Rik Booltink

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.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - If it is up to VanMoof, the new V that will appear on the market at the end of this year is much more than an electric bicycle. According to CEO Taco Carlier, this 'hyperbike' with a flexible speed limit should contribute to a bicycle revolution that ensures that all unnecessary car journeys are made by bicycle. Carlier shares with Bike Europe his vision of the (not too distant) future.

GELDERMALSEN, The Netherlands — For many years it was thought that the bicycle and e-bike were fully developed in terms of shape, but the opposite is true. Gert-Jan van Breugel of the Dutch design agency, Modyn, explains how technology mainly associated with an e-bike has given design trends a new impetus. "The bicycle is really diversifying," he tells Bike Europe.

SOESTERBERG, the Netherlands - It is possible to distinguish an Audi from a Peugeot from a distance, but this isn't yet the case with (electric) bicycles. Dutch bicycle designer Bob Vroegh is aiming to bring a change to this. "In the future bicycle brands are going to focus on their own characteristic design."

DOETINCHEM, The Netherlands - A new type of moped is preparing to conquer Europe: the Brekr B4000. In terms of looks, this is reminiscent of an old-fashioned moped, but it is electrically powered and connected and therefore focused on the future. The Dutch creators utilised their knowledge from the bicycle industry to bring the product to market.

芬蘭，坦佩雷（TAMPERE）－除了Valeo之外，Revonte也推出自家整合式驅動系統－One Drive System。雖然受到疫情影響進度有些延後，但該公司自2019年成立後便不斷快速成長。目前有幾家在測試該系統，他們預計在2022年開始販售。

TAMPERE, Finland - In addition to newcomer Valeo, Revonte also has an integrated drive with its One Drive System. Although the corona virus caused some delay, the Finnish company has been growing rapidly since its introduction in 2019. A handful of parties are now testing the system, after which the Finns want to enter the market in 2022.

PRZASNYSZ, Poland - The Polish bicycle manufacturer Kross, which produces its own brands Kross, Le Grand and Multicycle, aims to double its annual turnover of almost one hundred million euros in the next three to five years.