Are Bike Shops Missing the Boat on Electric Scooters?

By Phil Latz | 30th October 2020 |

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JB Hi-Fi’s display of electric scooters appears to be targeting a younger demographic. ‘GVNG’ on the sign behind the scooters is texting slang for ‘gang’.

May bike shops refuse to sell electric scooters and not without valid reasons. In most Australian states they’re still illegal to ride, apart from on private land. But despite this, major retailers such as Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi (pictured) seem to have no such qualms.

The day we visited this store in NSW a shop employee said that interest in their scooters was strong and that they were selling ‘at least a couple every week’. JB Hi-Fi has just over 300 stores across Australia and New Zealand, Harvey Norman approximately 180. In addition, both have large online stores.

Even at two sales per store per week, that might equate to 50,000 scooters per year across the two companies. If the average sale price was $800 that would equal $40 million in retail sales value.

JB’s top of the range offering, claimed 64 km range and four power modes.
The display unit integrates into the handlebar stem. Also on the bars there’s a cable actuated front brake, bell, phone holder, spring loaded throttle and integrated headlight.
Most electric scooters fold down so that they can be easily carried onto a train or into an office.
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1 Comment

  1. sydneyelectricbikes on 6th November 2020 at 7:42 am

    Yes but who will service them? The electric scooter industry is full of cowboys. We sold them for quite a few years and struggle to get suitable parts and support. Maybe if real distributors get involved but not with every Tom, Dick and Harry importing them. Sydney Electric Bikes

    Reply

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