Rik Booltink

今年Q2，荷蘭自行車零售商每月營收均大幅成長，平均增幅達13.3%。相較之下，Q1營收僅年增1.6%。根據H&L Benchmark Group公布的數據，2026年Q2表現格外出色，帶動上半年營收年增8.6%。

In June this year, Accell Group decided to integrate Sparta into Batavus as part of its One Accell strategy. The disappearance of the brand Sparta struck a chord with former leaders of the iconic Dutch bicycle brand. For Mark Kuper, who spent no fewer than 28 years at Accell and served for many years as Sparta's Commercial Director and public face, the decision is bittersweet. "When you see how much energy was invested in this brand, it's a devastating blow."

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.