Aventon Acquires UK E-Bike Brand GoCycle to Fuel Global Expansion

In a significant move for the global e-bike industry, British electric bike innovator GoCycle has been acquired by JW Zhang, the founder of leading U.S. e-bike company Aventon. The acquisition marks a new chapter for GoCycle, a pioneer in urban electric mobility, as it prepares to relaunch under new leadership with the support of a powerful supply chain and a broader international strategy.

This development was confirmed after documents were filed with Companies House, the UK business registry, signaling the end of GoCycle’s search for fresh investment and a new operational model.

A High-Tech Vision That Started at McLaren

GoCycle was founded by Richard Thorpe, an engineer who once worked with McLaren Automotive. He left the high-performance car world to build what he envisioned as the next generation of urban mobility vehicles: lightweight, foldable electric bikes designed with precision engineering.

By Eurobike 2009, GoCycle had introduced a cutting-edge folding e-bike that turned heads and won awards for its design and innovation. Its commitment to premium build quality, clean aesthetics, and integrated design earned the brand a dedicated following, especially in the UK and Europe.

But in recent years, GoCycle had slowed down operations and entered a quiet period, reportedly looking for new capital to relaunch the brand and scale up.

Aventon: From Startup to North American Powerhouse

While GoCycle was earning accolades in Europe, Aventon was gaining momentum across the Atlantic. Founded in California in 2012 by JW Zhang, Aventon grew rapidly thanks to Zhang’s strategic advantage: direct manufacturing capabilities in China, allowing better cost control and fast innovation cycles.

Today, Aventon e-bikes are available in more than 1,800 retail locations across North America, covering a wide range of consumer needs—from city commuters to weekend riders. The company focuses primarily on entry- to mid-level e-bike models, appealing to cost-conscious yet quality-seeking customers. As of 2024, Aventon has grown into a $100+ million enterprise and was listed by Time Magazine as one of the World’s Best Brands.

A Strategic Fit: GoCycle Meets Aventon’s Supply Chain Power

The acquisition is not simply financial. It’s a strategic partnership designed to unlock the potential of GoCycle’s innovative products by giving them access to Aventon’s efficient global supply chain, distribution channels, and operational scale.

“Aventon is going to help GoCycle unleash its true potential and bring more exciting products to people in the future,” a spokesperson for Aventon told Cycling Electric. “With our supply chain behind the brand, we believe GoCycle can become more competitive in key markets.”

Richard Thorpe will remain involved in GoCycle’s product development and brand direction. In parallel, a new European team has been assembled to oversee regional operations.

What’s Next for GoCycle?

According to company sources, GoCycle is expected to resume full operations in early 2026. In the meantime, existing customers can still access warranty and backup support, ensuring continuity of service.

While final production plans have not been announced, it appears that not all previous GoCycle concepts will return immediately. One such concept is the foldable longtail cargo bike, which made headlines before GoCycle’s temporary closure. There’s no confirmation yet on whether this model will be among the first reintroduced.

However, the brand is expected to maintain its focus on premium urban mobility, even as it benefits from Aventon’s more mainstream retail experience. This could mean that GoCycle and Aventon will complement rather than compete with each other, targeting different customer tiers and use cases.

Expansion Plans: UK, Europe, US, and Asia

The UK and Europe will remain core markets for GoCycle, but the USA and selected Asian countries are also on the roadmap, thanks to Aventon’s strong supply infrastructure and global ambitions.

This geographic expansion aligns with Aventon’s broader mission to bring affordable, stylish, and practical e-bikes to a global audience, while preserving the high-performance engineering DNA of GoCycle.

GoCycle’s technology, paired with Aventon’s scale, could result in exciting new products that bridge the gap between premium and affordable electric bikes.

Industry Reaction and Brand Synergy

The e-bike industry has reacted positively to the news, viewing it as a win-win for both companies. GoCycle gets the backing it needs to grow, while Aventon gains a brand known for design excellence and urban appeal.

With the e-bike market booming worldwide—and growing interest in micromobility solutions—this partnership could create a powerful new player in the space.

Expect both brands to evolve: Aventon may enhance its design language and premium offering, while GoCycle could benefit from better pricing and broader reach.