A company that builds and supplies electric bikes over the internet has set up a new production centre in Lochgelly.
AlienOcean brings together Alien Bikes and Synergie Bikes and, the firm says, has already established itself as a leading player in the market.
Every month the small team at Lochgelly aims to take hundreds of bikes and convert them into electrically-powered machines.
With electric bikes beginning to catch the public’s imagination, the creation of AlienOcean could prove to be a shrewd move by founder Bob Watson.
Mr Watson (56) said, “It allows us to combine the expertise and knowledge that has been gained by these companies over the last three years.
“It also creates a market-leading company providing state-of-the-art electric bikes for all levels of demand.
“Lochgelly now becomes the European hub for our operations and we hope to be up to full production within a week or two.”
He believes electric bikes are revolutionising cycling in Britain and opening it up to those who may have felt unable to take part.
Hills, headwinds, long distances and even illness are no excuse any more. Small motors help power either the front or back wheels of the bikes and can take the strain out of cycling altogether, according to AlienOcean.
For those who already have a bike the good news is the company also sells simple conversion kits.
The motors can power bikes up to 15 miles per hour on public roads, but off-road versions can reach in excess of 30mph.
The batteries last for anywhere between 15 and 30 miles and can be recharged in four hours.
For those without a bike, AlienOcean can supply a range of fully converted machines, everything from folding bikes to full-blown mountain bikes.
Mr Watson has also opened the Scottish eBike Centre in Kinross. People will be able to try, or hire, an electric bike and take it for a spin round Loch Leven.
To find out more, visit www.alienbikes.co.uk