Trek Group Rescues UK EAV Cargo Bikes from Administration

Electric cargo bike maker EAV, based in Oxfordshire, has entered administration—but there’s good news. The company has been acquired by the Trek Group, offering new hope for the future of the innovative last-mile logistics brand. Despite recent struggles, this acquisition may mark a fresh chapter for one of the UK’s best-known cargo bike pioneers.

Who Bought EAV?

The buyer, Trek Group, is not connected to Trek Bicycles. Instead, it’s a privately-owned automotive engineering and transport group with more than 500 employees. The company operates across various sectors including sales, engineering, manufacturing, fleet rental, parts supply, and transport design.

Trek Group’s CEO, Tom Janion, commented:

“EAV brings a fresh and innovative approach to the challenges of urban transportation. Their mission aligns with our goals to push the boundaries of intelligent, sustainable mobility.”

Sales Director Mark Cartwright added that EAV’s advanced electric cargo solutions fit perfectly with the group’s strategy for cleaner and smarter logistics systems:

“The acquisition of Electric Assisted Vehicles Limited marks an exciting step forward. We’re thrilled to integrate their tech and expand our portfolio of zero-emission transport options.”

What Went Wrong for EAV?

EAV has had a rocky few years, with several ownership changes. According to CEO Chris Temple, the downfall came suddenly. In a recent LinkedIn post, he explained that:

• A key investor unexpectedly pulled out due to “investor fatigue.”
• The company soon faced cash flow problems, including:
  • Cancelled customer orders
  • Delayed payments
  • Parts shortages
  • Legal and legacy financial challenges

Temple summarised the situation starkly:

“We went from a very positive, buoyant position with an exciting future to a distressed state almost overnight.”

This change happened despite signs of real growth. Just a few months earlier, a local MP visited EAV’s Banbury facility, praising the company’s global reach, including exports as far as New York. However, post-Brexit trading challenges with the EU were already raising concerns.

Why EAV Still Matters

EAV wasn’t just any bike company. It stood out for its “multi-track” cargo bike designs—vehicles with more than two wheels, optimised for urban logistics. Over time, EAV refined its product to be scalable and exportable, meeting global demand for compact, efficient delivery vehicles.

Their bikes have been used by major logistics players like Evri och DHL, demonstrating the potential for cargo e-bikes to reduce emissions and traffic congestion in cities.

A Second Blow for the UK Cargo Bikes Sector

EAV’s troubles follow on the heels of Zedify, another UK-based sustainable delivery company, which went into administration in January 2025. This has led to concern about the stability of the emerging zero-emission delivery sector in the UK, despite growing demand.

Still, many experts argue that cargo bikes remain a powerful solution for urban logistics. They’re often cheaper, faster, and more environmentally friendly than traditional vans—especially in congested city centres.

What’s Next for EAV?

Chris Temple remains cautiously optimistic. In his words:

“An offer has been accepted on the business, and it’s looking like the company will move over to new owners. I’m hopeful for the future of the brand—the product is fantastic, the customers are supportive, and the market is really starting to grow.”

With Trek Group’s backing, EAV could be poised for a comeback. The deal may allow the brand to stabilise operations, refocus on production, and tap into a wider logistics network supported by the Trek Group’s resources.

Referenser

1. Cycling Electric. (2025). Trek Group buys EAV after entering administration. Retrieved from: https://www.cyclingelectric.com/news/trek-group-eav
2. LinkedIn. (2025). Chris Temple on EAV company update. Retrieved from: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christemple/
3. UK Parliament News. (2025). Local MP visits EAV facility in Banbury. Retrieved from: https://www.parliament.uk/news/eav-visit
4. Business Green. (2025). Zedify enters administration amid sector pressures. Retrieved from: https://www.businessgreen.com/news/zedify
5. European Cyclists’ Federation. (2023). Cargo Bikes for Urban Mobility. Retrieved from: https://ecf.com/cargo-bikes-urban-logistics