ZEIST, The Netherlands - Automotive suppliers entering the e-bike market has been a trend over the past few years. Trade shows like IAA Mobility which aims to integrate all mobility providers under one umbrella demonstrates the slight cracks in the car industry's dominance as other forms of mobility successfully emerge. Bike Europe editor-in-chief, Jan-Willen van Schaik explores this further.
History always repeats itself, but never in the same way. The 2003 SARS pandemic had a big impact on the bicycle industry at that time, but the outcome was very different than today. In the current crisis, some people have acted based on what happened then, like a former Shell executive who was based in Asia in 2003.
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.
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.
PARIS, France - Upway, the online platform for reconditioned electric bikes, has launched a strategic partnership with the Spanish bike brand Orbea to give e-bikes a second life and support the sales of new e-bikes at the same time. In a move to strengthen the circular economy of e-bikes by including established industry players, a trade-in program is now live at Orbea retailers across several European countries.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Brussels based trade association and industry lobby group Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) has announced the appointment of Paul Walsh as its new chief executive officer (CEO). He follows in the footsteps of Kevin Mayne who retired last year.
BUSETO PALIZZOLO, Italy - Lombardo Bikes has acquired Cicli Olympia, one of the oldest Italian bicycle brands, to create a production hub for bicycles made in Italy. Lombardo, founded in 1952 now counts itself as the largest bicycle manufacturer in Italy. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed other than that it was secured entirely through Italian capital.
ZEIST, The Netherlands - "Data is the missing piece of the narrative, and there is a basic need for standardisation in the bicycle industry," declared speaker Bartek Czerwinski during the Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) hosted webinar on Digital Solutions for the Cycling Industry. Here, newcomers in the industry explained their ideas for creating a level playing field to bring the bike industry up to a digital level in line with its automotive counterpart.
ANNECY, France - After 10 years of research and development and a €19 million investment, active mobility developer, Cixi has announced that its Pers chainless technology is ready to hit the market. The first four bicycles featuring PERS technology will be available for purchase at this year's Eurobike.
HAMBURG, Germany - 82% of supply chain professionals in China expect container prices to rise in January 2025, according to a survey by Container xChange. The survey also highlighted that supply chain participants are preparing for three key disruptions this year; tariffs, geopolitical risks, and structural overcapacity. These disruptions are expected to keep demand and supply dynamics volatile well into 2025 with a potential impact on the bicycle industry.
TAIPEI, Taiwan - Despite continued difficulties in the market, exhibitor booth spaces for Taipei Cycle 2025 have officially been filled and a waitlist has been opened. Being held from 26-29 March the event will continue its focus on sustainability.
MUNICH, Germany - With over 25,000 pre-owned and refurbished bikes listed on its platform, over 2,000 of which come from the US, the fast-growing startup Buycycle is on a mission to connect high-end bicycle buyers and sellers on a global scale. One of the founders of Buycycle, Theodor Golditchuk, spoke with Bike Europe about the company's rapid rise in the second-hand market.
MILAN, Italy - Last Autumn concerns were raised by ABS manufacturer, Blubrake that Bosch could restrict competition in the e-bike ABS market by limiting the use of alternative technologies. A case opened by the Italian Antitrust Authority has now determined that e-bike manufacturers will now be permitted to integrate Blubrake ABS with Bosch BES3 kits.
LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - One individual and two companies have been found guilty of evading customs duties on the importation of e-bikes from China. The case was investigated and prosecuted by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Brussels last week. In total, the three defendants were found guilty of evading €3.1 million in customs duties and were sentenced to a fine of over €15.5 million each.
KORTRIJK, Belgium - Electric bicycle sales in Belgium grew to a market share of 51.2% in 2023 according to industry organisation Traxio. The estimate sales figures which were reported during the Velofollies tradeshow last week, show that the Belgian market is levelling out following the spike during the corona years.
REDDITCH, England - Alongside mainland Europe, bike sales in the UK have taken a market-adjusting dip this year. Retail giant Halford has reported that sales in its cycling division have been "challenging and below expectations due to the well documented consumer environment." However, bicycle sales are still 'ahead of the market', the company's interim results for the first half of the financial year reports.
HEERENVEEN, The Netherlands - Accell Group has announced a new collaboration to take a significant step in reducing CO2 emissions by giving a second life to discarded e-bike batteries. The partnership with Refurb Battery "aims to increase the circularity of the entire bike battery in the future."
FRANKFURT, Germany - UK-based custom lithium battery pack manufacturer Alexander Battery Technologies is expanding into the European Union. With a new sales and service operation in Germany, the company aims to offer OEMs in the DACH region faster time-to-market and a more secure supply chain. Industry veteran Kim Madsen, director of sales and marketing will lead the new operation.
SVETA NEDELJA, Croatia - Porsche eBike Performance is currently looking at locations for its own e-bike motor factory in Europe, the company has confirmed to Bike Europe. Furthermore, in a turnaround from previous announcements, the high-tech brand Greyp Bikes will be discontinued and the technology absorbed into Porsche's other activities.
MUNICH, Germany - Volkswagen Financial Services has acquired a 49% stake in Pon Holdings bike leasing subsidiary Bike Mobility Services (BMS). The partnership aims to focus on accelerating the expansion of bike leasing in Europe and the US. No details have been given on the purchasing price.
