OSLO, Norway - The innovative software of BikeFolder might potentially create so much relevant data for the industry, that Shimano Nordic announced a partnership with the start-up in the Nordic region. BikeFolder offers a solution for bicycle manufacturers that gives them insights into where their products go once they leave the factory and what happens during their lifecycle.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The reaction to the EU's recent decision to extend the anti-dumping and countervailing measures against imports e-bike from China doesn't come near the heavy discussions six years ago when the measures were implemented for the first time. For that reason, LEVA-EU now draws attention to the cheap and non-compliant e-bike from China and the complex exemption processes for 'made in China' e-bike components.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - When the new battery regulation came into place in August 2023, a lot of attention from the bicycle industry was given to 'Article 11' on repairability. The European Commission has now published guidelines to facilitate the introduction of this part of the regulation, and specifically the much-discussed topic of single-cell replacement.

LONDON, England - Following a public consultation process, the UK's Department for Transport has decided against implementing new legislation for e-bikes in the country. Under discussion were raising the maximum continuous power classification of e-bikes from 250 watts to 500 watts and allowing throttle assistance up to 25 km/h on e-bikes without the need for type approval.

VELDHOVEN, the Netherlands - Darfon, announced the appointment of René Timmermans as European-based director of OEM/ODM, effective immediately. In this role, René will be responsible for the management of all commercial matters involving Darfon Energy, Astro Tech and Kenstone, bringing a wealth of expertise and leadership experience to the team.

MADRID, Spain - Two Rotor Bike Component founders have launched a new performance cycling brand. Pablo Carrasco and Ignacio Estelles merged their vision and manufacturing expertise carbon manufacturer YMA to develop bicycle components. QO's first product line is a series of carbon fiber cranksets on display at Velofollies earlier this month.

KORTRIJK, Belgium - Is Belgium the 'most promising market' amidst the other European markets where companies are struggling with financial burdens and slow demand? "2024 has not been a crisis year for the bicycle industry," said Paul Glorieux, secretary general of the Belgium industry association Traxio-Velo at the presentation of the 2024 market statistics.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Taiwan exported 47% less e-bikes across 2024, the preliminary custom statistics show. With just under 365,000 units leaving the nation's shores in a year, this is the lowest volume since 2018. The export value also dropped 43% year-on-year meaning the economic ramifications must still be being felt throughout the supply chain.

PARIS, France - With already 3,400 cargo bikes and 600 trailers used by approximately 650 businesses in France, this alternative to conventional utility vehicles is gaining traction a study led by the French association Les Boîtes à Vélo has found. The 2024 report from the Professional Cyclomobility Observatory sheds light on this growing trend, revealing promising figures and ambitious prospects for the sector.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission announced this morning to maintain the anti-dumping as well as countervailing duties on e-bikes imported from China for another 5 years. The Commission has opted for the imposition of per company targeted dumping duties. The dumping duties vary from 9.9% for Giant Electric Vehicle up to 70.1% for a group of non-cooperative companies.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Union and Malaysia will soon start negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) that could have a major impact on the bicycle industry. The Southeast Asian country is home to Shimano supplier Kwang Li Industry.

KORTRIJK, Belgium - The Velofollies is known as the trade and consumer show which kicks-off the season, often in a positive mood. Whether this is realistic at the moment is a big question, given the problems in the industry. The great enthusiasm of almost 40,000 visitors ensured that the exhibitors dared to be cautiously positive about the 2025 market again.

MATTIGHOFEN, Austria - The financial struggle at the motorcycle division of Pierer Mobility AG could not take place without having an impact on the e-bike department. The company has now announced that its regional activities in South Africa, Germany and the UK will gradually be wound down in a controlled manner.

UDINE, Italy - Manufacturer of polymer anti-puncture solutions Tannus has founded a new European organization Tannus International Srl. together with the existing Italian office Tannus Italia Srl. "This direct participation of our parent company is an important phase in the strategic development of our company," explains Riccardo Natali, Co-founder of Tannus International Srl.

FREIBURG, Germany - Bravobike GmbH, the subsidiary of leasing pioneer JobRad has signed an agreement with Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH, which claims to be a "specialist for logistics real estate and light industry in Germany and Europe." The agreement will see Bravobike make use of a 23,500 sqm property in Kabelsketal, Germany to accommodate the strong growth in the number of ex-lease bicycles that will become available for the second-hand market in the coming years.

LAS VEGAS, US - At CES 2025 e-bike manufacturers showcased more than just sleek frames and high-tech gadgets. With Europe's e-bike market still expanding, brands from across the globe exhibiting at CES, like Engwe, Heybike, Himiway, and newcomers like Urtopia all shared a common goal— investing in entering the European market.

MASER, Italy - Sidi Sport S.r.l., was sold by founder Dino Signori to the Milan-based investment holding company, Italmobiliare S.p.A. in 2022. Soon after the takeover of the company specialising in the production of cycling and motorcycling footwear, Davide Rossetti was appointed CEO and that marked the start of a complete overhaul of the company. What is the current status of this iconic brand?

KOPRIVNICE, Czech Republic - Marek Sebek has been appointed as new sales director by bicycle manufacturer Bike Fun International (BFI). Prior to arriving at BFI, Sebek spent the past eight years at Trek Bicycle in Switzerland, including a five-and-a-half-year stint as head of sales. Sebek has been tasked with strengthening the position of BFI's brands in the local Czech and Slovakian markets, while growing its presence internationally.