The country’s first specialist children’s electric motorcycle dealer opened for business on Monday (8 July). Based at the Wheeldon Off-Road Centre in South Devon, The Bike Volt Ltd is selling Kuberg and Mecatecno kids electric motorcycles, alongside ONE Industries clothing and helmets and Kiddimoto balance bikes.
Brainchild of Mark and Tracie Shippey, the new venture is supplementing its online sales activities with a range of training courses and “try before you buy” demo sessions at its Wheeldon base.
After being approached by manufacturers to test bikes at Wheeldon’s undercover riding area, the Shippey’s say they identified a niche in the market. “There didn’t seem to be anyone just focused on electric bikes and they are definitely part of our future and our kids’ future,” said Mark Shippey.
The new business’s first big test comes at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed where it has been chosen to run a special electric bike area with a dual-purpose trials and motocross course suitable for children up to 12 years old. A fleet of twelve demo bikes will be in action throughout the weekend and ladies trials champion Dani Whitham will be assisting the Shippey’s with expert tuition for the youngsters.
As the school summer holidays rapidly approach, The Bike Volt is anticipating a lot of interest from local youngsters as well as holiday makers. “It’s great to offer a product that encourages a new wave of competent riders before they even start celebrating double figure birthdays,” said Tracie Shippey, who added that as the business grows and electric bike technology progresses it will look to add adult electric bikes to the kids range.
For more information tel 01548 821778 email [email protected]