Rosie Burgin

NANTOU, Taiwan - As a company founded in 2020, Yota Cycles has witnessed both sides of the bicycle market pendulum. In the current downswing, the e-bike manufacturer looks positively toward the future.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - After a turbulent 2024 marked by decreased production volumes and excess inventory, Taiwan's bicycle industry is showing early signs of recovery. While orders remain cautious, Q1 2025 export data suggests a gradual rebound is underway, especially in the e-bike sector.

SAKAI CITY, Japan - Component manufacturer Shimano points to "signs of recovery starting to appear in sales of completed bicycle sales" as it releases its first quarter consolidated financial results for 2025. In a welcome sign for the industry, the company reports a 15.6% increase in bicycle component sales in Q1, compared to the sluggish start of the year in 2024.

MADRID, Spain - The Spanish bicycle industry closed 2024 with a decrease in turnover for the third consecutive year. In line with neighbouring markets, the turnover in the Spanish cycling sector remains above pre-pandemic levels but contracted by 6.5% in 2024, to €2.3 billion including parts and accessories. Revenue from e-bike and bicycle sales make up 56% of this total value at €1.3 billion in 2024.

WASHINGTON DC, United States - Newly announced reciprocal tariffs by the Trump administration in the US has brought a renewed level of uncertainty to the bicycle industry supply chain. The proposed tariffs mean all bicycles entering the country will face some level of tariffs unless the frame itself has been manufactured in the US. The expected result is rising costs for importers on which the market relies and a stagnating retail market as US consumers face higher prices for a new bike.

TREVIGLIO, Italy - As Bianchi celebrates its 140th anniversary, the Italian brand is entering a new phase of growth under new leadership. The brand has announced the appointment of Alberto Cavaggioni as CEO to oversee the company's product innovation and international expansion, effective 17 March 2025.

BERLIN, Germany - Yamaha Motor has signed an agreement with German automotive parts manufacturer, Brose to acquire its bicycle drive unit (eKit) business subsidiary. This strategic step includes establishing a new company, Yamaha Motor eBike Systems GmbH to expand the business in Europe. The formalisation of the operation is scheduled to be completed by June 2025, subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - For the second year in a row the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) held a forum during the Taipei Cycle show to update the industry on the progress of the initiatives of its members. This year a focal point was the introduction of human rights code of conduct signed by all 82 members of the BAS to protect workers rights within the bicycle industry in Taiwan. The occasion was somewhat marred later in the day when a protest contradicted the progress being made.

SEATTLE, US - Rad Power Bikes, which began as a US director to consumer brand, has appointed Kathi Lentzsch as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With deep experience in transforming both consumer-facing and B2B businesses, including retail, she will oversee the company's strategic pivot to focus on physical retail.

DÜSSELDORF, Germany - Following European success in Paris, Mechelen and Berlin, French e-bike refurbishment specialist Upway has opened its second UpCenter in Germany. The location in Düsseldorf, strategically chosen for its gateway to western Europe, will facilitate furthering Upway's international growth. The company also counts two locations in the US in its growing portfolio.