Boost secures angel investor cash for UK-made eBike retrofit kit
An electric bike conversion kit designed and made in the UK by design engineer and cycle trade member Nick Bailey has secured a pot of cash to expand the production and begin to seed the product in bike shops.
The product is said to be the first of its kind seeking bike shop distribution (most competitors sell directly to the consumer) and, with that in mind, Boost says there exists an opportunity to convert a customer not able to afford a complete electric bike rather than lose the sale.
Moreover, there an estimated 38 million bikes that sit dormant in the UK which could be revived, says Founder Nick. He told CI.N that, further afield, a European pilot is underway in Copenhagen.
“This cash will go toward the expansion of our UK manufacturing capability, build on our R&D efforts and help us extend our current shop network from around 30 to over 100 domestically,” he started.
The business is currently closing a six-figure angel investment raise. Backers are drawn from a community of high net-worth individuals who have an interest in sustainable travel and have already successfully invested in cycling innovation.
The kit was developed by Design Engineer Nick Bailey, tapping into his dual passions of bikes and building things. “I like to think I’m part of that great British tradition of tinkering with bits and pieces to create something new and exciting. Over the years I’ve repaired and rebuilt dozens of bikes and now I’m on a mission to help others rescue theirs. Boost will enable people everywhere to update their old bikes and encourage them to get out and ride more often.”
Accepting that not all retailers will have the appetite to invest in the lower, but more accessible end of the electric bike space, Nick says that carriage of his kit will keep sales staff agile.
“The kits are essentially a simple way for bike shops to grow their eBike capacity,” he says, adding “Mechanics also find the kit really easy to fit.”
“We’ve had great support from Boost, although I haven’t really needed it – the kit is super-simple to install. Among other things the pedal sensor is built into the motor,” commented a mechanic from one of the first shops already to join the Boost network.
The kits are already available and due to this current fundraise, with local supply is set to grow significantly.
Shops can purchase the kits from £350. This price includes the motor, a 50km range battery and the Boost controller as well as access to the complementary Boost app. Kits can be supplemented with an optional wireless handlebar display unit. Wheel-building can be done either by the shop themselves, or with Boost support as necessary. All things considered, the RRP to the consumer is circa £580 (+ VAT).
Shops will be able to view the system in April at the Cycle Show, taking place at Alexandra Palace.
Detailed tech spec is available at boostbike.uk.
For all trade enquiries, please email here.
CyclingIndustry.News will carry a fuller profile with Boost in our next magazine, to which you may subscribe here. (Print UK only, digital worldwide).
