BRUSSELS, Belgium — The Belgian e-bike brand is in hot water after customers called out unexpectedly long wait times and a lack of transparency from the company. It's safe to say Cowboy has had a rough start to the year, as the e-bike manufacturer has attempted to navigate a production relocation, frame recall and now backordering issue - all in the span of a few months.
ROOSENDAAL, the Netherlands — The latest H&L Benchmark mapping the bicycle market in the Netherlands indicates a promising start to the year. The turnover increased by 4.1% in the first quarter of 2025. Last year, participating retailers also reported achieving a turnover increase in the first quarter. This was 5.2% compared to the first quarter of 2023.
ZEIST, the Netherlands - The last five years have shown that the bicycle industry is lacking key economic indicators on a global level. The peak in sales in 2020-2021, followed by a market adjustment in 2022 and combined with an extremely high level of orders, resulted in an exceptional surplus of inventory. The industry has still not overcome this fluctuation. An industry-dedicated Purchasing Managers Index could have avoided or at least softened this financial blow.
HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands — As part of its One-Accell strategy, Accell Group has disinvested its production facility Accell Bisiklet in Manisa, Turkey. The new owner is Bisan Bisiklet, also based in Manisa, confirms Accell Group spokesperson Uneke Dekkers. The takeover amount remains unconfirmed.
With a strong tradition in engineering cycling components, Rodi's brand, Blackjack Wheels, is set to launch its new Aeron range. These high-performance bicycle wheels represent the pinnacle of technical development, engineered to meet the demands of elite-level competition.
BRUSSELS, Belgium — The European cycling industry, after navigating a pandemic and the subsequently volatile market, is showing signs of a steady recovery, according to data from the Cycling Industries Europe's (CIE) annual survey among its members. Insights from the last few years of CIE surveys show a sector transitioning from cautious optimism to a more tangible stabilisation.
For many consumers, the e-bike isn't just a trend; it's a revolution in how they move. E-bikes are transforming people's lives, whether they're helping people to conquer city commutes, enjoy weekend adventures, or simply breeze through daily errands. But the landscape for e-bike batteries is about to change significantly, thanks to the new Battery Regulation 2023/1542 of the European Union.
Bicycle manufacturers face increasing demands for flexibility, quality, and cost-efficiency as the industry evolves. The need for smarter, more reliable production solutions is greater than ever. How can manufacturers keep pace with these changes while maintaining high standards? Recent advances in automation and process integration offer compelling answers.
Germany/the Netherlands - Key economic and sourcing data has turned out to be an essential tool in steering the industry in today's challenging and volatile markets. The bicycle industry currently lacks the information needed to identify future market trends and a sourcing benchmark. Eurobike and Bike Europe will close this gap together in cooperation with the market research institute IFH Cologne in Germany.
TAIPEI, Taiwan - London-based design and marketing consultancy Conductor has announced its expansion into Asia with the opening of its second location in Taipei, Taiwan. Conductor has made a name for itself in the biking industry for its work with big brand names like Specialized, Canyon and Classified - as well as its recent acquisition by Gruppo Media.
MUNICH, Germany - The future of Gocycle has come into sharper focus following confirmation that its maker, Karbon Kinetics Ltd., has partnered with a new investor. Founder and designer Richard Thorpe first hinted at the development in November, describing the partner as a "highly respected and competent" player in the e-bike industry. Now operating under the umbrella of an undisclosed company, Gocycle is entering a new chapter - raising questions about who's behind the brand's next move and what this means for its presence in the European market.
WEXFORD, Ireland - Irish Customs Authorities have announced the seizure of over 4,000 e-bikes and a handful of e-scooters following targeted searches at two different warehouses in Ireland. According to authorities, the e-mobility vehicles - worth an estimated €4.5 million in retail value - were illegally imported to the European Union.
Navigating a competitive micromobility market where technology is constantly evolving can be challenging. Despite this, Gobao, a leading OEM in electric control systems and e-bike drivetrains, has built its reputation not only on quality and performance — but on putting its customer's needs first.
This key player in e-bike drive systems has unveiled the H730 hub motor, a groundbreaking innovation equipped with patented Gear Variable Transmission (GVT) technology. Designed to redefine urban commuting, the H730 integrates a 3-speed automatic gearbox that seamlessly adjusts gears based on riding speed, eliminating manual shifting while delivering a smooth, intuitive cycling experience.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - The industry is making preparations for the Digital Product Passport (DPP) as this regulation will apply to the first relevant product category from 18 February 2027. At that time, its application will become mandatory for specific battery types.
ZEIST, the Netherlands - It's May as I write this blog, the time of year when cockchafers (May bugs) emerge from the ground en masse. This phenomenon is remarkable in itself, as the insect has been largely eradicated in most parts of the Netherlands due to pesticide use. Each time, it's a fascinating spectacle. After spending up to five years underground as larvae - being a persistent nuisance to my garden - they get to live above ground for just a few short weeks.
KOBLENZ, Germany - The current market dynamic, with aggressive discounting campaigns and forecasts that frequently postpone market recovery, affects how investment funds view the market. At the peak of the market in 2020, Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL) bought just over 50% of the shares of Canyon Bicycles at €400 million. In the GBL 2024 financial report, only €260 million is left.
PARIS, France - Ten years of research and three patents. After a decade of development and a year of behind-the-scenes build-up, Bastille Cycles - founded by Gilles Henry, the engineer behind the well-known foldable Yoyo stroller - is officially hitting the European market with its new folding bike concept.
