SUZHOU, China - For e-drive manufacturer Bafang Electric (Suzhou) Co., Ltd, 2023 was a very challenging year. According to the company's financial report their performance was affected negatively due to geopolitical conflicts, inflation, slowing consumer demand and high inventory among their customers.
ZEIST, the Netherlands - The combination of economic and political challenges created difficult times for the international bicycle industry. However, for financial specialist Ralf Kindermann the component of green mobility still makes the bicycle industry highly attractive for investors. What other trends in the market, including the digitalisation in the supply chain, the current oversupply in combination with price increase and sustainability will lead the market this year?
AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - The QWIC administrator has reached an agreement with a consortium of investors for a restart. This was announced by Wieringa lawyers last Friday. The new owners of Qwic have not made themselves public, while Qwic founder and CEO Taco Anema told Bike Europe he will no longer be involved in the new operation.
Dahon, a global leader in folding bicycles, recently introduced a revolutionary Speed Technology, a frame design that enhances the frame stiffness of bicycles in such a way that improves riding efficiency and speed.
HYDRABAD, India - Automotive giant Mahindra & Mahindra was among the first to invest in intelligent mobility solutions start-up Hornback. The new entrant is now introducing one of the world's first, full-sized diamond frame folding electric bicycles on the market, the X1.
SUZHOU, China - Motor manufacturer Bafang has identified waterproofing as a key focus area of its R&D. The company has set specific waterproof upgrade targets and a comprehensive plan for various components within its drive systems, including motors, gear-hubs and displays. By fine-tuning the product structure design, the team aims to elevate the overall waterproof performance of its products.
As the e-bike market continues to develop, the diversity of consumer needs has led to a proliferation of specialised bikes - be it agile city commuters, practical cargo bikes or versatile touring e-bikes. Amid this kaleidoscopic array of choices, one segment is rapidly rising to prominence: e-bikes powered by hub motors. AUTORQ, a company renowned for its torque-sensing technology, has emerged as an indispensable partner for companies venturing into this sector.
EDINBURGH, Scotland - Since displaying at Eurobike in 2021, Intra Drive has focused on building a European supply chain and industrialising its e-bike motor unit with multi speed gearbox. Now to support bringing its 8-speed integrated drive unit to market, the B2B company has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign.
Goodyear continues to build momentum within the bicycle tire industry with significant quantifiable performance increases in its Ultra High-Performance Road tire range. Through a licensing collaboration with Rubber Kinetics Corp., Goodyear Bicycle Tires continues to cement its position within the global bicycle tire segment.
KARLSTEIN AM MAIN, Germany - Lithium-ion battery specialist, BMZ Group, has acquired Nox Cycles Austria and all its sister companies in Germany and Switzerland. The deal also includes the Hawk Bikes brand, which is mainly represented in Germany, and the DACH-Benelux license of the British premium e-bike manufacturer Whyte Bikes.
TAIPEI, Taiwan - Tern has made its small folding bikes even smaller. The BYB P10 comes with a patented TriFold compact frame design incorporating two hinges. "In folding bike design, the challenge is always to create something that folds usefully small but that you actually want to ride," stated Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain.
PARIS, France - To introduce V2X-enabled cyclists' protection technology Autotalks, Volkswagen, Bosch and Commsignia demonstrated how V2X can prevent one of the most common bike-vehicle collisions.
MUNICH, Germany - With serious supply shortages and ongoing delivery problems hitting the world market, German start-up TFJ Bucycle GmbH launched its used bicycle online marketplace. After a successful start on the home market, the company is now expanding its business concept and taking it international.
MILAN, Italy - A fully integrated and almost invisible front suspension fork has been developed by HiRide, a company that is part of the same incubator e-Novia Group as Bluebrake. As integration in road-bike proved to be difficult in the market, HiRide made an successful switch to the gravel bike category.
KARLSTEIN, Germany - BMZ Group has found a strategic partner in investment company SKion. Besides capital, SKion will bring expertise and networks in order to shape strategic issues and significantly increase corporate values to the rapidly expanding e-bike battery manufacturer.
ADELMANNSFELDEN, Germany - A new name in bicycle hub gear technology is debuting on this year's Eurobike. The innovative nine speed hub called '3x3 by H+B Hightech' is the latest development of the family owned company Heine + Beisswenger Group.
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - If it is up to VanMoof, the new V that will appear on the market at the end of this year is much more than an electric bicycle. According to CEO Taco Carlier, this 'hyperbike' with a flexible speed limit should contribute to a bicycle revolution that ensures that all unnecessary car journeys are made by bicycle. Carlier shares with Bike Europe his vision of the (not too distant) future.
AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - enviolo, known for its unique stepless shifting products has successfully completed the integration of its Automatiq control units into Bafang's drivetrain system and display unit. Dutch brand, QWIC, will be the first to launch e-bikes with the integrated technology.
TALLINN, Estonia - To reduce the number of missing e-bikes and gain insight into product performance, bike-subscription company Swapfiets has started using Comodule's IoT solution. Known for their blue front tyre, Swapfiets claims some 260,000 members across nine countries and 60 cities in Europe.
OSAKA, Japan - Economic sanctions imposed on Russia by Western nations have created global energy shortages and a sudden rise in raw material prices, putting downward pressure on personal consumption, reports the Japanese components manufacturer in its Q1-2022 financial statement. Nevertheless demand for bicycles is still high according to Shimano.
