone had knocked them up in a shed and so dismissed them as uncool and uninteresting and only good for getting to work and back. Then just out of boredom I searched ebay and came across a used Haibike Xduro AllMtn Pro and thought Wow! I had no idea that eBikes could look like this. However not knowing anything about eBikes and the fact the bike was 250 miles away I didn't pursue it. However my interest in eBikes was sparked so I did more research online and after a while purchased a Haibike Sduro Allmtn RC. I really couldn't be more pleased with any purchase I have ever made and through my enthusiasm my cousin and brother have both bought the same bike and are both very happy with their purchase. Although I am aware of KTM for motor cycles until I joined the forum I was unaware that they made eBikes too. My point to you for your marketing is use ebay. You can sell at list price and use classified ads , show loads of photos and plenty of room for descriptions, etc etc and if you want to throw a Spratt to catch a Mackerel you could sell your ex demo bikes. I am certain you would pick up quite a number of customers for a relatively small cost. If it works don't forget who told you. Regards Ed

 

KTM are not keen on their products being sold on e-bay.

KudosDave

I know that many manufacturers dislike their products on ebay and I understand their position. But that means they are ignoring possibly one the world's largest market places. I was thinking more of classified information ads with lots of photos and details of the models at list price along with a list of dealer's where the bikes could be bought. I sell cars priced between 10k and 20k and get a great responce from eBay classifieds... No body actually buys by clicking but they call us then visit if we can sell cars I am certain you could see bikes but that's only my thoughts. You have a great product from a solid brand so I'm certain you will get there. All the best.

if you want a cheaper bosch motor bike buy it from Germany.

 

and all the other parts as well as still cheaper than uk inc postage.

http://www.mhw-bike.com/ebikes/mountainbikes-fullsuspension/

Thats a good site.

A Haibike Sduro 29er is under £1500 on there with shipping yet the cheapest I can find in the UK is £2290 ,quite a difference.

and a new batt is 480 quid from here also motors as well out of warranty.

 

http://www.pro-cycling-golla.de/Bosch_Active_Performance_Line/Antriebseinheit_Performance_artikel53b84c8b8ded1.html

 

1 uk shop quoted me 1200+vat for a new motor and had to send in mine same as there. total rip off get hole bike for that price lol.

 

and was not ebike shop as dont do motors pmsl

 

Price isn't really an issue, as there are bikes available at all price points. The issue we're having is how do you advertise the concept of eBikes on a national level?

 

I can feel your pain to be honest. It's a hard thing to sell as it's almost one of those things that will sell itself at it's own speed: in a not too dissimilar way that mobile phones sold themselves. First with massive stigma and dismissiveness from the gen-pub, then everyone wanted one. (I know they're not the same but there are comparisons to be made).

 

If I had to advertise them myself, I would focus on the things that they can offer to people that would otherwise have to use a car, for instance. I have two saddle bags on mine and often go shopping with it. I can fill a huge amount of shopping in them and then ride up steep hills to get home. I would never dream of doing that on an unassisted bike. I know this doesn't really suit the KTM brand so much. More so bikes like the Kalkhoff I own and others that come across as more sedate

 

Word of mouth is probably going to be the biggest advert for now.

Just because I have time to waffle.

 

Suspect that:

 

1 - It has to be treated as a series of sub-markets, not a general market, as approaching the US has to be done regionally.

2 - Pedelecs are hamstrung by the same problems as bikes in general - activity perceived as dangerous, excruciatingly bad and limited infrastructure etc.

3 - Promotion as "sports" is optimistic, since it seems to be more about making sports available to people who need it to be easier - either extending capabilities or extending possible achievement.

4 - Promotion as "convenient" might be a better call. In general or 'sports made convenient' eg for the uphills. "E-bike: make life downhill".

5 - Is the awareness bit best for an industry association.

6 - Not sure about budgets. For businesses I have seen minority TV channels (Dave?), Facebook and Groupon have worked well. is it all going to have to be viral.

 

Ideas for greater awareness.

 

a - The best I have for general awareness is sponsored ebikes for community policemen, since they need extra range as they are being reduced.

 

b - I like this video comparing the "road" and "cyclepath" routes through a junction.

 

Can something similar be done promoting strengths of ebikes vs pushbikes. eg Going to a local offroad centre. Garage containing ebike, car and pushbikes. Gets on ebike + goes to centre, compared to rack on car, nike on rack, drive to centre etc.

Other similar comparisons - hilly commute?

