Triumph purchases Oset: Hinckley firm snaps up electric off-road name to get more youngsters riding

Triumph Motorcycles are aiming to attract a new wave of young off-road riders to the British brand, having announced the acquisition of kids’ electric firm Oset Bikes.

East Sussex based Oset was founded in 2004 by Ian Smith, who initially set out with the intention of building an electric off-roader for his son, Oliver. Fast forward to present day and they’ve sold over 40,000 bikes worldwide.

“We are excited about the opportunity of joining forces with Oset Bikes: a dynamic brand that has been encouraging children into motorcycling for many years and have been at the forefront of developing electric trials bikes for fun and competition,” Triumph CEO, Nick Bloor said.

“Whilst the two brands will continue working independently, Triumph and Oset will collaborate on new state-of-the-art products to inspire young riders into off-road riding, across the segments that Triumph and Oset will have a presence in, drawing on their respective strengths to build the best bikes in the world.”

Exactly what these products will be remains to be seen, with Oset currently producing trials and motocross machinery for riders as young as three.

These plug-in machines will then sit alongside Triumph’s long anticipated full-size motocross and enduro range, currently being developed in collaboration with racing legends Ricky Carmichael and Ivan Cervantes.

It isn’t clear when those bikes will materialise at this stage, but the tie-up with Oset could get customers through the door earlier and remain with the Hinckley brand for longer, as they grow into bigger, faster bikes.

Bloor’s comments were added to by Oset CEO, Ian Smith, who said: “When we built that first ‘garage’ bike for my son, Oliver, I had no idea that it would lead to this moment. 

The Oset brand will remain as Oset and will continue to serve the trials and off-road motorcycling community. We are now better positioned to develop and innovate across our range, while enjoying the security of scale and market position Triumph can offer Oset.”