The History of OSET: From Garage Innovation to Triumph Family
In June 2022, in a significant move within the off-road motorcycling world, Triumph Motorcycles acquired OSET Bikes, the pioneering leader in children's electric off-road motorcycles. This acquisition marked an exciting chapter for both brands as Triumph continued its strategic expansion into the off-road segment, announced in 2020, while OSET gained the backing and resources of one of motorcycling's most respected manufacturers.
The Beginning: A Father's Innovation
OSET's remarkable journey began in 2004 with a simple yet profound motivation: a father's desire to share his passion for motorcycles with his young son. Ian Smith, founder of OSET, was inspired by his son Oliver's extraordinary enthusiasm for bikes. From just 6 months old, Oliver was captivated by motorcycles, constantly watching trials DVDs from his father's motorcycle media business and playing with toy bikes throughout the day.
As Oliver grew, his obsession with motorcycles only intensified. Rather than waiting until his son reached the traditional age of 5, 6, or 7 to start riding, Ian recognized the limitations of existing options in the marketplace. The prospect of placing a young child on a 100+ pound bike with poor suspension, minimal power, and dangerous hot exhaust systems was far from appealing. This realization sparked Ian's innovative thinking.
The First Electric Trials Bike
In 2004, Ian conceived the groundbreaking idea of creating an electric trials bike specifically designed for children. He theorized that an electric scooter could be modified into a miniature trials bike. Collaborating with Mike Buchholz, a fellow trials rider and retired engineer, Ian's vision began to take shape. Mike agreed to build the revolutionary prototype, and their collaboration proved to be inspired.
When Oliver was just 3 years and 3 months old, the first OSET bike was completed. The results exceeded all expectations—Oliver rode the bike standing up and in complete control on his very first day. Remarkably, just one week later, he competed in his first trials competition. The constant modifications and improvements to this initial bike confirmed what the team suspected: they had created something truly special.
From Prototype to Production
Recognizing the enormous potential of their creation, the team embarked on the challenging journey from prototype to production. This phase involved forming a corporation, developing additional prototypes, establishing relationships with manufacturers, filing patents, securing trademarks, and negotiating contracts—all the essential elements of building a legitimate business.
International Expansion
A pivotal moment came in December 2010 when OSET relocated from America to establish new headquarters in southern England. This strategic move positioned the company for significant international growth. OSET expanded its reach to over 25 countries worldwide, building a stable network of dealers and establishing strong representation across multiple markets.
Today, OSET bikes are available in the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, New Zealand, Australia, USA, and Canada, serving riders in diverse markets across the globe.
Growth and Achievement
OSET has evolved into a comprehensive operation, employing a dedicated team and consulting with respected industry partners to ensure effective development and production of their innovative bikes. The UK headquarters serves as the central hub for product development and testing, driving continuous innovation in electric motorcycle technology.
The company's commitment to excellence has yielded impressive results. Their success on the competitive stage has been equally remarkable, with OSET bikes dominating podiums in various competitions, including securing all top positions in the British 'D' Class Championship for three consecutive years.
Community and Future Vision
Beyond manufacturing exceptional bikes, OSET has actively fostered community growth by working with clubs throughout the UK to support 'OSET Cup' Championships. Many clubs now welcome young riders on electric bikes, creating a bright future for trials riding and inspiring the next generation of motorcyclists.
The company has also expanded its reach through initiatives like the 'OSET Rider' magazine and participation in shows worldwide, continuously building the OSET family and spreading enthusiasm for two-wheeled adventure.
The Triumph Partnership
The acquisition by Triumph Motorcycles represents a natural evolution for OSET. As Nick Bloor, Triumph's CEO, explained, the partnership enables Triumph to inspire future generations of riders by providing the perfect starting point for developing their passion and dreams. OSET's products cater to riders starting from 3 years old and upward, perfectly aligning with Triumph's "For The Ride" philosophy.
Ian Smith, OSET's CEO, reflected on this milestone: "When we built that first 'garage' bike for my son, Oliver, I had no idea that it would lead to this moment." The acquisition provides OSET with access to Triumph's scale, market position, and resources for enhanced development and innovation.
This partnership promises to combine the innovative spirit and specialized expertise that has made OSET a leader in children's electric motorcycles with Triumph's extensive experience and global reach, setting the stage for exciting developments in the future of off-road riding for young enthusiasts worldwide.
