Sales of UK-made Brompton bicycles have increased by five times as people seek to avoid public transport amid the Covid-19 crisis, according to analysis by The Telegraph. Formerly only sold through a tightly controlled dealer network, the recent crisis has seen the London firm launch a direct-to-consumer service. This allows delivery of the bicycles, cutting the need for a trip to the nearest bike shop.
With a significant increase in web traffic over the last five weeks, Brompton is also trialling an online showroom and advice service.
Already a growing market for Brompton, sales in China have also increased dramatically. As the area first affected by the virus, China is some way ahead of the UK in returning to work. It’s a fact that’s driving sales there and has led to the launch of a new Chinese language website.
Bikes for the NHS
With every Brompton still made in London, the firm has also been supporting the UK’s efforts to contain the virus.
A regular campaigner, Brompton CEO Will Butler-Adams has been vocal on the need for better infrastructure to help people safely commute during the crisis.
The firm has also made available a fleet of Brompton bikes for NHS workers. Backed by £100,000 of Brompton’s money, crowdfunding has added a further £300,000 to the scheme which provides free use of the machines during the next few months.
Once the current crisis has passed, the bikes will remain with the NHS, with Brompton pledging to make no profit on 1,000 bikes expected to be supplied.