Rosie Burgin

LONDON, United Kingdom - The total bicycle market in the UK saw sales drop a further 2% year-on-year in 2024 to a new low this century. This latest drop continues the long post-COVID downturn which began in the second half of 2021. However, the latest figures from the Bicycle Association (BA) suggest there is light at the end of the tunnel.

BUSETO PALIZZOLO, Italy - Lombardo Bikes has acquired Cicli Olympia, one of the oldest Italian bicycle brands, to create a production hub for bicycles made in Italy. Lombardo, founded in 1952 now counts itself as the largest bicycle manufacturer in Italy. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed other than that it was secured entirely through Italian capital.

SCHWEINFURT, Germany - Following a brief take-over by Austria's Pierer New Mobility, R Raymon Bicycles will now continue its journey as a 100% independently owned company under the guidance of founders Susanne and Felix Puello. Since 6 March a new chapter begins for the German bike brand. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed by either party.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark - As Scandinavia's primary tradeshow for both consumers and industry participants, the Copenhagen Bike Show 2025, continues to grow. Held in the first weekend of March, this year's edition set new records for both visitor and exhibitor numbers.

MÜHLTAL, Germany - Riese & Müller is setting new standards in sustainable logistics by becoming the first bicycle manufacturer to adopt reusable packaging for e-bike shipments across Europe. Following successful multi-month trials, the BikeBox will now be the standard packaging for over 1,000 dealers in Europe, significantly reducing environmental impact.

DENKENDORF, Germany - In a strategic acquisition, Pinion owner Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), has acquired the FIT 2.0 business of Biketec GmbH from its owner, the German dealer cooperative, ZEG. The intention is to expand Pinion's portfolio in the core business of e-drives. The financial details of the BRP investment remains undisclosed.

LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - An investigation into suspected large-scale customs fraud related to the import of e-bikes from China is being led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. In this latest case where the e-bikes are known to have entered the EU via Poland, the unpaid duties add up to an estimated loss of €1.8 million.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - E-bike brand Cowboy has fully moved its e-bike assembly operations to France. In a strategic nearshoring move, the partnership with Rebirth Group subsidiary ReCycles aims to reduce delivery times, and strengthen customer support as the brand seeks to meet demand for its e-bikes across Europe.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - That 2024 was a challenging year for European e-bike markets is no secret. How bad though, is now revealed in the latest EU e-bike import statistics published by Eurostat. The volume of e-bikes imports dropped 27% year-on-year to 642,000 units, slipping below the pre-covid level of 705,000 units in 2019. The import value fared even worse, with a 33% drop year-on-year.

WASHINGTON, US - As the world awaits a year of tariffs and tussles, there was good news for the bicycle market in the US in 2024. The number of non- electric bicycles imported into the country rose again following sharp declines since 2021, the latest US customs data shows. However, with China as the leading supplier, the market remains uncertain.