.....editorial from trials central UK .....
Trials Central are delighted to welcome yet another
site sponsor to the fold with the introduction of OSET Electric Mini
Trials Bikes.
I got a look at OSET prototypes back at the US World Round in 2004, and
was immediately impressed (I even had a ride myself - the only time
anybody's ever seen me on any kind of Trials bike!) The power and
torque these little bikes have even with my...ahem...less than svelte
figure on them is amazing.
Since 2004, the bikes have reached production, with the 1000th unit
recently coming off the line. The initial UK/Europe allocation is in
the Country, and the bikes are expected to go quickly. OSET introduced
the bikes in the UK at the Hawkstone World Round, with demo riders
happily buzzing around and pulling stunts, in silence, to the amazement
of the passing crowds. Since then, OSET’s star rider, 6 year old Oliver
Smith, participated in the KYTC Youth National against the older kids
on petrol bikes on a non awards basis, taking a third place in the
small wheel D class, and a second place at a SW Center event. In
initial meetings with the ACU, it appears that there will be no issues
sanctioning the bikes for UK events.
For those of you that aren’t aware, these are fully
functional little electric Trials bikes for young kids. They come in 2
sizes… the OSET 12.5 for riders from 2-5 years old, and the OSET 16.0
for riders from 5-10. They are powered by powerful electric motors, so
are essentially silent. Trials practice can now happen every day,
without annoying anyone. The fact that these bikes can be ridden at
every level, from absolute beginner up to National level, and that they
make no noise, is really quite revolutionary. OSET’s founder, Ian
Smith, realised that electric power could be ideal for the young kids,
and get them riding and learning years in advance of other kids that
have to wait for heavy, noisy, smelly petrol bikes. His own son,
Oliver, is truly amazing, pulling splatters by his 5th birthday,
beautiful full lock turns, massive wheelies, and heart stopping
stoppies. His skills get better every day, thanks to being able to ride
every day.
