A Bristol firm on a mission to bring two-wheel electric transport into the mainstream has received a six-figure business loan to overcome the impact of Covid-19.
EcoMove opened its flagship store on Hotwell Road in June as the first lockdown was eased to sell a range of zero-emissions electric mopeds, bikes and scooters. 
It extensively refurbished it last month ahead of the latest lockdown in partnership with the manufacturer NIU, including building an inside test track offering potential customers a safe environment to try out the full range of electric scooters, e-bikes and e-mopeds.
The firm has now received £220,000 from Bristol-based Triodos Bank UK under the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to support a growth strategy that has been held back by the coronavirus pandemic and help pay for the refurbishment.
The loan means EcoMove can continue with its mission is to bring a full range of all electric products to the mainstream UK market and introduce drivers of petrol car and motorbike to clean, quiet and efficient electric transport.
The firm says it is targeting new demographics – including urban commuters, students and women – by harnessing social media to introduce people to its product and their advantages.
It also wants to reach motorcycle enthusiasts to convert them to electric bikes.
Ultimately, the firm says it wants to help people get to where they want to go quickly and cost effectively while reducing the negative impact on the environment.
But its plans have been hit by the pandemic, which forced it to delay the store opening with lockdown restrictions reducing customer footfall. 
As a result, EcoMove met the criteria to access funding through CBILS, which was set up by the government to provide financial support to small and medium-sized firms while offering lenders such as Triodos UK a government-backed guarantee.
EcoMove co-founder Teddy Thompson said: “Whether a journey is just five miles or 50 miles, we want to open up the e-transport market to new demographics, introducing people to green and carbon-free forms of transport.
“We also want to reach existing riders, helping them see the benefit to themselves and the planet when converting their existing petrol bikes to electric.
“Ultimately, this funding will allow us to grow the business and help people get where they want to go quickly and cost effectively, whilst reducing the negative impact of commuting on the environment.”
Triodos Bank UK sustainable lending team manager Rob Keegan said: “It’s great to see a small business making ambitious waves in the market.
“EcoMove’s passion for sustainable transport is inspiring and its aim to promote a more eco-friendly commute is a goal that aligns with Triodos Bank’s own to support a sustainable transport future.
“We are proud to support its pioneering work and look forward to seeing how EcoMove’s success develops.”
CBILS remains open until January 31 next year. Businesses can access loans and other kinds of finance up to £5m with the government guaranteeing 80% of the finance to the lender and paying interest and any fees for the first 12 months.
The be eligible, businesses must be based in the UK with have an annual turnover of up to £45m and be able to prove they would be viable were it not for the pandemic and been adversely impacted by it.