 

c - Are there focused opportunities where policies are specifically anti-motorist (London, Brighton, Oxford etc) eg for local businesses and cargo ebikes. That is a segment made for ebikes.

 

d - I think that having loan bikes available for say 2 weeks more easily would make a difference for some.

 

e - There's something in being able to increase safety by going at 15mph not 5 mph in a 20 zone.

 

f - Not sure how to exploit it, but my reasons for an e-assist are extended comfortable range and commuting sweat free in civvies ("Ebike: No Sweat"). Is there a comparison about commuters - person in work outfit vs lycra plus shower.

 

g - Is there something in helping recovery from injury/illness - can start with lots of assist then gradually less. How to link in?

 

Wildcards

 

Is anyone specifically addressing the banned driver market segment? There seem to be a few around.

 

Would love to see a vid of an ebike and trailer delivering a load of bread effortlessly up the Hovis Hill to a suitable commentary. ("That was then. This is now. Ebike for Business.")

 

Hmmm. What about the idea that the little lad grew up and is now doing the deliveries on his ebike/trike at 86 years old. Or even a 7 ages of man idea lad -> moped -> mini JapVan -> car -> ... -> ebike.

 

Cobbles. 200m. 1 in 6. E-Bike "Hovis Hill Climb"?

http://road.cc/content/blog/59204-hell-hovis-hill

 

F

Edited August 3, 201510 yr by Ferdinand

Would love to see a vid of an ebike and trailer delivering a load of bread effortlessly up the Hovis Hill to a suitable commentary. ("That was then. This is now. Ebike for Business.")

 

That was the sort of vibe I was trying to get across. Good one!

>Would love to see a vid of an ebike and trailer delivering a load of bread effortlessly up the Hovis Hill to a suitable commentary. ("That was then. This is now. Ebike for Business.")

 

Can we crowd-source this? I'm interested.

 

Try this short script - appropriate accent.

 

1 - Voice over clips

- toiling up hill, rolling down hill, tea and bread.

 

"When he were thirteen Billy Barlow used to deliver all that bread for a bit of fun and a cup of tea."

 

2 - Voice over clips from Ronnie Barker parody.

 

"Now he's 66 Billy can't do it anymore".

 

3 - Voice over newly made clips.

 

"So we bought him one of those He-lectric Bicyles, and now it's like he's thirteen again."

 

Clips required:

a - Bread being loaded into pannier or trailer.

b - Old-looking man in Ronnie Barker style outfit going up hill on pedelec with load of bread looking effortless.

c - Same old-man going back down hill in the feet of style of the boy in the Hovis advert.

d - Helmet cam clips of cycling up and down Gold Hill.

 

4 - Fade out to slogan "Pedelecs - Add a little extra"

 

There could be a quip after 3 above.

 

"But there's never a silver lining. Mrs Barlow has traded Billy in for an older model".

 

Total length to be perhaps 20-30s.

 

Any takers from Shaftesbury area for making those clips?

 

That assumes an e-bike that *can* get up that hill .

 

Ferdinand

>Would love to see a vid of an ebike and trailer delivering a load of bread effortlessly up the Hovis Hill to a suitable commentary. ("That was then. This is now. Ebike for Business.")

 

Can we crowd-source this? I'm interested.

 

Try this short script - appropriate accent.

 

1 - Voice over clips

- toiling up hill, rolling down hill, tea and bread.

 

"When he were thirteen Billy Barlow used to deliver all that bread for a bit of fun and a cup of tea."

 

2 - Voice over clips from Ronnie Barker parody.

 

"Now he's 66 Billy can't do it anymore".

 

3 - Voice over newly made clips.

 

"So we bought him one of those He-lectric Bicyles, and now it's like he's thirteen again."

 

Clips required:

a - Bread being loaded into pannier or trailer.

b - Old-looking man in Ronnie Barker style outfit going up hill on pedelec with load of bread looking effortless.

c - Same old-man going back down hill in the feet of style of the boy in the Hovis advert.

d - Helmet cam clips of cycling up and down Gold Hill.

 

4 - Fade out to slogan "Pedelecs - Add a little extra"

 

There could be a quip after 3 above.

 

"But there's never a silver lining. Mrs Barlow has traded Billy in for an older model".

 

Total length to be perhaps 20-30s.

 

Any takers from Shaftesbury area for making those clips?

 

That assumes an e-bike that *can* get up that hill .

 

Ferdinand

 

Very funny and creative. Would it work? I dunno but it's definitely an entertaining idea