Despite the uncertainties of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, market-leading electric motorcycle brand Zero Motorcycles has expanded its UK and Ireland dealer network to 18 following the appointment of Motorcycles UK in Swindon as an official Zero retailer.
Motorcycles UK is a new dealership headed by industry experts Darren Neal and Chris Waldron, who together bring 45 years of experience in motorcycle retail. The Wiltshire-based outlet is the third new Zero dealership in the UK this year, following in the wheel tracks of Zenith Zero in Hampshire and Cheshire’s Classic Motorcycles.
“We are delighted to welcome Chris and Darren to the network at this challenging but exciting time,” said Dale Robinson, Zero Motorcycles’ UK country manager. “Although Motorcycles UK is a new dealership, the experience the management team brings is immense and the passion they have shown for Zero is impressive. Chris and Darren are two genuine go getters. They will be good for Zero and Zero will be good for them, we are a good fit.
“After a busy year expanding the dealer network in 2019, it was our intention to fill some of the few remaining open points in the first half of 2020. We know that there is a lot of demand for our products from commuters in Oxfordshire and the M4 corridor and the appointment of Motorcycles UK fulfils that demand.”
Despite the Coronavirus outbreak causing a massive decrease in vehicle sales in recent months, UK Zero dealerships have reported strong interest in the range of all-electric motorcycles from commuters looking to escape public transport and find a ‘new normal’ for their daily routine.
Dale continues: “This is a challenging time for many industries, including our own, but Zero dealers have continued to take orders during the lockdown, with some even recording record sales. Motorcycles and scooters are naturally a socially distanced way of travelling and provide so many benefits to commuters looking to move away from trains and buses, and our all-electric range provides even more advantages. Our 11kw models don’t require a full motorcycle licence and can be ridden after a day’s training, while the low maintenance, vibration and emission free running is appealing to a new generation of commuters. All of our models qualify for the £1500 plug in electric vehicle grant from the UK government, and prices start at £216.90 per month on a personal contract purchase (PCP). Add in free parking in most cities and running costs of around 2p per mile and, for many, a switch to an electric motorcycle may prove to be cheaper and more convenient, as well as a more isolated way to travel.”
Zero Motorcycles offers a range of nine all-electric motorcycles, with prices starting at less than £10,000. The models include a range of 11kw machines, which do not require a full motorcycle licence, through to the award-winning SR/F sports bike and the new-for-2020 SR/S, Zero’s first fully-faired high performance motorcycle.
