BRUSSELS, Belgium - The fierce discussion 2 years ago on the new battery regulation implemented by the European Commission seem to have moved to the background. The challenging market conditions appear to be more relevant than a new European regulation which will be implemented in January 2027. One element in this regulation is that the single cell replacement for e-bike batteries would cause serious safety issues according to many industry insiders.

BRUSSELS, India - The EU and India are intensifying bilateral contacts again with a view to concluding negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced during her speech in Davos that the first trip of the new Commission would be to India. "Together with Prime Minister Modi, we want to upgrade the strategic partnership with the largest country and democracy in the world," she said.

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.

It's no secret that cycling in nature has its benefits, from getting fresh air to improving one's overall health. But proper mountain bike trails don't just appear by themselves. They take careful consideration and planning. That's why Shimano has pledged a sum of 10 million USD to global trail building projects over the next 10 years.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Union and Malaysia will soon start negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) that could have a major impact on the bicycle industry. The Southeast Asian country is home to Shimano supplier Kwang Li Industry.

ZEIST, The Netherlands - Imports of e-bikes into the EU reached almost 200,000 units in Q3 of 2024, almost matching the same volume of Q3 in 2023. Although there were signs of market recovery with an increase in e-bikes entering EU shores in Q2, the overall year-on-year decrease in the first nine months of 2024 is 28% compared to 2023. Perhaps more important, this is not counteracted by a higher import value.