Triumph is looking to start ‘em young with takeover
CHILDREN’S OFF-ROAD FIRM IS ROUTE
TRIUMPH Motorcycles has bought kids electric bike builder OSET to give it a step-up into the off-road sector.
Triumph announced plans to move into off-roading in 2020 and said the deal gives both companies the chance to share each other’s expertise and grow internationally in parallel.
OSET was launched in 2004 in the United States by Ian Smith, who wanted to build an electric off-road bike for his son Oliver.
In 2010, the company moved from America to a new UK headquarters in East Sussex and has now sold more than 40,000 bikes featuring its in-house developed electric powertrains.
OSET Bikes are suitable for riders from the age of three upwards and the new parent company hopes it will help inspire more riders to get into bikes from a young age.
Triumph, which is based in Hinckley, is already planning to launch a Motocross and Enduro range for off-road bikers.
It has also been working on its first range of electric bikes, revealing a running prototype earlier this year.
Triumph chief executive Nick Bloor said: “We are excited about the opportunity of joining forces with OSET Bikes, a dynamic brand that has been encouraging children into motorcycling for many years and have been at the forefront of developing electric trials bikes for fun and competition.
“While the two brands will continue working independently, Triumph and OSET will collaborate on new state-ofthe-art products to inspire young riders into off-road riding, across the segments that Triumph and OSET will have a presence in, drawing on their respective strengths to build the best bikes in the world.”
Mr Smith, who is OSET’s chief executive, said: “When we built that first ‘garage’ bike for my son, I had no idea that it would lead to this moment.
“We are all very excited for what the future holds for OSET as part of the Triumph family.
“The OSET brand will remain as OSET and will continue to serve the trials and off-road motorcycling community. We are now better positioned to develop and innovate across our range, while enjoying the security of scale and market position Triumph can offer OSET.”