Kwik Fit has teamed up with bike repair network Fettle to launch new servicing and repair operations.
The tie-up will support growing demand from urban cyclists and bicycle manufacturers, but is especially targeted at the growing number of e-bikes and e-cargo bikes used by fleets for last-mile deliveries.
Fettle already provides ‘faff-free’ repairs and servicing across London and the new ‘Fettle at Kwik Fit’ operations will initially open in three Kwik Fit centres in London and Bristol in the coming weeks. The partnership is then planned to roll out at centres across the UK.
It’s potentially a “game-changer” when it comes to providing the service and repair network required by both bicycle manufacturers and operators of e-cargo fleets – the current network of largely independent bike shops is seen as fragmented and an obstacle to reliable and consistent high-quality servicing for fleets and manufacturers.
Fettle is in talks to support 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 e-cargo bikes for last-mile deliveries.
Mark Slade, managing director of Kwik Fit, said: “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 sites will offer the full roster of its services including free bike assessments and quotes, as well as the company’s proprietary Bicycle MOT.
The partnership could expand to offer the Fettle collection and delivery service from Kwik Fit centres, beyond those initial locations with on-site bike servicing.
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.”
