Hampshire: CycloTricity launches UK's first full assembly line for electric bikes
The electric bike market in countries such as Holland and Germany is way ahead of that in the UK, but Aldershot-based CycloTricity is working hard to close the gap. The company has recently announced the launch of what it believes to be the UK's first-ever assembly factory for electric bicycles.
IT has invested £180,000 in new facilities which will enable it to produce 3,000 bikes in the first year rising to 10,000 bikes over the following three.
As part of the assembly process CycloTricity will also be helping to support UK manufacturing by working with a number of small engineering firms to source some of its components.
Electric bikes have a reputation for being expensive but, by taking the manufacturing and assembly process in-house, CycloTricity is seeing both improved quality control and more effective cost management. This has enabled it to produce a range of great-looking, hi-spec e-bikes – all of which come with a detachable battery pack for easy re-charging.
The company is also using 3D printing and other rapid prototyping techniques as part of its design process. This is helping it to produce new models, the first of which will be a stylish step-through folding bike targeting women.
Managing director Rami Akily said: "This is the UK's first full assembly line for e-bikes which is very exciting. There is a misconception that 'Made in Britain' comes with a premium price tag, as we can also be very efficient in manufacturing highly technical and innovative products.
“E-bikes are a fantastic way of keeping fit but they can also help the rider to negotiate the more challenging slopes and hills.
“Over the past few years we have seen an undeniable increase in their popularity. Our sales are increasing year on year and we are very optimistic about seeing even greater market growth."
