The formation of OSET and the development of OSET electric dirt bikes was inspired by young Oliver Smith, son of OSET founder Ian Smith. At the age of 6 months Oliver was already obsessed with bikes. This was helped by the fact that one of Dad's businesses was producing Motorcycle Trials DVD's and the other a business providing back issues and article reprints to Motorcyclists. Oliver watched the DVD's constantly, and played with toy bikes all day long. It was clear that Oliver would want his own bike at the earliest opportunity. As Oliver got older, the obsession continued. Dad didn't want to wait until he was 5, 6 or 7 to get a bike, and, looking at the marketplace, didn't find any of the bikes suitable anyway. Putting a kid on a 100lb+ bike with terrible suspension, no power and a hot exhaust didn't seem too appealing, so the cogs started turning in Dad's brain.
In 2004, Ian came up with the concept of an electric Trials bike, and started looking around at electric scooters and such. He speculated that you could take an electric scooter and modify it into a tiny Trials bike. Ian spoke to Mike Buchholz, a fellow Trials rider and a retired engineer. He agreed that it might just work, and agreed to make the bike! The resultant bike was completed when Oliver was 3 years 3 months old. Oliver rode the bike, standing up and in control on his very first day. 1 week later, he rode his first Trials competition! We fiddled and modified this bike constantly. One thing was very clear? this bike really did work! At this point, we knew we were on to something!
From this point forward we started working towards production. Obviously there was a lot to do! A Corporation was formed, more prototypes were built, manufacturers contacted. Patents were applied for. Lawyers were engaged for Trademarks and contracts were drawn up.
Fast forward to December 2010 the company moved from America over to the new UK Headquarters in the south of England. OSET is now in over 25 countries around the world.
OSET UK Ltd now employs a team of people to help with the OSET cause as well as consulting with a host of well respected companies to ensure OSET Bikes are developed and produced effectively. The UK has a stable network of dealers with most of the counties having good representation. OSET's UK headquarters is also responsible for the development and testing of OSET products.
OSET are continuing to develop new bikes and are working on several exciting projects, so check back to our news section for the latest updates. OSET are always looking to extend and build upon the possibilities electric technology can be applied to, and are constantly striving to deliver well developed and competitive products into the marketplace.
OSET UK Ltd is also pro actively working with many Clubs around the UK in order to assist and support their 'OSET Cup' Championships. Many clubs are now welcoming youngsters on electric bikes, and the future looks bright for trials as a result. Check out our news page for details on upcoming events.
The last few years have been incredible and exciting for us. We launched new bikes, travelled to shows all over the world, our bikes dominated podiums in various competitions (including all the top positions in the British 'D' Class Championship for 3 years running), launched our new magazine 'OSET Rider' and so much more! As we continue to grow with more events, more bikes, more wins (hopefully) and more people joining the OSET family our future is bright and we cannot wait to carry on spreading the love for two wheels!
For more information on the sport of Motorcycle trials visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_trials
http://www.acu.org.uk/News/Trials/