For a brief moment during the pandemic boom of 2020-2021, the cycling industry appeared to enter the mainstream of global mobility investment. Venture capital flowed into direct-to-consumer e-bike brands, and private equity firms took significant stakes in several major European players.
The bicycle industry is entering a new phase of digital maturity. Connected e-bikes, rider apps and smart diagnostics are generating unprecedented volumes of user data, turning bikes into "a data collector on wheels." Bike Europe sat down with Paolo Balboni, an expert European lawyer specialised in privacy, data sharing and cybersecurity law, to better understand how companies can mitigate risk and stay compliant.
United States importers are suffering from whiplash this month after the US Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, only for them to be replaced within hours by near-identical executive orders. What consequences does this all have for brands trying to do business in the US market, is suing a viable option to recoup some costs?
Turkish bicycle manufacturer Kron was waiting for the right time to buy. In its 25 years, the company had manufactured for a variety of small OEMs, but was looking for a new European brand to invest in. So when Nishiki, a Nordic heritage brand with a signature look and a reputation for quality, came onto the market, Kron jumped at the opportunity.
As the industry seeks to align the supply chain and match demand more effectively, reliable market data becomes essential. To provide the much-needed sourcing information and mid-term outlook, the Global Bicycle Purchasing Index (GBPI) serves as an indicator that anticipates future trends. Bike Europe discussed with Schwalbe's Head of Supply Chain Management, Vanessa Schulte, how the GBPI supports Schwalbe in the planning process.
Steel lies at the heart of vanRaam's production history. This has since been expanded to encompass a unique set of in-house production competencies in its bicycle factory in the Netherlands. The 13,500-square-metre facility features in-house frame production, robotic welding, 3D laser cutting, CNC machining and wheel production. All the reasons for Bike Europe to take a look at 'The Factory Floor' of adaptive bike manufacturer… vanRaam.
In the competitive global economy, the European Union (EU) continues to expand and modernise its network of trade agreements to promote economic growth, strengthen geopolitical ties and set global trade standards. Recently, agreements were concluded with India, Mercosur and Singapore. For the bicycle industry, the agreement with India was the most striking. What can the industry expect?
The bicycle industry was not a preferred target for financial investors when the e-bike market entered its growth phase in 2010; its growth rate and return prospects were not as attractive as those of e-commerce companies, for example. After 2010, financial investors stepped in, but many have since left the industry. What's next?
As the e-bike industry prepares for the impending battery regulatory overhaul in the European Union, readyness and compliance are becoming increasingly important topics. Bike Europe has created a working timeline of key deadlines related to the battery regulations to support companies as they position themselves within the new framework.
The Indian bicycle industry seems upbeat with the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union and the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States. Both are regarded as key emerging markets for bicycle exporters, as observed at the recently concluded Ride India Expo 2026 held at the Ludhiana Exhibition Centre in India.
Starting 18 February, 2027, the European Union will mandate a digital battery passport for all light means of transport (LMT) batteries, including e-bikes, to enhance sustainability and traceability. This digital record, accessed via QR code, will contain detailed information on the battery's composition, carbon footprint, technical performance and lifecycle. With one year to go, various solutions and regulatory clarity for the e-bike market are beginning to take shape.
Skip the flowers, chocolates and spa gifts this International Women's Day.
Shimano started off 2026 by dropping its State of the Nation report, the first since it was discontinued in 2023. This report details the survey results from 25,000 Europeans across 25 nations, and highlights not only the consumer's cycling experience, but also a core shift in strategy for Shimano.
Changing market conditions and new European Union regulations have opened the door for tyre specialist Dmack to repurpose the former Nokian tyre facility in Finland. Bicycle tyre production had largely shifted from Europe to the Far East in recent decades. The cost of labour, environmental regulations and proximity to rubber sources made it more efficient to operate these factories in Asia. According to Dmack owner Dick Cormack, times have changed. "I have made it my personal mission to put this factory back on the map and build up production in Europe with high-quality products. That's our mission over the next five years."
From late September 2025 through early 2026, the bicycle industry saw an unprecedented wave of human rights-related actions centred on Taiwan. The United States government's import ban on Giant products made in Taiwan triggered not only rapid remediation and reimbursements, but a broader shift toward systemic human rights due diligence in Taiwan's bicycle supply chain. Bike Europe takes stock of the changes.
The European and Indian bicycle industries have always maintained close ties, although the trade volume remained relatively low. This might change drastically now: after almost 20 years of difficult talks, the Free Trade Agreement was agreed on 27 January in New Delhi. It's the biggest deal ever made by either side, which has also been eagerly awaited by the bicycle industry.
Véligo Location is about to reach a new milestone in France. The public long-term e-bike rental service in the Ile-de-France region, launched in 2019, has unveiled a new fleet of 19 models that will be rolled out this year. The goal: support the growth of cycling in the region, broaden use cases and meet the expectations of a more diverse public, from commuting trips to the needs of families, tradespeople or people with disabilities.
At Velofollies this month, Stromer took the opportunity to present its new concept for the future in an exclusive area requiring pre-access and no mobile phones. Behind the veil was a concept of the brand's new speed pedelec, which aims to make its debut at Velofollies in 2027. As part of the announcement, the company initiated a 365-day countdown to the launch. Although no photos or press kits were given, the new speed pedelec will be the fruits of four years in development and marks 'the future of Stromer'.
