GOTHENBURG, Sweden - Swedish e-bike manufacturer Ecoride has scooped two Red Dot Design Awards for its latest models, Ambassador 4 and Tripper 4, in recognition of their Scandinavian design and integrated GPS security. The jury cited the e-bikes' clean, urban-focused frame design and seamless look as central to their Red Dot wins.

Until recently, the world of bicycle locks was largely dominated by utilitarian designs that prioritized function over form. However, in the past decade, Leipzig-based manufacturer Texlock has been offering an alternative: a lightweight, flexible, stylish, and secure lock, crafted from high-tech fibers and steel.

SR Suntour has recently redesigned several of its manufacturing processes to enhance the precision of its suspension forks. "Our goal is to reduce friction, improve sensitivity, lower maintenance needs, extend service life, and offer a more refined suspension experience on the trail," says Fabio Sturaro, general manager at SR Suntour. Here's a closer look at what the company has been working on.

DENKENDORF, Germany - As the number of bicycle manufacturers installing the Motor.Gearbox.Unit continues to grow, gearbox specialist, Pinion is placing more emphasis on training and education for retailers in key European markets.

AMERSFOORT, Netherlands - Dutch battery repair specialist Nowos has raised €6 million in new equity funding to accelerate its pan-European growth and push lithium-ion battery repair as a main component to developing a circular economy. The round's lead investor is Paris- and Singapore-based venture capital fund Shift4Good, with participation from Fair Capital Impact Fund and Goeie Grutten Impact Fund. An additional €3 million in debt financing is still being secured.

SEG Automotive, a leader in the automotive industry, supplies e-machines that power over 300 million vehicles globally. Building on its successful entry into the e-bike sector, the German company has partnered with the dynamic start-up Octagon to develop innovative system solutions. The first product of this collaboration is the evolution of the Kreutzer motor, a mid-engine system with automatic shifting that blends comfort and performance, designed for premium and performance-oriented e-bikes.

STUTTGART, Germany - SEG Automotive Germany GmbH has just announced their latest innovation, an e-bike drivetrain solution with automatic shifting in a compact design they've coined 'Kreutzer Hypershift by SEG Automotive'. In cooperation with start-up partner Octagon, the new motor builds on SEG Automotive's expertise from over 100 years of manufacturing e-machines and benefits from Octagon's agile development and integration capabilities.

BERLIN, Germany - Yamaha Motor has signed an agreement with German automotive parts manufacturer, Brose to acquire its bicycle drive unit (eKit) business subsidiary. This strategic step includes establishing a new company, Yamaha Motor eBike Systems GmbH to expand the business in Europe. The formalisation of the operation is scheduled to be completed by June 2025, subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.

OTTOBRUNN, Germany - This time, car manufacturer Porsche AG seems to be taking the e-bike subject really seriously: Porsche eBike Performance GmbH, which was founded in 2022, has just announced its intention to set up its own e-bike battery production facility in Croatia. This is scheduled to start at the beginning of 2026 - "at the same time as the market launch of the first Porsche e-bike drive system."

ARDOOIE, Belgium - Combining customisation, design and advice in a technical solution is probably the best way to describe how this Belgium component manufacturer is positioned on the market. For Curana, 2024 was more than challenging - and not only because of the market situation.

MÜHLTAL, Germany - Riese & Müller is setting new standards in sustainable logistics by becoming the first bicycle manufacturer to adopt reusable packaging for e-bike shipments across Europe. Following successful multi-month trials, the BikeBox will now be the standard packaging for over 1,000 dealers in Europe, significantly reducing environmental impact.

MADRID, Spain - Two Rotor Bike Component founders have launched a new performance cycling brand. Pablo Carrasco and Ignacio Estelles merged their vision and manufacturing expertise carbon manufacturer YMA to develop bicycle components. QO's first product line is a series of carbon fiber cranksets on display at Velofollies earlier this month.

REHE, Germany - Welcoming almost 5,000 people at their head office in Wetter, Germany, bike security company Abus celebrated their 100th anniversary in the first week of December. On this occasion the company also opened their doors to visitors of their newly built high-tech production hall for mobility products.