The Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator is dedicated to promoting 10 tech startups focused on cycling. – Photo Shutterstock

Arkansas cycling accelerator open to global bicycle industry

BENTONVILLE, USA - Open to companies based in North America, Europe, and Asia, an innovative program dedicated to promoting 10 tech startups focused on cycling has been initiated by the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (AGCA). The accelerator will offer a 10-week hybrid program designed to support cycling-related tech innovation.

“We have experienced a sharp increase in our customised battery solutions,” says CEO Jesper Lundqvist. - Photo Viridus Manufacturing

Promovec obtains full ownership of battery manufacturer Viridus

ARHUS, Denmark - Promovec Group A/S, supplier of e-bikes and drive systems, has acquired the remaining 25% of battery manufacturer Viridus Manufacturing A/S. This acquisition marks the end of the joint venture partnership with Chinese company Greenway.

The boss of Brompton Bicycle has predicted that 2025 will be another year of turmoil for the bike industry after profits at the British folding bicycle maker dived by more than 99% amid a wave of discounting by rivals. – Photo Brompton

Brompton hit by industry-wide challenges as profits drop 99%

LONDON, UK - When looking for an indication of how dire the current market situation is in the bike industry, look no further than the recent financial results of folding bike manufacturer, Brompton. The renowned British manufacturer has reported a dramatic decline in profits, plummeting from £10.7 million (€ 12.9 million) to just £4,602 (€ 5,543) for the fiscal year ending March 2024.

From left to right: Andreas Bang, CEO of Cykelgear, Micheal Givskov, founder of Cykelpartner and Søren Rousing Djernæs-Andersen, CFO of Cykelgear. – Photo Cykelgear

Cykelgear expands Danish presence with Cykelpartner takeover

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.

Experience the future of cycling at 2025 Taipei CycleSponsored
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Sponsored Experience the future of cycling at 2025 Taipei Cycle

The Taipei Cycle Show returns from March 26 to 29, 2025, at halls 1 and 2 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Recognized as a leading B2B event in the cycling industry, the show is expected to host 950 companies from 35 countries, occupying 3,600 booths. It remains a key meeting point for high-end bicycle supply chains, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

In Memoriam: Pacific Cycles President Michael Lin (here at his booth at Taipei Cycle Show). – Photo Jo Beckendorff

Industry mourns the loss of Pacific Cycles president Michael Lin

TAOYUAN, Taiwan - Taiwan's specialty bike manufacturer Pacific Cycles Inc., is having to deal with great sadness. On 9 January, president Michael Lin passed away peacefully at the age of just 57.

Christian Koll-Schwarze gives a NOCA workshop in his new role as Business Development Lead. – Photo NOCA

NOCA further positions itself in data management market with new hire

BERLIN, January - NOCA, the Berlin-based software company pioneering master data management for the cycling industry, has added Christian Koll-Schwarze to its team as Business Development Lead. With more than 20 years of experience in the cycling industry, his role will involve positioning NOCA to transform the way cycling businesses manage their data in the OEM and aftermarket.

CEO Tjeerd Jegen: “It feels a natural moment to transition the leadership of the company.” – Photo Accell Group

Accell Group CEO steps down in favour of chief operating officer

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - Accell Group's chief operating officer (COO) Jonas Nilsson, will become CEO of the group, succeeding Tjeerd Jegen, who is stepping down and will transition to chair of the group's supervisory board. The CEO transition will take place over the coming months, up until 1 April, 2025, with the Chair transition taking place later this year, to allow for a cool-off period in line with good governance practices.

Despite positive indicators in 2023, 2024 proved to be a year of more downhills as opposed to the much-needed stabilisation in the market. Will growth come again in 2025?, 2026?, 20...? -  Photo Shutterstock

2024: A year of false hope in the bicycle industry

ZEIST, The Netherlands - In late 2023, after a difficult year, industry insiders were looking hopefully towards the new year. However, predictions of inventory level recovery and stability in the market were pushed back at every contact moment during 2024; from Taipei Cycle at the beginning of the year, to Taichung Bike Week at the end. This 'hope' was abandoned in the second half of the year as insolvencies and closures began to dominate the headlines. As hopes now push forward to those that have 'survived to 2025', here, a perhaps unwelcome look back at 2024.

