the person behind the business
Gocycle prospers in the fast lane Richard Thorpe, founder and MD of Gocycle While COVID-19 has forced the temporary closure of many businesses, it has driven a surge in activity at Chessington-based Gocycle. The electric bike provider has been extremely busy in the pandemic, as more people take up cycling in a bid to stay fit and healthy. Richard Thorpe, founder and managing director of Gocycle, says: “We’re in the fortunate position of being able to help people who want to take up cycling, either as a fitness hobby or a mode of transport to work. In a strange way, the coronavirus has accelerated the adoption of e-bikes, with fewer people travelling by car or on public transport. “According to our research, e-bike riders have reported improved health and wellbeing and are less likely to use their car. I want the government to recognise the enormous health benefits of e-bikes and the vital role they can play as the lockdown eases. Our research highlights a huge opportunity to make our urban areas healthier and more sustainable places in the long term.” Gocycle’s mission is simple: to create the world’s best urban electric bikes. This task began in 2002 when Richard, a mechanical engineering graduate and former McLaren Cars design engineer, established his own business, Karbon Kinetics, to embark upon creating his two-wheeled electric dream. Eighteen years on and that dream is a reality with Gocycle (the trading name for Karbon Kinetics) gaining global recognition for its innovative products, no-compromises approach, stylish designs and pioneering spirit. The Royal Borough of
Kingston
Chamber of Commerce
In 2009, after an extensive development process, the business launched the ground-breaking lightweight Gocycle G1 to international acclaim. The G1 capitalised on Richard’s expertise drawn from a 25-year career working in the motorsports and light electric vehicle industry, becoming the first injection-moulded magnesium alloy bicycle in history. It set the foundations that have enabled Gocycle to continually push boundaries with each of its three subsequent models – including the fast-folding Gocycle GX launched in 2019. This year will see the arrival of the fast-folding GXi, touted as the most rider-focused urban e-bike yet. “We’ve just had our best month in terms of sales,” says Richard. “I believe that potentially there could be a 50% growth in this market in future years. This will happen regardless of whether or not e-bikes are promoted by government ministers.” So, what advantages does the e-bike have over a traditional bicycle? The answer is simple, according to Richard. “With an e-bike you have 250 watts of power at your disposal,” he says. “You don’t have to be fit to ride ten or fifteen miles – but after riding an e-bike for a few months, your health and wellbeing will improve. Transitioning from a car to a traditional bike is not easy. Going from a car to an e-bike is – with e-assistance removing many of the daunting elements of cycling – worries about fitness levels, headwinds, hills or arriving to work hot and sweaty.”
Richard developed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, when he was inspired by a competition to develop the first human-powered vehicle to exceed the US speed limit. More recently, he was behind a UK-first scheme to pay his staff 40p per mile for commuting to work by e-bike. He says: “We can’t wait for government policy to change and it’s no good expecting others to act first. So, we’re starting with what we can do now and taking direct action to reward our employees for making the switch to more sustainable and healthy transport. We urge businesses in the local area to join us and would be happy to speak to them about the initiative.” For more information visit www.gocycle.com
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