With the development of the prototypes already well underway, the search is now on to secure additional pre-launch investment that will enable the company to launch in the UK in 2022 and overseas the following year.  Kit assembly and maintenance of the “click and connect™” system will take place as close to the end location as possible, creating social enterprise employment opportunities with a particular focus on work for ex-offenders and adaptive tooling to maximise inclusive employment opportunities.

A portion of hire revenue will be donated to charities, including those which support people affected by issues of homelessness and transport poverty.

Progress to date has been bolstered thanks to work with a range of institutions such as The University of Aberdeen and The University of Strathclyde, plus participation in Dundee’s Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) Accelerator.  The 16-week support programme targets ambitious, early-stage companies using an incubator environment to: “underpin Scotland’s response to the global climate emergency.”

Ken Hoskins explained: “Operating the business in a holistic, inclusive way is our primary founding principal and sustainability lies at the heart of everything we do, from using green energy sources to power the bikes and empowering people through employment to creating an opportunity to give back to those facing times of hardship.”

Janet Hoskins added: “It is our intention that our key drivers – profit, people, planet – should feed into and from each other in a cyclical way which benefits as many people as possible and has a lasting, positive impact on our planet.”

Sarah Petrie, Innovation Director, Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc said: “It was great to welcome Frisco e-Bikes™ to the first cohort of the MSIP Accelerator programme. We’re excited to see Frisco e-Bikes™ continue to progress its plans for a new e-bike and solar charging station. We will continue to support the company on its business development journey and look forward to hearing more about its future success.”