Skarper, the British start-up backed by six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, is rolling out its innovative click-on e-bike system through a growing network of premium bike shops across the UK.
Skarper is now available nationwide at a select group of independent retailers chosen for their expertise and high-quality service, including Sigma Sports, Lifecycle UK, Billy Bilsland Cycles, Fit to Ride, Pedal Power, and Gary Harris Cycles, with more locations to be announced. Each retailer will have Skarpers in stock, offer demo units for customers to try before buying, and provide professional installation and servicing.
Neil Watts, owner of Fit to Ride in Poole, said, “I only stock products that I truly believe in, and Skarper stood out as a smart solution for cyclists who want the benefits of an e-bike without committing to a whole new setup. Many of my customers want assistance on certain rides but don’t want to give up the feel of their regular bike. Skarper solves that by offering a removable system that’s easy to use and gives a boost that matches a high-performance e-bike. From a retail perspective, it also makes sense – traditional e-bikes take up space and require a significant upfront investment, whereas Skarper gives customers flexibility without the need for retailers to hold large amounts of stock.”
Ean Brown, Co-founder and CEO of Skarper, said, “Expanding our UK retail network is a key step in making our technology accessible to cyclists nationwide. By carefully selecting premium retailers known for their expertise and service, we’re building a network that will ensure that any cyclist in the UK will be within an hour of a Skarper stockist. We’re proud to see Skarper in top bike shops nationwide, and this collaboration will help more riders experience the benefits firsthand.”
Retailers stocking Skarper include:
- Sigma Sports, London, The Midlands and Hertfordshire
- Billy Bilsland Cycles, Glasgow
- Paul Hewitt Cycles, Leyland
- The Gorilla Firm, Peterborough
- Pedal Heaven, Fleet
- Cadence, Bath
- Fit to Ride, Poole
- Lifecycle UK, Ipswich
- AW Cycles, Reading
- Pedal Power, West Calder
- Gary Harris Cycles, Bristol
- Swinnerton Cycles, Stoke-on-Trent
- Worcester Cycle Centre, Worcestershire
- Bicycles By Design, Shropshire
- Fred Williams Cycles, Wolverhampton
Developed with input from engineers at Red Bull Racing’s Advanced Technologies and supported by Sir Chris Hoy, Skarper’s patented DiskDrive system transforms a standard bike into a high-performance e-bike in seconds. The intuitive design and quick-release function let riders switch between manual and electric modes seamlessly, providing an extra boost on challenging climbs and long journeys while keeping the familiar feel of the rider’s own bike.
Backed with nearly £13 million in funding, Skarper has started to deliver its first production batch, which will continue throughout March. The move forms part of a broader strategy to grow the brand and offer a greener, more flexible way to ride.
For more details and your nearest Skarper partner store, visit www.skarper.com.
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