For years the e-bike market grew slowly. That was because the technology was limited, while most designs looked clunky and unattractive.
A typical model weighed more than 30kg. On a good day it might give you ten miles of assistance. It was often unreliable too, and warranty support was patchy at best. As a result, both bike dealers and shoppers kept their distance.
Ten years on, the picture has changed. Global demand for better batteries has come mostly from mobile phones. Thanks to that push, an e-bike can now cover 60 to 100 miles on one charge. Buyers wanted bikes that ride better, look better and actually improve daily life. ONEBOT says its aim has always been to adopt new technology first. It also wants to build e-bikes people are proud to be seen on.
Over the last three years it has become clear that e-bikes are here to stay. So small businesses in the sector need to accept the technology. They also need to learn why consumers and companies now pick e-bikes over regular cycles.
The dealers who sell the most tend to focus on one or two brands that do not compete. Shoppers get unsure when they face too many choices, especially since many e-bikes look alike across brands.
ONEBOT makes only e-bikes. It has spent almost five years developing and refining the technology. Besides its products, it also invests heavily in its dealer network. The company prefers independent dealers, because it believes it can help them get the most out of the market.
Since its start in 2013, ONEBOT has followed the same plan: high-quality, reliable, stylish e-bikes at sensible prices. It keeps pushing its technology forward in an effort to stay ahead of rivals. This year it released the S6, which has a unique 3D design. Its magnesium alloy frame is made without soldering.
The company has also deepened its relationship with Shimano, since it rates Shimano’s central crank motor as the best on the market. In turn, Shimano displayed a ONEBOT e-bike on its stand at CES in Las Vegas. The show ran January 9 to 12, 2018, and the bike stood in South Hall 1, Booth 21562. Meanwhile, ONEBOT keeps updating its designs and adding models to its growing range.