As summer gets underway, demand is picking up for a new Welwyn Garden City business that helps its customers enjoy the glories of Hertfordshire’s countryside.

After a good Christmas, Bike Electric, which opened its doors in Brownfields in September, suffered a slump in April.

But. director Paul Hayes-Griffin told the Welwyn Hatfield Times, the phones started ringing in May, and business has been fairly brisk since.

Paul, an engineer by trade, started the shop as he felt retirement at 67 would be premature.

His business is the sole Heretfordshire supplier for five major manufacturers of electric bicycles. including Stromer, the Swiss company he sees as the market leader.

Paul’s target customers are lifelong cyclists of advancing years who find they are struggling with bad backs or knees, but also younger people who have suffered an injury.

At the top end of the market, he offers bikes for wealthy yacht owners to keep on their boats.

Although customers could buy direct from manufacturers, by going to Paul’s shop they get an assembled motor bicycle with no delivery charge.

Furthermore, Paul stresses, they have a wide range to choose from, and can try them out on the cycle path running past the indusrial estate.

He said: “That is why I chose to come here. It is the ideal location.”

Provided the motor’s power does not exceed 250 Watts, Paul explained, bicycles can be ridden by anyone, with no need for a licence or road tax.

Servicing, thanks to Paul’s agreement with a local shop, is completed without a customer’s bike leaving Welwyn Garden City.

With a successful business career behind him, Paul has no illusions his shop is going to be a huge money spinner. but he has sold about 30 machines since it opened.

He said: “I am not ready to retire, and I meet some very nice people doing this.”