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Halfords To Sell Electric Bikes
Halford's Britain's biggest retailer of bikes is to launch a range of electric bikes.
The e-bike is already well established in mainland Europe. In the Netherlands, over 120,000 will be sold this year, and it's thought annual sales could hit 300,000 shortly. In Germany, e-bike sales are expected to account for a third of all bike sales by 2012.
Sales in the UK are predicted to follow this trend. According to the British Electric Bicycle Association sales could be up this year by 33 per cent - to 30,000 electric bikes.
Halfords, which sells over one in three of all cycles bought in Britain, is stocking the Urbanmover brand of e-bikes in an 80 store trial.
"We believe the moment has arrived for the e-Bike," says Halfords cycles expert Sue Crawford. "They offer a real alternative to people concerned about rising fuel prices and the environment. We are convinced that, as in other parts of Europe, they will not be a short term trend."
The bikes are expected to appeal to commuters as a low cost way of getting to work, leisure cyclists, who want to take it easy and car drivers, who see the e-bikes as an alternative way of getting around.
Owners can save money and help the environment. A 20 mile journey on an electric bike costs just 5p compared to £2.00 in fuel for a 1200cc petrol car. There is also no need for a driving license, road tax or congestion fees and the bike is easy to use with no carbon emissions**.
Mark Loveridge, co founder of the British Electric Bicycle Association, said: "Halford's entry into the market is certain to provide a boost to the sector. We expect demand for these bikes to be strong."
The UM44L U-Sprite Electric Bike travels up to 20 miles on one battery charge. It features a lightweight aluminium frame and weighs only 22.4kg (incl battery), a simple-to-use handlebar mounted controller and puncture resistant tyres. Power is from a rear wheel mounted 200w motor. Priced at £649.99.
The mountain bike style, UM33X Motion Electric Bike is priced at £899.99, It features a gel saddle, front suspension forks and durable tyres that make it ideal for use on tow paths or park trails.
Loveridge added: "This sector really shows the potential to go mainstream very quickly."
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**At point of use