Tag Archive: eskuta

  1. MMB visits electric bike brand Eskuta’s HQ

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    Micromobilitybiz explores Eskuta’s offering for the bicycle market

    Source: MMB

    Micromobilitybiz paid a visit to Eskuta’s headquarters in Nuneaton, UK, to meet its leaders and learn about the brand’s development and its services for dealers and customers.

    Eskuta: the electric bike brand making waves in the UK

    While the name Eskuta may not be widely recognized, the brand has become a growing force in the UK, with over 7,000 bikes sold from its Nuneaton facility. Known for its blend of motorcycle-inspired design and electric biking technology, Eskuta is carving a niche in the e-bike and e-motorcycle market, offering opportunities for both consumers and independent bike dealers.

    Two main products are driving Eskuta’s success

    Eskuta’s lineup includes two key models: the SX-250 and the SX-800. The SX-250 is an electric bike that mirrors the aesthetic of a motorcycle but fits within the regulations of an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC). This means that it doesn’t require a license or insurance for road use. On the other hand, the SX-800 is a fully-fledged electric motorcycle requiring insurance, road tax (free), and a CBT license or a driving license issued before February 2001.

    The SX-250, in particular, has been a major success, offering retailers a substantial opportunity to tap into the growing e-bike market.

    Eskuta’s SX-800 and SX-250 electric bikes (left to right).

    From skepticism to success: Eskuta’s journey

    Eskuta was founded by Ian O’Connor in 2014 and began trading in 2015. Initially met with skepticism by both motorcycle and bicycle dealers, the brand found its footing in the delivery market. As O’Connor recalls, “We started trading in 2015, and everyone looked at us and said, ‘Are you mad, what are these?’. However, delivery services like Just Eat and Domino’s quickly recognized the potential of Eskuta’s products for last-mile deliveries in urban areas, helping the brand establish itself in the market.

    Real-world testing through the delivery sector

    Partnering with delivery companies has allowed Eskuta to rigorously test its products in real-world conditions. Delivery drivers often cover thousands of miles per month in various weather conditions, ensuring that Eskuta’s bikes are robust and reliable.

    Continuous development over seasonal models

    Unlike many bike brands, Eskuta doesn’t follow a seasonal model. Instead, it focuses on continuous product improvement, launching new versions only when necessary. The SX-250, for example, has seen just four iterations in nearly a decade, with each version incorporating significant enhancements. “It’s continuously improving, and I think that’s a great thing,” says O’Connor.

    Built with motorcycle-grade materials, the SX-250 features LED lights, self-adjusting suspension, high-performance disc brakes, and motorcycle-spec tires. It is assembled at Eskuta’s Nuneaton facility, where each bike is hand-built to order and comes with a one-year or 8,000-mile warranty.

    Retailer partnerships and support

    Eskuta sees independent bike dealers (IBDs) as a crucial part of its growth strategy. With the market shifting towards e-bikes, more retailers are recognizing the opportunities Eskuta offers. O’Connor notes, “We attract a variety of consumers, from a slightly older customer where Eskuta works really well to a younger demographic that wants that motorcycle look”. He also has stated that Eskuta is open to new B2B opportunities, especially in the e-cargo sector.”

    Demo bikes and dropship options

    To further support IBDs, Eskuta offers demo bikes and encourages consumers to visit retail locations. Retailers also have the option to participate in a dropship program if a desired model or color isn’t in stock. From the point of order, Eskuta takes ownership of the customer relationship, providing regular updates and delivering the product with a white-glove service.

    Commitment to customer service and warranty support

    Eskuta prides itself on its customer-focused approach, offering strong warranty support and direct assistance. While some brands have reduced their warranty support, Eskuta is increasing theirs, providing peace of mind for both retailers and customers. “We’re already getting feedback from those that have signed up that the service levels are really good and they are happy to deal with us, for me, that’s the key. It’s all about a positive customer experience with a great product.” says Stewart.

    With its innovative products and dedicated approach to customer service, Eskuta is poised to make a lasting impact on the UK’s e-bike market, presenting exciting opportunities for retailers and consumers alike.

    The full article about Eskuta can be accessed here.

  2. Eskuta expands premises to cater for increased demand

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    Source: MicromobilityBiz, D. Blackham

    LEVA-EU member Eskuta is expanding its UK premises in Nuneaton, with the strategic installation of a new mezzanine.

