Jan-Willem van Schaik

MILAN, Italy - "In 2020 people have come to understand the value of e-bikes and bicycles as an alternative for mobility and an opportunity to improve personal well-being," states Selle Royal Group project leader Monica Savio explaining the main reason for the Italian company to support the first edition of MobilitARS, a digital symposium on urban mobility. This first of a series of four events will start tomorrow, February 3rd.

ŠIAULIAI, Lithuania - For the second consecutive year, e-bike and bicycle manufacturer Baltik Vairas will roll out an investment plan to increase its capacity. "In 2020 our sales reached €75 million and for this year we anticipate on a turn-over of €130 million," said Baltik Vairas CEO Žilvinas Dubossas.

PURMEREND, the Netherlands - The Italian bicycle assembly machinery maker Marchetti was taken over by Holland Mechanics in late 2019. The integration of both companies has reached its final stage. The take-over makes the Dutch wheel building specialist Holland Mechanics a turn-key supplier for all e-bike and bicycle assembly solutions. "Except for painting, we can now supply all necessary machinery for the complete assembly process," says Holland Mechanics general managers and owners Wouter and Maarten van Doornik.

SUZHOU, China - The future battery market will be disrupted by the growing popularity of e-bikes in combination with the electrification of all other means of mobility, like cars, light vehicles and even trucks. Battery manufacturers therefore need to strengthen their energy planning and construction capacity. To quickly meet the rising demand, more large-scale battery manufacturing sites with 50 GWh capacity have to be established.

CLERMONT FERRAND, France - Michelin has extended its range of All Mountain MTB tyres, the Force AM2 and the Wild AM2, which are part of its Competition Line and designed to meet the expectations on all types of terrain.

GENT, Belgium - Trade association LEVA-EU says companies that solely assemble e-bikes are confronted with unfair competition that is threatening their existence. EU regulation makes it almost impossible to start up new companies and could severely hinder the EU's net-zero emissions target.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - As a part of the Circular Economy Action Plan the European Commission proposes to modernise EU legislation on batteries. Batteries placed on the EU market should become sustainable, high-performing and safe all along their entire life cycle.

MILAN, Italy - Despite the health emergency and economic difficulties, the 2020 Italian e-bike market enjoyed a major increase in sales. All two-wheel categories, including motorbikes and scooters, saw double digit sales growth figures and the e-bike in particular.

ARNHEM, the Netherlands - The International Cargo Bike Festival which was initiated in 2012, will get a permanent character with the creation of a cargo bike expertise and innovation centre. "This innovation centre will fulfill the need for more research and know-how on urban logistics with cargo bikes"...

VARSSEVELD, the Netherlands - Manufacturer of special needs bikes, Van Raam, has already outgrown its 2019 built factory in the Netherlands. To meet the growing demand of special bikes, the company has now taken over a 6,500 square meter facility in Wykroty, Poland.