How can the Taiwanese industry sustain the financial losses it has accrued in 2024? - Photo Bike EuropeSubscribers only
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Subscribers only Taiwan on course for €500 mln e-bike export value loss

TAIPEI, Taiwan - The fact that the Taiwanese supply chain has struggled during 2024 is fully evident in the latest custom statistics. In Q3, the island nation exported around 75,000 e-bike units, a 44% drop compared to 2023. E-bike exports to the EU specifically dropped 55% to a mere 34,000 units between July and September. Most significantly, the country is on course to see its export value drop half a billion euros this year in total.

Ernst Brust specifically mentioned the e-bikes of the Chinese brand Fiido. Their design easily allows to change the motor support limit from 25 km/h to 50 km/h. – Photo Fiido

Will the e-bike become a victim of its own success?

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - The import statistics of the European Union clearly indicate that China regained its leading position as e-bike supplier for Europe's market. At the same time, the market is drowned with cheap and non-compliant China made e-bikes whose sellers shamelessly advertise the presence of a throttle and how to circumvent the maximum support of 25 km/h. How should the industry respond to these market developments?

Volume and value of Taiwanese e-bike imports into the EU take significant dip in the first nine months of 2024. – Photo Bike EuropeSubscribers only
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Subscribers only EU e-bike imports drop 28% in first 9 months of 2024

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.

In early 2023, JCL Logistics opened a new 34,000-square-meter facility, increasing its total bike storage capacity to over 190,000 bicycles. Sponsored
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Sponsored JCL Logistics opens dedicated storage for e-bike batteries

Over the past decade, JCL Logistics has grown into perhaps the largest logistics service provider for the bicycle industry in the Benelux and West Germany. With the opening of a new storage facility for lithium-ion batteries, the company is set to deliver even more tailored services.

Rotor: from Madrid workshop to OEM leader in bike componentsSponsored
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Sponsored Rotor: from Madrid workshop to OEM leader in bike components

In the cycling industry, the importance of selecting high-quality components cannot be overstated. These elements are essential not only for achieving optimal performance but also for ensuring a safe and enjoyable riding experience. One company making its mark in this space is Rotor, known for its focus on precision and innovation in designing and manufacturing components. By prioritizing quality and functionality, Rotor contributes to the success of the leading bike brands in the industry.

Taipei Cycle 2025: A hub for innovation and sustainabilitySponsored
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Sponsored Taipei Cycle 2025: A hub for innovation and sustainability

From March 26-29, 2025, the Taipei Cycle Show will return to the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, bringing together key players in the cycling industry. With 950 exhibitors across 3,600 booths, the event promises to showcase the future of innovation and sustainability in the cycling industry.

Supreme Dutch launches durable airless tyre for urban mobilitySponsored
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Sponsored Supreme Dutch launches durable airless tyre for urban mobility

Supreme Dutch, a bicycle tyre innovator based in the Netherlands, has unveiled its next generation airless tyre specifically designed for bicycles. The new patented product is aimed at transforming the bike-sharing, food delivery, and cargo bike transportation sectors, where reliability, durability, and minimal maintenance are critical. With over a decade of research and development, the company is known for its focus on airless solutions for urban (E-) mobility. The company collaborated with tyre brand Schwalbe - Ralf Bohle for nearly five years before branching out independently to expand its reach globally.

From left to right: Niels Penning, Greg Schouten, Ferry Post, Jeroen van Kester.Sponsored
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Sponsored Tracefy expands organization to drive international growth

To support its rapid growth, Tracefy recently expanded its management team. Ferry Post has been appointed as sales director and Greg Schouten as technical director. This allows Niels Penning, as general manager, to focus more on overall company leadership, while Jeroen van Kester, director of marketing and new business, will concentrate on international markets and opportunities for Tracefy's GPS solutions beyond the bicycle industry.

Four key themes to watch at Taipei Cycle Show 2025Sponsored
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Sponsored Four key themes to watch at Taipei Cycle Show 2025

The Taipei Cycle Show 2025, organized by Taitra, will be held from March 26 to 29 at TaiNEX 1 and 2. With the theme 'Ride the revolution', this premier event aims to unite global innovations and promote sustainable practices within the bicycle industry. As the second-largest bicycle show worldwide, it plays a vital role in shaping the future of cycling.