Mobility retailer Pure Electric has this week announced it is taking over 11 Halford’s Cycle Republic stores earmarked for closure.
The move secures 85 jobs and is part of the rapid expansion plan for Pure Electric to gain a stronger foothold in the UK electric bike market. Launched just 14 months ago by former Hargreaves Lansdown director, Adam Norris, Pure Electric started out as Pure Scooters, only recently moving into e-bikes and stocking Brompton Electric. A broader range of e-bike brands is planned for the new stores, due to be opened “early summer 2020” lockdown regulations permitting.
Adam Norris, Founder of Pure Electric, said: “The world of mobility is moving incredibly fast and we’re absolutely committed to being at the forefront of this exciting sector by opening prime city-centre locations. Our products have the potential to have a huge positive impact on our transport system.
“We need to look hard at the future of our transport system and COVID-19 has accelerated the scrutiny of the status quo. Last week, in a YouGov study, just 9% want a complete return to normal and 51% have noticed cleaner air. The time for change is now.”
Peter Kimberley (previously MD of Cycle Republic), now Pure Electric International Managing Director, said: “I know these fantastic high street sites well and I’m looking forward to bringing the Pure Electric brand from online to major cities across the UK, opening up new personal services including test rides to commuters and everybody who is interested in changing the way they move. It’s an incredibly exciting time for the world of e-bikes, e-scooters and mobility solutions. Personally, I’m really delighted to be able to bring along some great colleagues from Cycle Republic into the Pure Electric family. We can’t wait to open our doors and start serving the needs of customers across the UK.”
Pure Electric is calling on Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, to accelerate legalisation on electric scooters, which are currently only allowed to be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission.
The new Pure Electric stores are based in Norwich, Nottingham, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Southampton, Glasgow, Derby, Gateshead and Liverpool.
