Latest news with #British-designed
Forbes
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Riding The Jorvik JET-E16 Electric Tricycle
In the car world, three-wheeled vehicles are far from the most stable option but when it comes to bikes, tricycles are inherently much sturdier. While electric bikes have seen a massive boom in recent years, Jorvik Tricycles is planning to bring the benefits of electric bikes to all riders regardless of mobility or ability. The Jorvik JET-E16 electric tricycle is a folding model designed to be easy to mount with its low frame, compact enough for holiday makers, or easy to put in the car to drive to your riding destination. Speaking about the brand's goals, James Walker, founder and managing director of Jorvik Tricycles, said, 'The aim was simple: to supply reliable, supportive, and stylish British-designed tricycles, providing an option for people of all abilities to enjoy the freedom and independence of cycling. This meant adapting to the growing demand for e-bikes and affordable commuter options with payment plans, multiple colours, and a range of models, from mountain trikes to foldable options perfect for city cycling.' On any terrain the Jorvik is highly capable. Jorvik Tricycles At first, the sensation of riding a tricycle feels quite bizarre. Looking forward, you're at the same height and position as you might be on a folding commuter bike, albeit with a much more comfortable seat. Since you can't see the rear wheels, instinctively you want to lean as it turns but it only needs minimal input from moving the handlebars to go where you want it to. Once you build up the confidence in its stability and handling dynamics, it's easy to ride. Walker said, 'The typical Jorvik customer is aged 40+, with the oldest user of a Jorvik tricycle being 102! Those between the ages of 35–54 make up around 60% of our customer base. However, despite having a strong customer base among the over-40s, there is growing interest from younger riders, with around a quarter of customers aged between 18–34. Understanding the diverse needs of our riders, we offer a range of Jorvik Tricycles options to cater to different abilities. Choose a low-step frame for easy mounting, a folding frame for convenient storage, or dual batteries for an extended electric range.' The JET-E16 is surprisingly powerful and, unlike two-wheeled electric bikes, needs minimal pedaling input on smooth flat terrain. A few pedals here and there helps it to tick along nicely. You can control the amount of assistance using plus and minus buttons on the left handlebar and this can almost be used like a braking function as well, reducing the assistance as you come towards a junction for example. When you need to move away from a standstill, there's a handy button that gives you a boost of electric power to get you going. It will also do this in reverse which makes it easier to maneuver around a garage. As the JET-E16 is a folding tricycle, its handlebars and frame feature easy clips to make it more compact for travelling. The battery sits behind the seat post. Jorvik Tricycles With the click of one button, the JET-E16 has one of the easiest startup processes: press the on button and hop on. The LCD display screen lights up to show speed, battery charge and the level of electric assistance. It's easy to see on the go and the buttons are very responsive. To effectively manage the three-wheel configuration, the JET-E16 is fitted with a rear differential which makes cornering much easier. It comes with integrated front and rear lights with a rear brake light as well. As standard the tricycle comes with a rear storage basket which can be used to store all manner of things from shopping to a dog. Jorvik's mountain trike models feel like the ideal gardening companion for riders with large gardens who want to store a few pruning or planting tools in the rear compartment. The company even offers a mountain trike trailer with chunky tires for riders wanting to carry more. The Jorvik JET-E16 sits towards the lower end of Jorvik's model lineup priced at £2,999 ($4,000). Its entry level model features a similar low frame design with slightly bigger rear wheels and a front basket. In the UK, Jorvik has an indoor test track at its showroom or offers home visits for test rides and its models can be shipped worldwide. At the upper end of its range, the company has a number of different mountain trike variants. The Jorvik dual battery mid drive electric folding mountain trike JMT13 with 500W of power tops the range at £4,599 ($6,100). Walker added, 'Jorvik Tricycles is focused on expanding across the UK and the EU. With a growing customer base in the south of England, we've set our sights on opening a new bespoke showroom and indoor test track by summer 2025. Launching a new, expertly designed mobility range alongside a second showroom marks a huge milestone for Jorvik Tricycles.' Price as tested: £2,999 ($4,000) Drivetrain: Chain with Bafang 36v 250W rear motor Battery: 36V 16Ah Samsung Cell Lithium Battery Charge time: 5 to 6 hours Range: Up to 30 miles / 48km Weight: 31kg with battery
South China Morning Post
20-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Will US tariffs sink Australia's Aukus submarine delivery goals?
New US tariffs on steel and aluminium could delay delivery and increase the cost of nuclear submarines promised to Australia under the Aukus pact, with analysts warning of rising scepticism about the trilateral defence deal. Advertisement The assessment came after senior US Senator Tim Kaine reportedly told an Aukus gathering in Washington last week that submarine construction was facing budget and schedule setbacks. Kaine, the top Democrat on the Senate's sea-power subcommittee, said about one-third of the steel and aluminium used in US naval vessels came from allies including Canada and the UK – both now hit with tariffs under President Donald Trump 's renewed trade war. The UK faces a 10 per cent levy while Canadian metals are subject to a blanket 25 per cent tariff. Under the Aukus agreement signed in 2021 between Australia, Britain and the US, Canberra is set to acquire three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from Washington starting in the early 2030s, with a new fleet of British-designed SSN-Aukus vessels due in the 2040s. Advertisement Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said if Australia were to receive its first Virginia-class submarine in 2033, followed by the remaining two by the end of the next decade, the impact of tariffs could be negligible.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Clothing chain in Salisbury will close its doors for good on Easter Monday
A clothing chain in Salisbury has announced it will close its doors for good on Easter Monday. Joules, on New Canal in Salisbury, has announced it will be closing its doors on Monday, April 21 after being a long-term retailer in Salisbury. A sign was put up in the window of the British designer store reading: "We've taken this decision to close this store on April 21. "We'd like to thank you for supporting us over the years, and remember you can always find us online at Joules is set to close (Image: Newsquest)READ MORE: Popular Caribbean chicken shop to remain open as neighbouring branch closes The brand is known for specialising in colourful, British-designed casualwear for men, women & children and they have been in business for over 30 years. A spokesperson for Joules in Salisbury said: "We have been looking for a new unit to relocate for a while but we can't find anywhere. "We just want to get off this road [New Canal] to be honest, it is so dead." The shop space has now been listed on Woolley &Wallis estate agents.
