The Electric Bike Shop opened in Harrogate today, hoping to capitalise on cycling’s increased popularity since lockdown.
The shop, situated in the former Fulton’s Food unit on Leeds Road, has about 50 electric bikes in store, with more coming soon. Brands include Raleigh, Cube and Moustache.
It also sells cycling accessories and has an in-store workshop that undertakes repairs for electric and non-electric bikes.
Some of the bikes for sale.
The bikes range in price from £1,600 to £8,000 and contain rechargeable batteries that can last for between 20 and 70 miles.
It is The Electric Bike Shop’s ninth shop in England. Five have opened in the last 18 months, highlighting the impact of covid and environmental concerns on cycling participation.
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Kurt Davison, who manages the Harrogate branch, has been working in the electric bike market for eight years. He said:
“I’ve seen the industry grow and grow and it is now at a stage where it is no longer pigeon-holed as something for older people or people who don’t usually ride. Electric bikes make hills and headwind enjoyable!”
Harrogate Electric Bikes already operates in Harrogate and some other bike shops also include a selection of electric bikes.
The shop is in the former Fulton’s Foods unit on Leeds Road.
Alan Fowler, retail director of the Electric Bike Shop, said the quality of electric bikes had improved significantly in the last five years.
He added the product was well suited to Harrogate because it contained commuters to York and Leeds as well as pleasure riders in the Yorkshire Dales. He said:
“Harrogate suits our demographic really well.”
The shop employs three staff and plans to recruit one more.
