OSET at the British MotoGP
After last year’s washout at the MotoGP, Silverstone was transformed as the blue-ribbon event was bathed in glorious bank holiday sunshine. The racing didn’t disappoint, and neither did OSET Bikes.
Determined to come back bigger and better in 2019, the manufacturer of electric bikes welcomed track stars, trials heroes, TV crews, photographers, the army and families to the OSET Village. With two inflatable ‘Have a go’ tracks, it meant nearly 1,000 free rides for kids aged 4–12 over the four days. While the ‘Have a Go’ bikes were limited as to speed, power and response to ensure no accidents, right next door the demo team had the throttle and power turned up to tackle the two-dozen obstacles that included a banked wall, upturned maxi-skips, see-saws and sharks’ teeth, designed to develop back-wheel riding skills. In addition to trials riding, OSET’s electric motocross bike was on show too. As well as the opportunity for kids to try it out, the demo riders participated in hare-and-hounds-style races to show some of the MX-10’s capabilities.
Ian Smith, founder and CEO of OSET Bikes said: “It was incredible this year! We had a team of 52 to set up, manage the ‘Have a Go’ and mind the demo riders and speak to the public about OSET Bikes. We believe OSET Bikes is the easiest way to introduce kids to twowheeled riding. They’re easier than riding a bike as you don’t even need to pedal – just twist and go – as demonstrated by the hundreds of kids that had never ridden a motorbike before and simply got on and could ride an OSET.
"What makes them so much fun is that you can simply be a backgarden rider or you can join an OSET Cup or your local club and learn a whole heap of new skills and make a load of friends all year round. What we’ve found with the MX-10 is that as the power is linear, the very youngest motocross riders often ride quicker as there’s no scary power band and they can increase the speed at a rate they feel comfortable”.
Oliver Smith, whose dad Ian made the first OSET Bike when he was just three (he is now 18), provided instruction to some of the MotoGP riders on the OSET 24.0 model and said: “What these guys can do on track is immense. To be able to share some of what I do on two wheels, and for all of us to have a load of fun during a really busy weekend for them, was a real privilege. We’d love more of the paddock to come and take a break with OSET, and look forward to welcoming them next year”.