Green cycles

25 June 2020

Green technology is expected to become even more prominent in the ‘new normal’ as people find eco-friendly alternatives to traditional equipment.

One specialist hirer is already finding keen interest in a range of battery powered transport solutions that it is promoting across diverse markets.

Electric Wheels offers a variety of tough bikes, scooters and all-terrain vehicles from its base in Thetford, Norfolk.

Director Chris Hurdle tells me that the electric motor bikes are currently proving popular with farmers and agronomists for seasonal work. “They need to travel between narrow rows of crops as they make inspections and take soil samples. Normally they would have to walk or drive a cumbersome compact tractor, and the bikes are so much more convenient.

“They are ideal for work in dry conditions, when tinder-like vegetation could pose a fire risk if using equipment with hot petrol or diesel engines.”

The Ubco-branded bikes, which were developed in New Zealand, are also being used by environmentally conscious construction site managers. “One of our long-term hires is to a large house building site. The bike they have is fitted with special off-road tyres and it can access all areas, even in thick mud. It saves the manager having to walk up to ten miles a day and we service the machine regularly on a same-day basis.”

Normally the events industry would be another target market, but Covid-19 has obviously had a dramatic impact. However, there are many other users of these near-silent bikes, such as people working at orchards, estates, solar farms and beaches.

The Electric Wheels portfolio also includes battery powered 4x4 buggies, and Chris says that these are becoming the work vehicle of choice for environmentally aware farmers.