Rik Booltink

The Dutch bicycle industry is less enthusiastic about Eurobike this year than ever before. Many (former) exhibitors have revised their strategies and are skipping the struggling trade fair, according to a survey by Bike Europe's sister publication, Tweewieler. Most brands have stated that they now prefer other ways of connecting with customers.

AMERSFOORT, the Netherlands - The new European Union guidelines on battery repairs will soon take effect, but whether the bicycle industry is sufficiently prepared remains to be seen. NOWOS founder Prins Doornekamp said he is surprised by the limited knowledge among both manufacturers and bicycle retailers.

荷蘭，台夫特（DELFT）－繼常規自行車、電動自行車及零部件後，歐洲亦開始為載貨自行車及箱型自行車（box bikes）制定一套標準。此舉有望提升歐洲市場載貨自行車的整體安全性及品質。

DELFT, the Netherlands - Cargo bikes and box bikes are now also getting their own European standard, following the example of similar standards set for bicycles, e-bikes and individual components. This should ensure, among other things, that cargo bikes' overall safety and quality are held to a high standard within Europe.

DENKENDORF, Germany - As the number of bicycle manufacturers installing the Motor.Gearbox.Unit continues to grow, gearbox specialist, Pinion is placing more emphasis on training and education for retailers in key European markets.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Which battery cabinet provides sufficient protection when an e-bike battery catches fire? Many bicycle industry entrepreneurs are uncertain about the products available. The German VDMA 24994 standard is intended to help separate the good from the bad. According to Bart van de Broek of Dutch financial services provider Nationale-Nederlanden, it will soon be clear whether this standard will also apply across all of Europe.

ZEIST, The Netherlands - Dutch fatbike manufacturers are experiencing a drastic decline in demand following the uproar surrounding e-bikes with fat tyres in the country. Phatfour's sales in its home market are currently about 75% lower than last year. Local competitor, Urban Mobility, the company behind Doppio, recently filed for bankruptcy. Can export markets offer a saviour for Dutch fatbike bands?

ST INGBERT, Germany - One of the most modern bicycle factories in Europe: that's the claim Kettler Alu-Rad attaches to its new home in western Germany. Bike Europe visited the €100 million facility to follow the production and assembly process.

比利時，布魯塞爾（BRUSSELS）－去年比利時自行車銷量減少超過18%，根據Traxio和市場調研機構GfK共同分享的數據顯示，銷量從近70萬減至569,605輛。不過，長期來看無須擔憂。電動自行車是該國市場的主角，專業零售商在銷售中亦扮演重要角色。

BRUSSELS, Belgium - In Belgium, over 18% fewer bicycles were sold in 2023. Sales decreased from nearly 700,000 to 569,605 units, according to figures shared jointly by Traxio and GfK. However, there are no concerns for the longer term. The e-bike is expected to be the cornerstone of the Belgian market, with specialist retailers playing an essential role in sales.