ERKRATH, Germany - When e-bikes began to make a market entrance, global brand Giant determined that innovation in integrated in-house technologies would be the key to success. Since 2023 all R&D is carried out at the European headquarters in Lelystad, the Netherlands where a new development centre has been opened. Now, in-house service is an additional benefit to boost sales in saturated and fragmented European e-bike markets.

LONDON, England - Newcomer Skarper has developed a retrofit solution to turn any bicycle into an e-bike. What started with the backing of six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, the start-up has also teamed up with the Red Bull Formula 1 team's Advanced Technologies division to prepare the device for market launch later this year.

LONDON, UK — "Senior leaders in the bicycle industry are overwhelmingly white, heterosexual men" and "women and those from minority groups are more likely to leave the industry" - these are key finding from a new Diversity in the Cycling Industry Perception Survey Report. With other results shedding light on diversity and inclusivity issues, a roadmap for change has been proposed.

OSAKA, Japan - Shimano has announced two new mechanical groupset introductions. The Shimano 105 12-speed Mechanical groupset completes the 12-speed road family. Meanwhile for the gravel segment, Shimano's new GRX Mechanical 12-Speed provides more gearing options for gravel cyclists.

HAIBACH, Germany - German battery specialist Akku Vision has added a cargo bike battery solution to product range. The Fusione, which was launched at Eurobike, is "the result of deep market studies, analysis and feedback from customers which has been honed to make the product ready for commercial use," the company states.

NANTES, France - Connectivity solution producer Velco is now collaborating with Shimano to offer IoT and digital solutions to bicycle brands and manufacturers. After 2 years of development, Velco announced at Eurobike that it has officially become an off-shelf IoT device partner of the Japanese giant bicycle parts and engine manufacturer.

DENKENDORF, Germany - Gearbox specialist Pinion has developed a new product bringing together the motor and gearshift in one unit. "The Pinion MGU is the e-bike technology of the next generation," the company states prior to the launch at Eurobike. MGUs are available in the Pinion E-Line, as E1.12 and E1.9 versions and as E-Speed versions E1.12S and E1.9S.

MUNICH, Germany - For its fourth outing, organiser Huss-Verlag is calling for applicants for the International Cargobike of the Year awards. The award is establishing itself on the market as a platform for rewarding innovation in the young but booming cargo bike industry. The winners will be announced during the IAA Mobility event being held in Munich in September.

MUNICH, Germany - The fourth edition of the World Cycling Forum will take place on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 September 2023 in Munich, Germany. The theme of the 2023 World Cycling Forum is 'Equipped for change'.

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - After almost six years in the lead at bicycle manufacturer Accell Group, Ton Anbeek has stepped down as CEO. While a successor is being found, Juan de Ochoa, a partner at investment firm and co-owner of KKR, the new owner of Accell Group, will step in as interim chairman of the board of directors.

CAMBRIDGE, UK - Zedify, an electric cargo bike delivery network in the UK, has secured a £5 million (€5.7 mln) investment to expand its low carbon service. The funding will be used to expand its operations making it available to around 20% of the UK population. Developing an own vehicle in-house is also on the cards.

DENVER, US - Niner Bikes founder Chris Sugai has joined carbon belt manufacturer Gates as general manager of Gates Global Mobility. The bike industry pioneer with nearly two decades of bike industry leadership experience will drive efforts to expand Gates Carbon Drive offerings and bring belt drive solutions to bikes, electric mobility, and powersports.

GENNEVILLIERS, France - Upway a platform dedicated to the reconditioning and resale of e-bikes is growing its presence in Europe. Through additional funding, Upway is entering new markets with "the mission to provide as many people as possible the opportunity to buy second-hand electric bikes". The company is now active in France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

ROOSENDAAL, the Netherlands - Timyo, the international group manufacturing mid to high-end e-bikes under the brands Van Dijck, Keola and Muon, has high ambitions. Having already established a solid dealer base in Europe, a market entrance in North America is now underway and sights are set on bringing high quality e-bikes to the US. "Our goal is to have 200,000 sales of high-end e-bikes by 2026," Timyo CEO Steve Zhu tells Bike Europe.

KORTRIJK, Belgium - "Super", "Amazing", "Best event ever"; these were some of the comments from exhibitors at Velofollies last weekend. Signs of market disruptions, cash flow problems or inventory worries were far from centre stage at the main tradeshow for the Benelux which was returning following a 2-year absence. Could this outpouring of optimism be masking the real problems in the industry?

COPENHAGEN, Denmark - Mate is entering the e-cargobike market with the launch of its SUV model. Made from 90% recycled aluminium, the e-bike lifestlye brand is presenting it as "the first real alternative to a car."

NEW YORK, USA - When the pandemic started in March 2020 the US bicycle business was fully import dependent. 95% of all bicycles sold in the country were primarily coming from China. In other words, the US bicycle business was completely dependent on globalisation and the global supply chain. But "the golden age of globalisation is ending," fears US market specialist Jay Townley.

KOBLENZ, Germany - Canyon has welcomed a new Chief Operations Officer (COO) to its team. As COO, Alison Jones will be responsible for driving the company's global operations, supply chain and quality strategy and will also be part of the Canyon Executive Leadership Team.

SUZHOU, China - After two years and a capital investment of more than ￥10 million (€1.44 million), Bafang has completed the building of an Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) laboratory, becoming one of the few companies in the global electric system industry to own such a facility. The e-bike drive system manufacturer says that the new facility "will substantially and positively impact Bafang's product development, driving up quality and efficiency while reducing costs".

TEMPE, Arizona - Pivot Cycles has appointed Bryan Mason as President. In his new role, Mason will oversee key departments and management team members, including all of the company's operations in Germany.