Jan-Willem van Schaik

PORTSMOUTH, UK - Recent developments at WiggleCRC have taken a dramatic course as the company announced it will close down all its international activities. Once at the forefront as 'the' example of how to operate a global webshop, the company has lost its momentum on the overseas markets.

LONDON, UK - Quality issues with e-bike battery chargers have caused reasons for concern in the UK but also in EU countries. One of the largest online sellers of e-bike chargers and conversion kits, Wish.com has banned the sales of the products citing safety risks. Yet there are serious concerns about the enforcement of the new policy.

BERLIN, Germany - Europe-wide regulations and experiences for speed pedelecs vary per country. The Dutch mobility consultancy Mobycon and German industry association ZIV have now made a first comparative study on this market in in Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

ZEIST, The Netherlands - The combination of a growing demand, an increasing average retail price and rising e-bike thefts have given a boost to the market of digital anti-theft devices. The use of a single rear wheel lock is no longer considered sufficient. Although official statistics on the number of e-bikes stolen is not available in many countries, enhanced anti-theft devices is regarded as essential.

WALDSASSEN, Germany - The 30th anniversary gift of Ghost was not a pleasant one for the 120 employees. Owner Accell Group decided to close down the production in Germany and relocate the production abroad.

BRUSSELS, the Netherlands - The bankruptcy of the e-bike company Qwic was partly attributed by the owners to an unexpected tax bill for anti-dumping duties. In the past 3 decades several extensions were added to make the trade regulation with anti-dumping and anti-circumvention rulings. The question is now raised whether the regulation has become too complex or should companies inform themselves better?

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - The international cargobike festival (ICBF) has been looking for a good partner event for some years in order to push the number of visitors and improve the exposure of this niche product in the bicycle industry. From 24-26 November the ICBF took place in Amsterdam together with Fully Charged Live.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Designers, manufacturers, and distributors worldwide are invited to submit their latest design innovations for the Taipei Cycle d&i awards 2024 until 15 December 2023. Participation is open to all, whether an exhibitor or not.

DEERFIELD BEACH, USA - LEV Manufacturing, formerly known as Life Electric Vehicles, and Lane VC have announced the acquisition of Serial 1 Cycle Company, LLC. Serial 1 as a brand was established in 2020 as an independent brand of Harley Davidson.

HONG KONG - The growing e-bike market in Europe created a hike in the number of new brands in recent years. Each of them developed their own concept. Some were more successful than others. Supported by its Hongkong based owner, a crowdfunding campaign and a strong focus on fashion, Tenways is one of those brands that have rushed onto the market.