AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - The Dutch Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) framework has been postponed once more, according to the RAI Association, the professional organization for (e-)bike manufacturers in the Netherlands. Initially set to take effect on January 1, 2025, the framework is now delayed until July 2025. Implementation of the new framework will have implications for amongst others, e-cargobike users in the country.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission has officially declared that Ouxi V8 fatbikes are considered an 'unauthorised' vehicle in the European Union. This means that anyone riding these vehicles is driving illegally and uninsured on the road. The China-made vehicles have risen in popularity in the Netherlands this year.
TAIPEI, Taiwan - Overall e-bike exports from Taiwan grew 5% between Q1 and Q2 of this year, according to the latest customs data. However, exports to Europe in the same period dropped 5%. More worryingly the trend looks set to continue as key markets in Europe see imports plummet in July.
LONDON, England - Skarper, which was founded in 2020, has secured £4.5m (€5.1 million) in additional financing from a syndicate of prominent investors for developing its portable drive system. The start-up will use the investment to deliver its first products to the market in Q4 of this year.
FRANKFURT, Germany - The fact that the US e-bike market is lagging behind European counterparts is well-known within the industry. A forecast based on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% over the next 7 years could see the US e-bike market reach 6.7 million units and match regular bicycle sales in 2030. This data presented at Eurobike by eCycleElectric however, represented the most optimistic scenario.
LOS ANGELES, US - "The bicycle industry can expect a gradual recovery with significant upside in the medium to long term, with 2026 and 2027 marking pivotal years for increased mergers and acquisitions and investment opportunities." This is the conclusion of a new report led by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey. In contrast to the current market conditions, the study indicates that another boom period for the industry is also possible before the end of the decade.
PARK City, Utah - Kona Bicycles was a noticeable last-minute absence at this week's Sea Otter event in California. The brand pulled down their booth on Wednesday and left the site raising concerns about the financial stability of the company. On Thursday, brand owner Kent Outdoors announced the appointment of a new CFO.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - In what it calls "a strategic move to further strengthen its governance", e-bike brand Cowboy has appointed two senior industry figures to its leadership team. Harpreet Singh Rai, former CEO of health tech wearables company Oura, will now serve as a board member and Kevin Cornils, former COO at Peloton joins as strategic advisor.
MIAMI, USA - Known primarily for its shared e-scooter service across cities globally, Bird has announced that it is restructuring to "strengthen its financial position". Although it will continue to operate as usual, the company has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection in Florida. Bird Europe and Bird Canada are not part of the filing and also continue to operate as normal.
ZEIST, The Netherlands - Up to 95% of a company's carbon emissions take place when extracting, sourcing and producing bike materials and components. To tackle these emissions several companies including Trek, Accell, Schwalbe and Canyon have come together to co-develop a Climate Action Training for Asian suppliers.
INNSBRUCK, Austria - US digital marketing and e-commerce strategy agency, CrankTank, is expanding its services to Europe and has opened an office in Innsbruck, Austria. This expansion will enable them to better serve both their US and European brand partners in e-commerce strategies. Susanne Pfrengle has been appointed as managing director of CrankTank Europe.
VILLENEUVE D'ASCQ, France - Decathlon, known for its development of mid-end e-bikes and bicycles, has added an e-bike with automatic transmission to its range. "This is not just a bike. It's a statement of innovation and design that is set to change what we know about cycling," the French retail giant states.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Direct to consumer e-bike brand Cowboy is increasing its offline footprint to offer additional retail and service solutions for new and existing customers. With the launch of its Retail Partner Network, the brand aims to partner with 300 IBDs in 60 cities across Europe by the end of this year.
TAICHUNG, Taiwan - E-bike system manufacturer, Hyena has released their lightest drive system, the E-Road Air. Weighing only 3.2 kg, the smart hub drive system unit designed for lightweight performance bikes, was showcased at Taipei Cycle 2023.
WASHINGTON, US - Imports continue to dominate the US bike market, with China being the largest source of imported bikes. Although the import market share rose slightly last year, the actual number of imported units dropped 33% last year as American consumers cut back on spending. Although not yet meeting their potential, e-bikes are increasing their presence on the market.
SUZHOU, China - At this year's Taipei cycle show, Chinese battery manufacturer, Phylion took the opportunity to show its new self-developed flagship battery cell models, the Golden Brick Version 30110 and 19118 Battery Cells, and the first generation of its weather resistant Sodium-ion battery cell. The manufacturer predicts this could bring in a new era for e-bike batteries.
OBERWANGEN, Switzerland - Speed pedelec manufacturer, Stromer had a successful year in 2022 despite a complex year for the bike industry. With global sales up 17% the company is looking positively to 2023 and again has set a goal of double-digit growth. Personnel changes are being made to support this ambition.
HAIBACH, Germany - Battery manufacturer Akku Vision GmbH has acquired 51% of its supplier in the field of battery management systems, the company jvi gmbh. The acquisition came into effect on 1st July 2022.
HOLZWICKEDE, Germany - Finnish bicycle component exporter, Herrmans Bike Components Ltd has established a new German subsidiary, Herrmans Bike Components GmbH. Having had a presence on the German market since 2007, the company calls it "a natural continuation and reinforcement of the company's long-term commitment and presence in Germany."
TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Some of the biggest players from Taiwan's bicycle industry are joining forces in an alliance to focus on reducing the carbon footprint in the bicycle industry supply chain. With over 30 members already signed up, Giant Group is inviting more to come forward.
