In recent months, we've been shaken once again by two major product-safety incidents. Several brands of infant formula were found to be contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. Under certain conditions, it can cause health complaints, and this triggered anxiety and recalls.
The micro-mobility investment fund Fundracer announced an undisclosed investment in Belgian startup Aerobag, which is pioneering ultra-lightweight, compact airbag technology designed specifically for cyclists. Aerobag set out with a clear and ambitious mission: to adapt proven airbag technology from the automotive industry into a form factor that works for cycling.
E-bikes powered exclusively by a generator are considered technically innovative, but until now, they have been difficult to classify legally. This is going to change with the publication of the German standard DIN 31067. Though limited to Germany only, it may apply elsewhere in the EU if adopted or referenced.
The European bicycle industry is one year into the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) set by the European Union, and a recent spate of recalls has raised the question, are these just a series of isolated quality lapses, or part of the broader impact of the GPSR?
Bolt has expanded its shared micromobility fleet with the introduction of its first entirely in-house e-bike. With their design vision, Bolt aimed to reset expectations of what shared cycling can offer riders and cities. The scale and integration of various smart technologies make this a statement product for the future of e-bike developments.
ZEIST, the Netherlands - It's May as I write this blog, the time of year when cockchafers (May bugs) emerge from the ground en masse. This phenomenon is remarkable in itself, as the insect has been largely eradicated in most parts of the Netherlands due to pesticide use. Each time, it's a fascinating spectacle. After spending up to five years underground as larvae - being a persistent nuisance to my garden - they get to live above ground for just a few short weeks.
