Halfords targets Electric Generation with E-bike launch

Travels from London to Southampton (80 miles) on one charge

Qualifies for Cycle to Work scheme

Lifespan of 40,000 miles

Britain’s biggest cycle retailer has designed the first electric bike with a range of 80 miles – currently the furthest in the UK. The Carrera Crossfire-E, which can travel from London to Southampton on just one charge, has been specifically priced to qualify for the Government’s Cycle to Work scheme and targets the Electric Generation, the consumer who wants to travel in a clean and environmentally friendly way.

The EU, through the European Cyclists’ Federation, has just launched a project aimed at increasing uptake and promoting policies which stimulate the use of electric bikes in urban transport throughout the continent. With British commuters increasingly opting for low-emission ways to get to work such as charge-as-you-commute cars and electric Boris buses, and with Highways England recently committing to plug-in E-car stations along motorways, demand for new and inexpensive ways of commuting is soaring.

The Crossfire-E has been specifically priced to qualify for the Cycle to Work scheme - which sees customers save up to 42% on the cost of bikes – and depending on their tax and NIC rate, this could reduce the cost of the bike to £580. This new innovation is part of a plan to make e-bikes more affordable, after Mintel research showed price was cited as the primary obstacle to use.

Boasting a range of 80 miles between charges, the Carrera Crossfire-E has a range that would travel from London to Southampton (71 miles). The pedal assisted bike also has more than enough power to take the sweat out of tackling the elevated plains of Box Hill and the rolling hills of Yorkshire.

Powered by a lithium ion battery on the rear wheel hub, as found in mobile phones and electric cars, it takes just six hours to charge and can be recharged thousands of times, in fact it has a lifespan of 40,000 miles.

With a maximum speed of 15.5mph it will help transform the daily commute, widening the audience for e-bikes to a younger, regular commuter.

Craig Matley Halfords e-bike expert says: “We’ve seen the innovations in alternative commuting go from strength to strength and predicted that E-Bikes would be the next big thing for commuters. It was important for this bike to be lighter, with a larger range and to be more affordable too so that the mainstream cyclist typified by the Cycle to Work customer could access all the benefits of an e-commute.”

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For further information please contact Halfords@z-pr.com or 020 7896 3404

About Halfords plc

With over 100 years’ experience of selling cycles, Halfords are the UK's number one bike specialist. At Halfords, we understand that selling a bike is more than providing it in a box.

That is why we offer free* bike build at your local Halfords store even if you buy online and have your bike delivered to your door. We'll also fit free of charge any accessories you've bought at the same time as your bike, whether bought online or in store. We also offer a six-week free health check on your bike.

For more information visit www.halfords.com or www.halfordscompany.com