    This step will enable the manufacturer to double its stock capacity, and is expected to be completed by early September 2023.

    To be installed in both units of Eskuta’s facilities, the mezzanine will provide an additional 160 sq m of space, allowing Eskuta to both serve a larger customer base, and reduce waiting times for their moped-style e-bikes, which are assembled on-site by the company’s team of technicians. New job opportunities are expected to be generated by this step.

    Eskuta managing director Ian O’Connor, who founded the company in 2015, said: “The expansion marks an exciting time for Eskuta, the new mezzanine installation is the first stage of our expansion plans, and the additional capacity will allow us to reduce lead times and enter new developing markets.

    “We are passionate as ever about shaping the future of e-mobility and championing the importance electric bikes and Light Electric Vehicles will play in the future, as we head towards net zero and aim to reduce congestion in our towns and cities.

    “Coventry, Birmingham, and the surrounding areas have been the birthplace of many leading motorcycle and cycle manufacturers over the years, and we are proud to be continuing that legacy as we all transition to a sustainable and electric future.”

    Eskuta has received several recent accolades, included winning Reach Media’s BusinessLIVE’s ‘Small Business of the Year 2022’, and the SX-250 e-bike being recognised in a recent article as ‘Best Moped Style e-bike 2023’ by Expert Reviews.

  3. Eskuta awarded a further £500,000 in funding for the development of e-cargo bikes and scooters

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    As reported in TheBusinessDesk, LEVA-EU member Eskuta has been awarded £500,000 in funding by the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF). The MEIF has now provided a total of £1 million in support for the company, with the aim to support Eskuta’s ambitious plans for growth and further development in their manufacturing of electrically assisted pedal cycles and e-scooters,

    Funding was allocated in particular due to the potential of Eskuta’s products to aid in the delivery of a net-zero economy. The company’s low-carbon e-cargo bike options have already been officially adopted by large fast-food outlets including JustEat, Dominos, and Pizza Hut; with this further MEIF funding, Eskuta can continue its growth into the retail market, both within the UK and internationally.

  4. Eskuta leading the way in UK home food delivery

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    As reported in Business Ready, a business support service from Warwick City Council, LEVA-EU member Eskuta has become the UK’s market-leading e-cargo vehicle manufacturer and supplier. The company, which manufactures electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs), and e-scooters, has secured lucrative delivery contracts with companies such as Domino’s and Just Eat.

    Thanks in part to support from the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, Eskuta has been able to expand and increase capacity with a second unit at their Warwicksire location. With 14 staff on board and 2,500 orders on the books last year, the company expects numbers to continue to grow.

    Eskuta’s range has proven to be particularly attractive to the fast-food delivery sector, and the brand is now supplying electric bikes for delivery services for big name convenience store company, Booker. Other high profile partnerships include an agreement to sell Eskuta products through 24 Apple stores in the UK and Ireland, and the exploration of international opportunities with distributor deals signed in Dubai, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

    The company has been going from strength to strength, especially following initial support from University of Warwick Science Park’s Business Ready programme, a fully funded programme that delivers customised support to tech-based organisations looking to grow and scale.

    Eskuta’s Managing Director Ian O’Connor said, “I started the business after becoming disillusioned with the fashion industry and discovered e-bikes and e-scooters when I was over in China and believed there was the potential for a business here…It’s been hard work to get to where we are today…and Business Ready have been a huge help.

    We’re growing and the possibilities of where we can go next are huge. We’re now the market leader for e-cargo vehicles, working with the likes of Just Eat, Domino’s, Papa Johns, Subway and Dixy Chicken.

    Grocery deliveries is another area of the market with huge potential, then there’s international and the consumer market too. We believe this has the potential to be a real success story for the area.”

    And Cllr Kam Kaur, portfolio holder for economy and place at Warwickshire County Council which runs the business centres, added: “One of the many benefits for companies based in our buildings is that they are at the heart of a fantastically well-connected community…

    As the Transforming Nuneaton programme gathers pace, I’m delighted to hear of businesses in that area prospering. Offering high-quality employment opportunities in the area is key to the programme and I hope that Eskuta’s is just one of many success stories in the area in the months to come.”