The Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) is pleased to welcome EXGB into its family, bringing the UK’s leading electric motorcycle sport series under the authority of the national governing body.
The new partnership reflects the ACU’s increased commitment to supporting and developing electric motorcycle competition and complements its existing work to nurture the potential world champions of the future.
Founded by experienced organiser Julie Coyne and Paul Oughton, EXGB runs electric balance bike events for children aged between three and 14 years old at venues across the UK. The series was launched five years ago and has proved hugely popular with youngsters and their families ever since.
An ACU British eBike Championship will be organised in 2027 and will consist of four rounds. A standalone electric offshore festival will also be held at the Robin Hill venue on the Isle of Wight. Series officials will also run ‘electric bike try-out’ sessions for youngsters at selected ACU and FIM events.
EXGB and its riders will also form part of the Arenacross series in 2027, creating another platform to showcase electric motorcycle sport and introduce young competitors to a wider audience.
EXGB attracts families with no previous experience of motorcycle sport and gives girls and boys equal opportunities to race. Electric balance bikes provide an affordable first step into competition for a new demographic of riders.
Julie said: “My team and I are excited to be joining the ACU as it takes the important step of embracing electric balance bikes and planning for the future. This is a partnership that will benefit EXGB and the young riders and families who are at the heart of everything we do.
“From day one, EXGB has been about creating an affordable and accessible introduction to motorcycle sport. We have children starting at three years old, as many girls taking part as boys and families discovering our sport together for the first time.
“Joining the ACU and having a formal relationship with Arenacross allows us to take the next step as a series. My team and I can now offer genuine British Championship titles, begin building towards FIM-level events – one of my long-term ambitions – and race in front of new and significant indoor audiences.”
As well as running the EXGB series, Julie will join the ACU’s electric motorcycle panel to support the development of a new regulatory framework around electric competition.
She added: “I’ve been impressed by the ACU’s commitment to embracing electric bike technology and supporting the next generation of riders. Together, we can continue growing the sport, create new opportunities for young competitors and build a pathway that helps tomorrow’s champions take their first steps in motorcycle sport.”
As well as bringing young riders into the ACU family at an earlier age, electric machines have the potential to broaden where motorcycle sport can take place. Low noise levels make them suitable for venues where conventional motorcycle activity has traditionally faced restrictions or been off limits altogether.
Tim Lightfoot, ACU President, said: “Julie and her team have created something genuinely special with EXGB. They have introduced thousands of young people to motorcycle sport, built a thriving community around electric bikes and demonstrated that there is a huge appetite for this type of competition. We’re excited to partner with Julie and the wider EXGB team ahead of the 2027 season.
“Bringing EXGB into the ACU family is a significant development. It allows us to engage with and support more riders from an early age and lay the foundations for a long and successful career in ACU-permitted motorcycle sport.
“Our partnership also allows Julie and her team to continue developing the series towards FIM standards. This is something that can only be done through the ACU as a founding member of the world governing body.”
Matt Bates, owner of Arenacross said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the youth electric classes into the 2027 British Arenacross Championship, a move made possible through our incredible partnership with EXGB and the ACU.
“Nurturing the next generation of racing talent is at the very core of what we do, and embracing electric technology is a natural, exciting evolution for the sport. Working alongside EXGB and the ACU ensures we are providing these young riders with the highest standard of competitive platform while showcasing the future of motocross.
“The energy, talent, and innovation these youth electric classes will bring to the arena floors in 2027 is going to be spectacular, and we can’t wait to see these young stars plug in and race.”