My role is to turn great ideas into reality, developing practical and innovative solutions whilst ensuring they can be produced at a price that makes them affordable and accessible. It’s a challenging role, but that’s what makes it exciting.
What inspired you to start the business?
I have been in the electric bike business for over eight years. The idea behind our brand was to solve a problem that many of our 55+ riders were facing.
Many riders were looking for lighter electric bikes, but no one on the market was producing them for that demographic. So we designed a carbon fiber electric bike that was lighter than most electric bikes on the market.
But after solving that problem, one question kept coming up again and again: “Frank, you can design carbon fiber electric bikes, so why can’t you design an electric bike rack for us where we don’t need to lift anything else?”
Seven years later, I finally took on the task of delivering something special.
How did you design the product?
We took a hard look at all the options on the market and looked at what we needed to do differently. Over the past three decades, little has fundamentally changed in the way e-bikes are transported in vehicles.
Most advances have focused on securing the e-bike more effectively, improving straps, or changing the position of the bike on the rack. While these improvements are important, they do not solve one of the biggest problems: lifting.
Riders still have to lift their heavy e-bikes onto the rack or push them up a ramp, and then often have to lift the rack itself from the vehicle and carry it back to the garage.
Unlike traditional racks that require lifting bikes, our solution allows you to load bikes at ground level, roll them to your vehicle, and securely attach the rack to your tow ball, without lifting them. It’s about comfort and safety.
What has been the reaction to the product since its launch?
As a designer, you don’t always spot all the details that your clients will, so it was important to us to gather as much real-world feedback as possible. We spoke to everyone who saw the rack, encouraged them to try it for themselves, and asked for completely honest feedback.
The response encouraged us. People openly shared their opinions and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
What plans do you have for the business?
Since Goover’s inception, we have been in discussions with potential distribution partners in Germany, Australia and the United States.
Another important advantage for Goover is that we already have bases in Germany and the United States, giving us the infrastructure to supply our e-bike racks quickly and efficiently as we expand.
Our global promotional tour begins in Australia in October, where we will hold our first major meetings with potential distribution partners, followed by further meetings and promotional activities in key markets around the world.
Our ambitions are big and we are ready to bring Goover to the world.
What would be your advice to a budding entrepreneur who wants to start a business?
Find something you are truly passionate about, because building a successful business takes time, often years. Do your market research, make sure there is a genuine need for your idea, develop a clear plan and focus on following it.
It is also important to have a supportive family: people who will accompany you through the ups and downs, through the victories and defeats. As an entrepreneur, you will experience a lot of both before you become successful.
Tom Raynel is a multimedia business journalist for the Heraldcovering small business, retail and tourism.
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