LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - Chinese e-bikes have once again been implemented in a customs fraud case involving the evasion of duties when importing products into the EU market. Under the code-name Calypso, a complex scheme was exposed which led to raids across several EU member states. The total damage of the activities under investigation is estimated at approximately €700 million, although it is unclear how much of this is directly attributed to e-bike fraud.

BRUSSELS, Belgium — "The legal equivalence with bicycles laid the strong foundation of the success of the e-bike," claimed German trade association ZIV earlier this year. At the same time, it proposed imposing additional technical restrictions on e-bikes and dividing e-bikes into two categories governed by separate legal frameworks. LEVA-EU refutes this claim in a response, calling it "unfounded" and has repeatedly called for the creation of a dedicated LEV regulatory framework instead of following a "narrow industrial agenda."

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.

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.

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.

DELFT, the Netherlands - Cargo bikes and box bikes are now also getting their own European standard, following the example of similar standards set for bicycles, e-bikes and individual components. This should ensure, among other things, that cargo bikes' overall safety and quality are held to a high standard within Europe.

GENEVA, Switzerland - In what economists are calling a "substantial de-escalation," the United States and China have agreed to a temporary cut of 115 percentage points to reciprocal tariffs on each other's goods. The volatility and unpredictability of the market as a result of the US President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs is creating a new problem for the bicycle industry, which was nearing stabilisation after previous inventory problems.

LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - Several European countries have been implicated in a new investigation of customs fraud in connection with disassembled Chinese-made e-bikes. Led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Portugal, 16 searches were conducted yesterday in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal, in order to collect evidence in an investigation codenamed 'Pedelecs'.

FRANKFURT, Germany - As e-bike companies across Europe grapple with concerns over new European Union considerations to cap e-bike power at a maximum output of 750 watts, some are making their stances on the subject clear.