BRUSSELS, Belgium - Over the first nine months of 2024, registrations of second-hand speed pedelecs in Belgium increased by +17.4% compared to the same period in 2023, and by +39.3% compared to 2022, according to figures released by trade association Traxio. However, for new speed pedelecs a reverse trend is seen as sales dropped 17.9% compared to 2023.
FRANKFURT, Germany - A sign of more advanced technology entering the e-bike market was Star Union's magnetic gear motor at this year's Eurobike. The motor uses magnetic force instead of mechanical force to offer maximum efficiency of 90%. The prototype displayed is being targeted for mass production in Q2 2025.
MADRID, Spain - Bicycle production in Spain reached 171,200 units during the first half of 2024, data from the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism shows. Although this represents a 6.4% decrease on the same period last year, production has grown to around 30,000 units per month during the second quarter of 2024.
ZEIST, The Netherlands - The volume of e-bikes exported from Taiwan has been in a constant freefall since January 2023. At this point it was clear that the market was flooded and delayed shipments were reaching weak purchasing markets. Throughout 2023, the number of e-bikes shipped from Taiwan dropped each month; from 102,575 in January to 37,597 in December. The latest Q1 figures of 2024 show signs of stability being resumed in the export market, albeit at a considerably low level.
LONDON, UK - Existing tariffs on e-bikes imported into the UK from China range from 18.8% to 79.3%. These measures were transitioned when the UK left the EU following Brexit. Following a period of investigation the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has now deemed that keeping anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures on Chinese e-bikes "would not be in economic interest of the UK" and should be revoked.
TAIPEI, Taiwan - With last mile cargobike logistics increasing, accessory manufacturer Sunny Wheel has added a front fender mirror specific for cargobikes to its range. Besides new products, the company has also opened a new regional sales office in the Netherlands to support further growth in Europe.
OSAKA, Japan - Shimano has launched a new affordable component system, Shimano Essa, which will be compatible with the bicycle component maker's current 8-speed flat-bar Acera, Altus and Tourney TX systems. Also, the Cues range launched last year, has been optimised to include Short Reach, an ergonomic design for riders with small hands.
MADRID, Spain - Bicycle production in Spain saw a 6.8% year-on-year decrease in production in February, after registering a 10.5% decrease in the first month of the year, according to data from the Ministry of Industry Trade and Tourism. Despite these decreases, the units produced represent the highest monthly figures since June 2023 indicating a potential sign of a turnaround in the market.
TAIPEI, Taiwan — The inaugural Bike Venture Program, co-hosted by Taipei Cycle and ecosystem builder Anchor Asia (aka Anchor Taiwan), brought a new dimension to this year's industry event in Taipei. "Our goal is to inject new energy into the bicycle industry, expanding the pie and fostering win-win collective growth and success," explains Elisa Chiu, founder of Anchor Asia and initiator of Bike Venture.
ZEIST, The Netherlands - In contrast to recent years where the 'best read' items on Bike Europe were related to high-level investments and buoyant market developments, 2023 marked a vivid turning point. This year was notable for bankruptcies, closures and concerns over financial positioning. Bike Europe looks back on the main stories which attracted interest this year…
BRUSSELS, Belgium - High-level policymakers, industry experts, and cycling stakeholders came together at the annual CONEBI conference last month to foster a political dialogue on the EU Industrial Transition and the European Cycling Declaration. "We have a momentum in Europe to push for stronger policies in favour of cycling and the cycling industry," said MEP Karima Delli during the event held at the European Parliament.
BERLIN, Germany - Drive system manufacturer Brose started the serial remanufacturing process for its old e-bike drives in 2021 and has been continuously optimising the process ever since. The 'Reman Drive' saves 21 kg CO2-EQ per drive unit claims Brose and is now available for purchase by end-users while discussions with the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) have also taken place.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - The Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) elected a new Board of Directors during the 2023 General Assembly held in Brussels last week. Erhard Büchel retains his position as CONEBI president.
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, England - UK bicycle manufacturer, Pashley, is seeking investment to accelerate its growth in three areas of e-mobility. Approaching its centenary year, the heritage brand is launching a crowdfunding campaign to support product development in e-cargo bikes, e-bikes and its already successful bike share products.
SKI, Norway - At Eurobike, reTyre introduced its sustainable, rubber-free tyres made from bio-based elastomers which allow for fully reusable tyres in a closed-loop circular economy. Now, in a sign that that the industry has accepted the product, the Norwegian company is accelerating the production of its tyres by expanding its production facility.
MISANO, Italy - High-end Italian bike manufacturer Focarini debuted a new range of e-bikes equipped with the Askoll Ultra C90A engine at the Italian Bike Festival last week. 'Made in Italy' was a key reason for the partnership between the Italians as for both this represents 'quality and craftmanship'.
LONDON, UK - Bike Club, a subscription-based provider of kid's bikes, has acquired Bicircular, a fellow bike subscription platform for children in Spain. This latest acquisition sees the UK scale-up entering two new European markets in the past twelve months. The certified B-Corp company says it is committed to bringing better circular economics into the European family leisure market.
CHANGHUA, Taiwan - Bicycle component and accessory manufacturer Sunny Wheel displayed its new universal adapter plate at Eurobike. As an update to the standard plate, the new product is compatible with 80% of market carriers. Additionally, the Taiwanese manufacturer confirmed a positive market outlook with no intentions to move production to Europe.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - E-bike brand Cowboy is embroiled in a patent dispute with French e-bike software developer eBikeLabs. What was once a close partnership has turned sour after allegations of copying e-bike technology came to the surface.
BERLIN, Germany - Claus Fleischer, managing director of Bosch eBike Systems, has been elected to join the Board of Directors of Zweirad Industrie Verband (ZIV). The German industry association has also been forced to replace board member Severine Lönne of Cycle Union/Prophete due to the insolvency situation in these companies.
