The Taipei International Cycle Show is always a good moment to take stock of the market situation, but this year 'Taipei' prepares the business to become a 'better' industry and put its focus on sustainability and other ESG topics. Besides the current market conditions, this online magazine also explores several Taiwanese companies who have started adopting ESG solutions in their production practises as the industry prepares for the future.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly integrated into business practices in the bicycle industry. Be it at a manufacturing, distribution or company policy level, the bicycle industry is no longer resting on its laurels of having a 'green' product to sell to the public.
In a competitive market, drive system manufacturers have focused on various strategies during 2023. Development has focused on both an optimal riding experience and integrated technologies. After electrification, connectivity is the new standard for high-end and mid-range e-bikes, meaning a new generation of smart mobility devices are being created. Also an increasing average retail price and rising e-bike thefts have given a boost to the market of digital anti-theft devices. In this online magazine the latest innovations are explored.
In recent years an increasing number of bicycle companies have opted for close to market production in Europe. Spurred on by the need for a consistent supply chain following issues during the pandemic, investments in European manufacturing continue to grow. As noted in this online magazine, Eastern Europe is becoming popular with Lithuania, Poland and Romania all enticing new investments from bicycle manufacturers. But not only here, Germany, France and Portugal are taking efforts to step up 'Made in Europe' bicycle production.
The European bicycle market ended up in the inevitable correction phase after the corona related sales boom. It goes without saying that this situation was expected, the question was only, when? While 2022 sales are lower than 2021 throughout Europe's main markets, the e-bike continues to drive the market. What's happening? This Online Magazine examines the market developments in 2022 and the impact this has on product developments expected at Eurobike.
As market shares for e-bikes across Europe grow, so does the need for the correct regulatory framework to help this booming business thrive. This online magazine looks at the legal changes being made and what is on the horizon, including the new battery regulation which is aimed at developing a competitive and sustainable battery industry in Europe. Also, as a last mile delivery opportunity and eco-friendly alternative to a car, the relevance of the cargo bike is growing. A new European standard for this category is needed to help standardise the legal patchwork that exists throughout Europe.
For most international industry peers, the 2023 Taipei Cycle Show will be the first time since 2019 that they set foot on the island again. The 2020 edition was one of the first international shows to be cancelled because of the pandemic and due to strict governmental entry regulations an international event was not possible last year. 2023 marks a welcome return of one of the premium events on the bike industry calendar.
For a long time the bicycle industry has been able to rely on the fact that cycling itself is considered sustainable, but that is changing. Manufacturers across the industry are now examining their own practices and making changes to the production process. Big steps are currently being taken to ensure the industry is set up for a sustainable future.
An increasing number of new technologies have entered the e-bike market and for many consumers this has become an essential part of their purchasing decisions. The development of new parts and accessories has also shifted its focus to e-bikes. The new products introduced for MY 2023 (and even 2024) show that innovation is pushing forward.
Following the initial cancellation of orders and period of uncertainty at the beginning of the corona pandemic in 2020, it soon became clear that the pandemic was going to bring a completely new set of challenges to the bicycle industry. What followed was two years of supply chain woes in a booming market.
