NEW DEHLI, India - Rising fuel costs are boosting the Indian E-Bike and e-Scooter market. Supported by subsidies and V.A.T. redemptions by regional ...

"Promote yourself to a wider audience," said Fiona Bull, Programme Manager at the World Health Organization (WHO) at last year's World Cycling Forum in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Her presentation has been going through my mind a lot in the past months. All media reported on the cycling boom in many cities as people are looking for alternative means of mobility in the post-corona era.

With more than 20 transport Ministers and Secretary of States sitting in one room and discussing cycling, the first-ever informal EU Cycling Summit (7/10/2015) was a big milestone for cycling advocacy.

BRUSSELS, Belgium — The Belgian e-bike brand is in hot water after customers called out unexpectedly long wait times and a lack of transparency from the company. It's safe to say Cowboy has had a rough start to the year, as the e-bike manufacturer has attempted to navigate a production relocation, frame recall and now backordering issue - all in the span of a few months.

FRANKFURT, Germany - The Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) and Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) have signed a Letter of Intent to advance the merger of the two associations. Delivered as a milestone for the European bicycle industry, "this step reflects a shared vision to amplify the voice of the European cycling industry to lead the continent's mobility and industrial transformation," it was announced.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - After a turbulent 2024 marked by decreased production volumes and excess inventory, Taiwan's bicycle industry is showing early signs of recovery. While orders remain cautious, Q1 2025 export data suggests a gradual rebound is underway, especially in the e-bike sector.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - For the second year in a row the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) held a forum during the Taipei Cycle show to update the industry on the progress of the initiatives of its members. This year a focal point was the introduction of human rights code of conduct signed by all 82 members of the BAS to protect workers rights within the bicycle industry in Taiwan. The occasion was somewhat marred later in the day when a protest contradicted the progress being made.

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.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - That 2024 was a challenging year for European e-bike markets is no secret. How bad though, is now revealed in the latest EU e-bike import statistics published by Eurostat. The volume of e-bikes imports dropped 27% year-on-year to 642,000 units, slipping below the pre-covid level of 705,000 units in 2019. The import value fared even worse, with a 33% drop year-on-year.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Giant Group will start 2025 with a new executive leadership team following the announcement that long-standing chairperson Bonnie Tu will officially retire. The Group's board of directors has approved the appointment of current CEO Young Liu as the new Chairman. The current chief branding officer Phoebe Liu has been promoted to CEO. These changes will take effect January 1, 2025.

TERNDRUP, Denmark - As part of its continued growth investments, Danish online bike retailer Cykelgear, has merged with fellow Danish e-commerce business, Cykelpartner. Although the agreement unites the two online platforms under the same corporate group, both will continue to operate as independent brands in Denmark. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

EDINBURGH, Scotland - A 9-digit private growth-equity fund which has already supported Rebike, Bike Club and Grover in the micromobility sector, acknowledges that a new generation of businesses are helping to pioneer the sector's circular future. However, "circular innovations deserve a specialist investor," explains Andrew Shannon, founding partner of Circularity Capital.

LONDON, United Kingdom - In contrast to other European markets, where declines in unit sales could be offset against higher sales values, this can't be said for the UK market. The post-COVID downturn in the UK cycling market has seen the total market value fall a further 6% in 2023, following an 18% decline in 2022. On top of that, in 2023 the UK had "the worst mechanical bike sales this century," the latest data confirms.

MADRID, Spain - Bicycle exports from Spain to the rest of the world remain well above pre-pandemic figures and show a positive trade balance, according to provisional data from the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. Although production figures in the country are dipping compared to last year, bicycle production in Spain also remains above the levels achieved in 2019.

EASTWOOD, England - Citing a challenging market, UK bike manufacturer Raleigh is cutting jobs and relocating its headquarters. The measures are also being taken "to better integrate Accell UK into the wider Accell Group."

FULDA, Germany - Following an initial reluctance to join the family business, Daria Büchel is now following her father footsteps into the bicycle industry. This does not mean the industry stalwart Erhard is on the brink of retirement. Daria's primary goal for now is "to make a meaningful and effective contribution to the company." Bike Europe found out how she intends to do that.

KARLSTEIN AM MAIN, Germany - Organised by battery manufacturer BMZ, the Battery Expert Forum has become Europe's largest and most established networking platform for the global battery community. Taking place in November for the 18th time, it presents a top-class scientific conference with accompanying trade exhibition along the entire value chain of battery technology.

GEDERSDORF, Austria - The KSR Group launched its Malaguti e-bikes three years ago. On the back of a successful launch the brand is now expanding its product range and streamlining its distribution network across European territories.

OSAKA, Japan - Shimano has introduced Cues, a new approach to its mid-tier component line-up. Redesigned from the ground up, Shimano has focused on high-compatibility and consolidated its 9, 10, and 11-speed drivetrains like Deore, Tiagra and Alivio into one unified ecosystem of components.

UTRECHT, the Netherlands - Sustainability is more top of mind than ever in the bicycle industry. To enable an understanding of the circular economy in the industry, a series of online workshops are being held in March. Facilitated by Erik Bronsvoort, author of the book 'From marginal gains to a Circular Revolution', examines insights from the book in a 3-hour workshop.