A NEW electric bike shop has been opened in York by Lord Mayor Coun Julie Gunnell.

Ed Kehoe and Jamie McAlley, owners of The Electric Transport Shop in Walmgate, are now recruiting for bike mechanics to run the shop.

Ed, who originally set up the business in Cambridge eight years ago, said they loved York, which was their fifth store and would run the business themselves until they found the right person.

He said electric bikes were a growing market as they become popular with commuters, as users can choose the amount of assistance the electric bike gives them to avoid sweating.

He said: “Electric bikes are quite an exciting addition to the spectrum of transport options people have.

“We are seeing a general shift away from cars for younger people and there is expected to be 125 million electric bikes worldwide by 2020.

“Bike design is really interesting and the bulk of innovation is happening on bikes that going forward we may find in other electric vehicles in the future.”