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.
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.
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.
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?
WARSAW, Poland - In 2025 a series of significant industry trends will mark the future development of the bicycle and e-bike industry. One of these trends is the ongoing reshoring of production and improving market flexibility by manufacturing in Europe instead of Asia.
BERLIN, Germany - Young urban e-bike mobility brand Lemmo, which was launched by Hypaths GmbH, celebrated its exhibition debut on the sporting goods show Ispo Munich 2024. In a small space at the Ispo BrandNew Hub in Hall B2, the newcomer put the spotlight on what it claims is a newly defined product in the city bike category.
ZEIST, The Netherlands - In late 2023, after a difficult year, industry insiders were looking hopefully towards the new year. However, predictions of inventory level recovery and stability in the market were pushed back at every contact moment during 2024; from Taipei Cycle at the beginning of the year, to Taichung Bike Week at the end. This 'hope' was abandoned in the second half of the year as insolvencies and closures began to dominate the headlines. As hopes now push forward to those that have 'survived to 2025', here, a perhaps unwelcome look back at 2024.
AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - The import statistics of the European Union clearly indicate that China regained its leading position as e-bike supplier for Europe's market. At the same time, the market is drowned with cheap and non-compliant China made e-bikes whose sellers shamelessly advertise the presence of a throttle and how to circumvent the maximum support of 25 km/h. How should the industry respond to these market developments?
PODGRODZIE, Poland - The combination of aluminum frame production, a painting line and assembly on one location gives Romet a rather unique market position. Only a few factories in Europe operate their own frame production. What did the frame production bring to Romet, 5 years after the opening of the facility?
PODGRODZIE, Poland - Based in the southeast of Poland, Romet has been in the bicycle industry for more than 75 years. Operating in a total of three factories spread out over the country, Romet holds a strong position in its home market, but is also one of the well-known players in the European OEM market. Romet president Wieslaw Grzyb is now preparing the company to take the next step on the export market, both for OEMs as well as the brand Romet.
KOPRIVNICE, Czech Republic - The two buildings housing the offices, production and warehouse of Bike Fun International (BFI) are hidden behind the big entry gate of the Tatra truck factory in the Czech Republic. BFI is probably the only bicycle factory which is located in a former test facility for trucks. Founded by a group of Dutch investors in 2001, the company developed into a leading city bike manufacturer based in central Europe, without losing sight on the sports bike market.
ČVRČOVICE, Czech Republic - Darfon Electronics' announcement in December 2023 to open an e-bike assembly and battery production facility in the Czech Republic marked the official start of the OEM business for this electronics giant in Europe. In fact, it was set up to expand the company's e-bike operation in the Czech Republic as assembly has already been taking place for a while in Čvrcovice.
LEIPZIG, Germany - For Tex-Lock a bicycle lock is not just that standard heavy weight safety device in black that needs to be used by any cyclist to protect their bike. "I wanted to bring fashion and style into this product category but also improve the usability," says Tex-Lock CEO and co-founder Alexandra Baum. "Locks needed a soft feeling instead of bulky steel."
KOPRIVNICE, Czech Republic - The long-time experience in the production of city bikes for a leading Dutch brand, gave Bike Fun International (BFI) a strong position in the expanding urban mobility cycling market. Bike Europe talked with CEO René Gasser about the manufacturer's ambition to serve the central European markets as a leading distributor, but also how they can distinguish themselves as an OEM supplier.
SCHWEINFURT, Germany - No other product in the industry is so sorely missing validated market data than e-bike drive systems. The market dominance of Bosch is obvious, but what about the other suppliers and how many other brands are relevant anyway?
HUTTWIL, Switzerland - The reorganisation plans for Flyer as announced last week by ZEG caused a big scratch on the image of the Swiss company which once stood at the forefront of the e-bike boom in Europe. Shortly before the announcement, CEO Andy Kessler discussed the inventory situation at Flyer and finding a way back to 'normal', but also their relationship with owner ZEG and the market dominance of Bosch during an interview with Bike Europe.
