Jan-Willem van Schaik

BENTONVILLE, USA - The Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator has selected 10 innovative companies for its program from a broad pool of international applicants. These companies represent the cutting edge of cycling technology and innovation, from performance analytics platforms to e-bikes and custom manufacturing.

AMSTELVEEN, the Netherlands - Ahead of the publication of the official 2024 sales statistics in the Netherlands, market researcher GfK-NIQ reports a shrinking market for e-bikes for the second consecutive year. E-bike suppliers are looking for new ways to regenerate the market. Leasing and employee benefits program are important drivers to expand the market again.

KORTRIJK, Belgium - The ambition to create a global distribution network was one of striking parts of Tenway's vision when they rushed onto the market in 2021. Today the brand has established its position and built a network throughout Europe. Tenways's area sales manager Europe Tony Vos elaborated on the outlook of the market for this young lifestyle brand.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The fierce discussion 2 years ago on the new battery regulation implemented by the European Commission seem to have moved to the background. The challenging market conditions appear to be more relevant than a new European regulation which will be implemented in January 2027. One element in this regulation is that the single cell replacement for e-bike batteries would cause serious safety issues according to many industry insiders.

GENEVA, Switzerland - The UN 'Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035)' might give a boost to the promotion of cycling on a global scale. On behalf of the international bicycle industry, gathering at the World Bicycle Industry Association WBIA, Manuel Marsilio explored how this will give a follow-up to the Masterplan for Cycling Promotion.

REUTLINGEN, Germany - The 2024 business development of Robert Bosch GmbH was adversely affected by the fact that growth markets such as electromobility developed much more slowly than expected. While the company serves a wide range of industries, it regards their technologies for mobility, which includes e-bikes and homes of the future as key growth areas. Claus Fleischer, CEO Bosch eBike Systems highlights specific details on the e-bike market.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - "Riding manipulated e-bikes on public roads may result in serious legal consequences," writes the European industry confederation CONEBI. The national industry associations and companies operating under the aegis of CONEBI speak out altogether against any kind of manipulation of e-bikes and e-bike drive systems to increase the performance of the maximum supported assistance speed.

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - Accell Group has completed its recapitalisation process after it secured sufficient support from its key stakeholders last November. The sanction hearing in the English court on 23 January 2025, at which the court sanctioned the recapitalisation following the agreement that Accell reached with the majority of its financial stakeholders in October 2024, was the final step before yesterday's finalisation.

OSAKA, Japan - The 2024 financial report of Shimano Inc. indicates a rebound in sales in the second half of last year. However, in more detail the results look less promising for the international bicycle industry. The revenue in Europe and Taiwan was still down by double digits and the main growth market was China where revenue increased by almost 60%. In the long-term Shimano remains positive on bicycle sales, but the bicycle component manufacturer also points to the potential impact of geopolitical developments.

COLOGNE, Germany - Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer Tern has announced plans to establish its first distribution office in Europe. Dubbed Tern ZE, the Cologne-based facility will begin operating on 1 July 2025 and should enable the firm to better support its customers in Europe.