Globe Lights Specialized Path to Everyday Commuting

California, US

Australian buyers will have to wait patiently to access a new commuter e-bike venture launched by Specialized this month.

The new business unit, Globe, will initially focus exclusively on the US market when it starts taking orders in late 2022, and Specialized Australia has confirmed there is no identified time frame for its extension into Australia.

The venture, targeting cycling for transportation and sustainability, attracted plenty of media attention last week when its launch promised a more accessible path in Specialized’s goal to ‘harness the power of the bicycle to pedal the planet forward’.

“Most everyday car trips are short, joyless, and bad for your wallet and the planet,” the announcement says.

“Globe is an extension of the Specialized brand that will focus on bringing more fun to local living, while reducing the number of car, truck, and SUV trips needed for everyday transportation.”

It says Globe would target affordability, while continuing partnerships “with independent local bike shops who don’t currently benefit from the growth of direct-to-consumer exclusive brands”.

“Globe will serve riders with a growing number of everyday high-performance EVs and the accessories that go with them,” according to a statement from Specialized.

“Our plan is to start taking orders in late 2022 and deliver our first bikes to riders in early 2023. Globe will be available exclusively to USA riders at launch.”