Jan-Willem van Schaik

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - The perceived relevance of trade shows is the next challenge the bicycle and e-bike industry is having to face since the start of this decade. Until the pandemic, the overall mood was positive and upbeat, but that's no longer the case, and it is difficult for the industry to get back on track. After the German industry associations ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad questioned the purpose of Eurobike, the next challenge in the industry surfaced. How to communicate in the trade market? How is the transformation of the show landscape evolving? Time for a deep dive...

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - The Dutch bicycle market has enjoyed favourable market conditions throughout the year. According to the third-quarter report from the benchmark group of H&L Accountancy, the average retail revenue in the Netherlands increased by 5.4% compared to the same period last year. It is probably not the best quarter of the year, but the market is still buoyant.

BASSANO DEL GRAPPA, Italy - Selle Royal Group and Stardue Group have joined forces to establish a new foundation to generate a positive and lasting impact on the community. This organisation, called Stravarda Foundation, will develop a project that places the bicycle at the centre as a tool for social, cultural, and environmental growth.

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - Two heavyweight names from the e-bike and automotive industries have failed to successfully launch a new e-bike brand. Soon after Porsche AG and Pon Holdings established the joint venture P2 eBike GmbH in 2022, investors openly stated that creating a new e-bike brand was not the best way to move forward in the industry.

FRANKFURT, Germany - The dissatisfaction within the industry about the recent edition of Eurobike and the German industry association's decision to pull out, has prompted the show to change its leadership. Long-serving show manager Stefan Reisinger is making an exit, and will support the new management during a transitional phase. Will this change mark a turnaround from the industry organisations? "It makes sense that the Eurobike will be completely revised by 2027, and negotiations could begin at the beginning of next year, provided that the necessary conditions are met," confirms Burkhard Stork, managing director of ZIV.

VEENENDAAL, the Netherlands - The introduction of the next-generation bicycle ring lock by AXA required an all-new production line. Initially, for both Axa Bike and its owner Allegion, the Netherlands was not the most obvious choice to establish the new facility. Still, the fully automatic production line, capable of manufacturing a lock every 5 seconds, was opened in early December.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - As a long-term bicycle exporter, Cambodia is now rapidly expanding its production of e-bikes for overseas markets. The bicycle factories in the special economic zones (SEZs) in Bavet City seem to have survived the drop in exports since 2023 and are now stepping into the e-bike market as well.

BAUNACH, Germany - Despite its long-standing history and supplying to over 2,500 customers in more than 60 countries, Messingschlager's key activities were largely known only to industry insiders. In the past decade, the company expanded into various business fields, which became very distinct over time. "Demand from customers these days is so much more diverse than just a product at a competitive price," says Messingschlager CEO Christoph Bantle.

ZEIST, the Netherlands - The carefully knitted global network of bicycle component manufacturers, brands, assemblers and distributors is under pressure. The industry is unable to regain control of the supply chain after major disruptions during the pandemic, in combination with an overestimated market potential. It is not only a self-inflicted problem, and finding solutions requires drastic steps.

EDINBURGH, UK - Intra Drive, the United Kingdom-based e-bike component developer, has secured €600,000 toward an extended €850,000 seed round. The new capital will support the transition from pilot units to commercial production of its GD8 integrated gearbox powertrain. Since displaying at Eurobike in 2021, Intra Drive has focused on building a European supply chain and industrialising its e-bike motor unit with a multi-speed gearbox.