Rosie Burgin

ZEIST, The Netherlands - 2022 continued on a high for e-bike and bicycle manufacturers and retailers as the pandemic continued to push demand. But as the year draws to a close and eyes look to the future, a more uneasy feeling is settling over the industry as inventory becomes the hot topic. Bike Europe looks back on the main stories which attracted interest this year…

LONDON, England - They've been an unmistakeable sight in cities across Europe this year - delivery e-bikes. Whether for consumables or household goods, e-bikes are increasingly being used for commercial use. How will this market evolve in 2023? Zoomo's Global Commercial Director, Lisa Conibear gives her predictions.

LONDON, UK - Brompton Bikes has marked the building of its millionth folding bike at its factory in Greenford, London. The landmark comes 47 years after it was first invented in 1975. Today the company produces around 100,000 bikes per year, but with new investment plans in place it might not be such a long wait until the next milestone is met.

HANOVER, Germany - Tyre manufacturer Continental aims to make highly complex processes in its supply chains more transparent following a breakthrough in marker technology. Developed together with a partner, the technology can verify the geographical origin of raw materials throughout the tyre production process.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark - Mate is entering the e-cargobike market with the launch of its SUV model. Made from 90% recycled aluminium, the e-bike lifestlye brand is presenting it as "the first real alternative to a car."

REICHSHOF, Germany - The fact that a German bike store owner had to wait 23 years for a tyre recycling scheme is a tell-tale sign of how lagging the issue of sustainability has been in the bicycle industry. This appears to be on the turn now that Schwalbe as the first company to do so, introduces a recycling scheme and benefits from 20,000 tyres as a result.

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Bicycle manufacturer Tern has announced several additions to its leadership team on the back of steady growth in 2022. "We've got lots more growth ahead, but 2023 looks even more challenging so we are investing to strengthen our team with some amazing new people," says Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain.

BREMBATE, Italy - Private equity investors Telemos Capital have signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in Italian tyre manufacturer, Vittoria. Together with Wise Equity, Telemos aims to accelerate the growth of the company on a global scale. The transaction is expected to close in early 2023.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Urban e-bike brand Cowboy has achieved B Corp status, one of the first e-bike brands to do so. The brand controls the sustainability of its supply chain, packaging and the recycling of its bike components. To coincide with B Corp, Cowboy has also relaunched its Circular scheme where e-bikes are refurbished by in-house mechanics and given a second life.

SAN VENDEMIANO, Italy - Cytech, who manufactures pads and palms for cycling apparel under the Elastic Interface brand has acquired a majority stake in Italian accessory and glove manufacturer, Pasasport. "The take-over allows us to accelerate the expansion of Elastic Interface into new markets and diversify our product offering in the cycling sector and across other sports," explains Cytech CEO Massimo Fregonese.