Jan-Willem van Schaik

WARSAW, Poland - A growing number of private equity funds see the market potential of the cycling industry on all levels. For 7Anna the take-over by Resource Partners will provide the necessary funding to implement its international expansion strategy for its brands which are part of the group: Creme Cycles, NS Bikes, Octane One and Rondo.

PARIS, France - Are integrated drive systems, with the motor and gears in one housing, the future for e-bikes? The French automotive giant Valeo is convinced of this concept. Jérôme Mortal, Electrification Director at Valeo wants to start a revolution with this advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).

REUTLINGEN, Germany - In an open publication, Bosch ebike Systems CEO Claus Fleischer, calls for a major change of the transport policy on the company's home market Germany. "We are lagging behind when looking at neighboring countries such as the Netherlands and Denmark. They can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a bicycle or e-bike, but changes in German society are stuck on bumpy bike paths."

Valeo and Revonte are busy developing integrated drive systems, where motor and 'gear' are housed in one unit. Are Bosch and Shimano, the market leaders in e-bike drive support, also working on an integrated system? And where has Conti's integrated system gone?

NIEUWEGEIN, the Netherlands - In a recent investment round the Dutch scale-up in electric shared transport GO Sharing, raised €50 million. The expansion of its offerings with e-bikes as well as electric cars both on its home market and international is a major part of the company's growth strategy.

GOTHENBURG, Sweden - Developing an e-bike in which all energy is stored in the frame has come a step closer to reality with a recent innovation at the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. Their latest research breakthrough paves the way for essentially 'massless' energy storage in vehicles and other technology.

BAUNACH, Germany - Consumer electronics supplier Hama has acquired a majority share in Messingschlager. "This is the best step in order to take our company further and to position it properly for the next few years," says Benno Messingschlager, former owner of the Messingschlager GmbH & Co. KG.

MORGAN HILL, USA - The question of what to do with battery recycling is increasingly becoming pressing with the rapidly growing market for e-bikes. Industry insiders have already warned for a tsunami of old and dead batteries. Rather than send them to a landfill, Specialized decided to take the next step to ensure a second life for those batteries.

DEVENTER, the Netherlands - Sports equipment, including bicycles and bicycle parts, is high on the list of most frequent product recalls. "Recently, when looking for a company that could support us by taking over the entire recall management, I could not find a suitable nor affordable company. Therefore, I decided to start my own company offering this service," explains Rutger Oldenhuis, former head of Legal Affairs at Shimano Europe.

MATTIGHOFEN, Austria - Pierer Mobility, known for their Husqvarna, R Raymon and Gasgas e-bikes and battery manufacturer Varta have joined a strategic cooperation. The two companies aim to collaborate more closely in the e-mobility sector with a strong focus on the development of highly efficient battery systems for electric two-wheelers.