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Under the new collaboration, Fettle at Kwik Fit operations will be initially opened in three Kwik Fit centres in London and Bristol – in the coming weeks, with the plan to roll out the partnership to centres across the UK. The aim is to support all bike owners, but especially to serve the growing number of e-bikes and e-cargo bikes. E-bike sales have risen from 3% of all bikes sold in 2018 to 8% in 2022, and now represent 30% of overall bike sales value, while sales of cargo bikes at some leading retailers rose by 40% last year compared to 2021.1
Although industry research suggests that new bikes will outsell cars across Europe by almost two to one by 2030, it’s well recognised that the UK bicycle market is still some years behind other parts of Europe in its development.2 This new partnership could well be a game-changer in key growth segments by providing the service and repair network both bicycle manufacturers and operators of cargo fleets require. Fettle is in talks with a number of manufacturers and fleets to support their nationwide expansion and growing investment in the UK’s micro mobility market, as companies increasingly look to replace cars and vans with e-bikes and cargo bikes for last mile deliveries.
Mark Slade, managing director of Kwik Fit, says: “A growing number of our customers who operate vehicle fleets have been asking if we can support their expanding cargo bike operations. Bikes and cargo bikes, especially electric models, are increasingly being used for short urban journeys. However, the fragmented nature of the industry’s current network of largely independent bike shops makes it hard for manufacturers and fleet operators to secure reliable and consistent high quality servicing across their operations.
“By partnering with Fettle, we can offer its services and the expertise of its dedicated teams at Kwik Fit locations. Bikes are becoming more complex, and as well as the demand from fleet operators, the fact that many cyclists now buy through online channels means there is a requirement for the type of servicing and repair aftermarket that we are well used to in the automotive sector. Fettle has learnt a great deal over the last three years on the processes and skills required to tackle these trends, and a partnership between the businesses is a unique way to address this demand.”
The companies are also exploring the potential for offering the Fettle collection and delivery service from Kwik Fit centres beyond those initial locations with on-site bike servicing, thus rapidly expanding the availability of the Fettle service. In the immediate term, Fettle operations will remain separate from Kwik Fit with Fettle providing all staff, products and services for bicycle customers.
Jeyda Heselton, CEO and Founder of Fettle, said: “Over the past three years we have experimented and invested in skills, processes, systems and locations. This has enabled us to understand how to best meet the growing demand for bike servicing and maintenance by consumers, manufacturers and fleets to help see green travel succeed in the UK. Combining our knowhow with Kwik Fit’s network and experience in the automotive sector was therefore a natural next step to accelerate our ability to service customers at scale.”
Fettle at Kwik Fit will provide a full roster of its services including free bike assessments and quotes, as well as the company’s proprietary Bicycle MOT. Those looking for more information on manufacturer and fleet services can find details on our fettleBusiness page or email hello@fettle.cc
