Rosie Burgin

LOS ANGELES, USA - Shared e-scooter operator, Bird, is adding e-bikes to its fleet of shared micro-electric vehicles with the launch of Bird Bike. Currently operational with e-scooters in more than 250 cities globally, Bird will bring its new shared e-bikes and Smart Bikeshare platform to select European cities this year.

PARIS, France - Hutchinson Cycling has developed Gridskin - a tyre reinforcement technology which it says, "has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing". Two limited edition Gridskin models are being released which can be manufactured with less waste and fewer processes whilst maintaining a high performance.

LONDON, UK - The total number of bicycles sold in the UK in 2020 reached an estimated 3.3 million units, data from market intelligence agency Mintel has revealed. This is a 22% rise on the 2019 sales. Although e-bikes are yet to play a key role in volume to the same degree as in other European markets, they have pushed the market value over the billion-pound barrier.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - The export value of e-bikes from Taiwan for the first five months of this year amounted to US$550 million (€462 million), hitting a new record for the period. For the second concessive year the e-bike export value surpasses traditional bicycles, suggesting a long-term trend is being established.

DOETINCHEM, The Netherlands - The latest edition of Bike Europe magazine (number 3/2021) is now available to read online in our digital magazine section. This issue includes an overview of the developments in e-bike motors and what can be expected in the years ahead.

BERLIN, Germany - E-commerce giant Signa Sports United, has confirmed its intentions to go public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The German retailer has entered into a business combination agreement with Yucaipa Acquisition Corporation, a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company. The combination also includes the long-awaited acquisition of the WiggleCRC Group.

GELDERMALSEN, The Netherlands — Dutch Industrial design agency Modyn who designs for brands such as Gazelle and Quinny is partnering with Rein4ced and Covestro on a gravel e-bike concept, EGRVLR. With the design study partnership, the carbon frame gravel bike would be produced in Europe using Covestro's carbon fibre composite and Rein4ced's highly automated production process.

PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Crussis Electrobikes s.r.o., the Czech manufacturer of e-bikes and tricycles is set to double its production capacity with a new facility on the outskirts of Prague. Currently under construction, the new facility will house e-bike assembly and storage facilities.

ŠIAULIAI, Lithuania - E-bike and bicycle manufacturer Baltik Vairas has appointed Nerijus Gužauskas to the position of CEO, effective from 15 June 2021. As part of BV's existing senior management team, he has been heavily involved in the turn-around of Baltik Vairas which is now experiencing record order numbers. He takes over from Žilvinas Dubosas, who is leaving the company to pursue another opportunity.

REICHSHOF, Germany - Schwalbe has introduced its first tyre exclusively for cargo bikes. The tyre manufacturer says the robust construction of the Schwalbe Pick-Up makes it capable of handling loads up to 300 kg rolling, while being stable, low-maintenance and durable.