In this edition of Bike Europe: Accell cuts debt by €600 million - Interview Flyer CEO Andy Kessler - Central Europe is preparing to take controlling position in manufacturing - "Industry needs new business models"

BRUSSELS, Belgium - "Riding manipulated e-bikes on public roads may result in serious legal consequences," writes the European industry confederation CONEBI. The national industry associations and companies operating under the aegis of CONEBI speak out altogether against any kind of manipulation of e-bikes and e-bike drive systems to increase the performance of the maximum supported assistance speed.

WASHINGTON, US - As the world awaits a year of tariffs and tussles, there was good news for the bicycle market in the US in 2024. The number of non- electric bicycles imported into the country rose again following sharp declines since 2021, the latest US customs data shows. However, with China as the leading supplier, the market remains uncertain.

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - Accell Group has completed its recapitalisation process after it secured sufficient support from its key stakeholders last November. The sanction hearing in the English court on 23 January 2025, at which the court sanctioned the recapitalisation following the agreement that Accell reached with the majority of its financial stakeholders in October 2024, was the final step before yesterday's finalisation.

OSAKA, Japan - The 2024 financial report of Shimano Inc. indicates a rebound in sales in the second half of last year. However, in more detail the results look less promising for the international bicycle industry. The revenue in Europe and Taiwan was still down by double digits and the main growth market was China where revenue increased by almost 60%. In the long-term Shimano remains positive on bicycle sales, but the bicycle component manufacturer also points to the potential impact of geopolitical developments.

COLOGNE, Germany - Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer Tern has announced plans to establish its first distribution office in Europe. Dubbed Tern ZE, the Cologne-based facility will begin operating on 1 July 2025 and should enable the firm to better support its customers in Europe.

台灣，台中－經常造訪台灣自行車工廠的人會注意到，有許多來自菲律賓、越南、泰國或印尼的技術工人，因此廠內通常具備多語言標示。法國媒體《世界外交》（Le Monde Diplomatique）一篇近期報導指出，他們發現台灣自行車行業存在國際勞工組織（International Labour Organisation，簡稱ILO）標準所判定的強迫勞動指標。

西班牙，馬德里（MADRID）－西班牙自行車產量在經過連續2年的優異表現後，於2023年出現衰退，不過2024年迎來回升，年增2.9%。儘管產值略有下滑，該國自行車產業仍比疫前表現出更強的韌性。

荷蘭，宰斯特（ZEIST）－由歐洲自行車提倡協會（Cycling Industries Europe，簡稱CIE）舉辦的「產業數位解決方案」網絡研討會的講者 Bartek Czerwinski 在會上表示：「數據是產業目前缺少的一環，而自行車產業需要標準化。」新進企業在會中分享他們的構想，期望打造公平的競爭環境，推動自行車產業的數位化，使其與汽車產業的發展水平接軌。

德國，諾伊馬克特（NEUMARKT）－比利時歐洲投資公司Gimv NV於去年12月收購德國自行車及戶外照明廠Lupine Lighting Systems GmbH多數股權，交易金額未公開。

PARIS, France - As reported by several Swiss media, Paris-based arbitration tribunal of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) handed down its verdict regarding Scott Sports SA (or Scott Sports Group) ownership. According to the ruling made on 6 February, Beat Zaugg, who is still co-owner of Swiss bike and winter sports supplier, is to cede his 47% stake in the company to majority owner Youngone Corporation.

The 2025 Taipei Cycle Show will take place from March 26 to 29 at Halls 1 and 2 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. The event will bring together 980 companies from 35 countries across 3,600 booths, reinforcing its role as a hub for high-end bicycle supply chains, innovation, and sustainability.

LONDON, UK - The UK Government has accepted the recommendation to revoke anti-dumping and countervailing measures on imports of Chinese non-folding e-bikes to the UK. The measure which came into force from 7 February 2025 will open the market to cheaper e-bikes.

FRANKFURT, Germany - DJI was one of the biggest newcomers on the e-bike market last year creating a lot of rumor during the tradeshows. What makes the e-bike market so interesting for this leading manufacturer of drones which generates a multi-billion revenue? The introduction into the e-bike market was put in the hands of drone pilot and DJI Product Experience Director Ferdinand Wolf.

OTTOBRUNN, Germany - Porsche's e-bike drive systems manufacturing subsidiary has announced the appointment of Florian Klingseisen and Eric Sakalowsky to director-level roles. Klingseisen joined Porsche eBike Performance as director of project management last month, while Sakalowsky has taken up the role of marketing director. Dr Jan Becker, co-CEO of Porsche eBike Performance, welcomed the pair and said the firm was delighted with the hires.

HARD, Austria - Modular bike builder Simplon Fahrrad GmbH has successfully completed its restructuring process under self-administration. With the support of the previously announced new owner SOL Capital Management, Austria's second-largest bicycle manufacturer is now starting the upcoming cycling season in a stronger position.

Whyte, an award-winning challenger bike brand with over 25 years of innovation, has built a strong reputation for reliability and performance. Focused on delivering a high-quality riding experience at competitive prices, the company is now expanding its global reach.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Following allegations by LeMonde Diplomatique about indicators of forced labour according to the International Labor Organization (ILO) in the Taiwanese bicycle industry, the trade association Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA) felt the urge to respond. "Taiwan as the crucial global supply chain has the responsibility to do things right in every aspect and we appreciate your effort in providing us the guidance and advice regarding the foreign labour issues," the TBA told Bike Europe.

EMSTEK, Germany - Pon-owned brand Kalkhoff is transitioning to low-temperature powder coatings in the painting process at its bicycle factory in Germany. This reduction in temperature brings significant benefits in terms of energy consumption and reduces CO2 emissions.

NEUMARKT, Germany - Last December, Belgium-based European investment company Gimv NV acquired an undisclosed majority stake in German bicycle and outdoor lighting producer Lupine Lighting Systems GmbH.