Author Archives: Daan van Dieren

About Daan van Dieren

Daan is a policy officer for LEVA-EU

• German Electric Cargo Cycles in 2020

  23/08/2021 20:55 Comments Off on German Electric Cargo Cycles in 2020

  Last year in Germany, around 78,000 electric cargo cycles have been sold. This number represents a substantial growth of more than 43% compared to 2019. The German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV) estimates that electric cargo cycles represents ¾ of all cargo cycle sales, which was around 103,000 pieces in 2020.

  We have added these and more results to the LEVA-EU briefing Market Report 2020. Members receive this briefing for free. Non-LEVA-EU member can purchase the briefing including all updates to be published this year. If a company joins LEVA-EU within three months of first buying the briefing, that cost will be deducted from the membership fee.

  To obtain the briefing, simply send a mail daan@leva-eu.com with your company details and VAT number. This allows us to send you the invoice. You will obtain the briefing upon payment of the invoice.

  If you are looking for more information on the European LEV-market, you may want to consider joining LEVA-EU. All further details are here or contact Annick Roetynck at +32 9 233 60 05, e-mail annick@leva-eu.com.

  Source: ZIV.

  Photo credits: Flevobike

• The Promise of Low Carbon Freight

  16/08/2021 14:30 Comments Off on The Promise of Low Carbon Freight

  Source: Active Travel Academy, August 2021 – Cargo bikes could cut congestion and pollution in cities according to a recent study by Active Travel Academy, University of Westminster. Find below a summary of the study.

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  Freight transport contributes significantly and increasingly to climate change. In urban areas, goods vehicles contribute to deteriorating public space quality, air quality, and other road users’ safety. In London alone, between 2015 and 2017, vans and HGVs together were involved in 32% of total fatal collisions. The 213,100 vans owned by Londoners, when parked outside, occupy around 2,557,200 sqm of road space, the equivalent of just under twice the size of Hyde Park. The growing demand for home deliveries is predicted to worsen the situation, which will not be contained by shifting to less polluting vehicles alone.

  Cargo bikes, having become popular in several cities, can provide an alternative to the current damaging freight transport model which is increasingly relying on delivery vans. This report provides a study of the logistics potential of (electric) cargo bikes for urban deliveries. Using GPS data, the researchers compare routes taken by Pedal Me cargo bikes in London with routes that vans would have to take to deliver the same parcels.

  They find that the service performed by the Pedal Me freight cycles is an average of 1.61 times faster than the one performed by van. Moreover, in the 98 days of work sampled, Pedal Me helped save a total of 3,896 Kg of CO2 and over 5.5 kg of NOx, showing that cargo bikes can serve their customers better than a van without generating many of the externalities currently associated with urban freight.

  Previous systematic studies have estimated that just over half of all motorised freight logistics in urban areas could be done by (electric) cargo bike. They’ve assumed that at least part of this is immediately possible in London. The researchers estimate that expanding cargo bike services to replace 10% of the van-km currently driven in London would mean saving as much as 133,300 tonnes of CO2 and 190.4 thousand Kg of NOx per year. At the same time, it would reduce urban congestion and free a total of 384,000 sqm of public space usually occupied by parked vans and 16,980 hours of vehicle traffic per day.

  These benefits are not just specific to London, with the 100,000 cargo bikes introduced in Europe between 2018-2020 estimated to be saving, each month, the same amount of CO2 needed to fly about 24,000 people from London to New
  York and back, i.e. 80 Boeing 777-300 flying over 890,000 Km. The researchers conclude with some key recommendations for supporting the expansion of (electric) cargo bike freight in London and improving the roads for many that still struggle to use them safely.

  Find the complete study here.

  Photo credits: Bizze Bikes

• Offset Motorcycles Presents The OFR-M1

  12:35 Comments Off on Offset Motorcycles Presents The OFR-M1

  Source: Offset Motorcycles revealed its product vision for the first production bike – the OFR-M1.

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  The bike is a light off-road electric motorcycle with a clean and simple design that makes complex mechanics and hours of repair time a thing of the past. The bike has a powerful ride made possible by a mid drive 3 phase, high efficiency, air cooled, radial flux IPM PMS Motor with a peak power of 25 KW.

  Jakob Kistorp, Co-founder & CEO says ”We are extremely happy to be able to reveal the design. We have spent many months perfecting our product vision and we believe that the outcome is a reflection of that.”

  The bike comes with a 6.2 KwH battery pack which will keep you riding to explore the offroad environment without carbon or sound pollution for + 1.5 hours.

  Offset Motorcycles will open for pre-orders of the bike in 2022 and for now potential buyers can sign up for interest on the website.

  In 2022, Offset Motorcycles will also launch a street legal electric motorcycle. It will follow the same simplistic design DNA as the OFR-M1, but will be a dual-sport motorcycle geared towards the urban environment and the occasional off-road adventure.

• Start Making Space for People, Not Cars

  02/08/2021 11:03 Comments Off on Start Making Space for People, Not Cars

  Source: VanMoof – In late May this year, VanMoof supported the Berlin Autofrei initiative which campaigns to transform Berlin’s streets within the S-Bahn-Ring into car-reduced spaces. To inspire their Berlin-based riders to sign the petition, they teamed up with artist Martina Paukova to illustrate a vibrantly colorful imagining of Berlin as a biketopia on our Brand Store windows. VanMoof spread the word and hundreds of VanMoof riders signed the petition. While Berlin Autofrei is busy counting up the first round of the 195,000 total signatures needed to force a referendum, they are taking the next step to help bring their ideas that reclaim Berlin’s space for people, not cars, to life.

  VanMoof partnered with Berlin-based urban planner and sustainability specialist Tom Meiser, who plays a key role in the Berlin Autofrei initiative, to imagine tangible mobility solutions for the inner city of Berlin. Together with Tom, VanMoof has transformed five key traffic points into car-reduced, safe, and community-centric spaces to cater to the already shifting behavior patterns in Berlin and paint a vivid picture of the endless possibilities for the city center.

  So, how do we encourage more people to bike? At VanMoof, their believe is that the solution lies in creating the best riding experience possible in cities across the world. But to achieve a truly long-lasting urban mobility revolution, legislators must provide city-dwellers with safe and crucial infrastructure. Based on their own data collected in collaboration with YouGov shows that cyclists in Berlin don’t feel safe riding in their city. While the number of cyclists on Berlin’s streets increased by 22% over the pandemic, the number of cycling casualties increased nearly threefold. The data speaks for itself. A lack of safe spaces and necessary infrastructure for riders is dangerous and in need of urgent addressing.

  The Torstraße 42, home to VanMoof’s Brand Store, is just one area of Berlin that could benefit from a radical redesign. It’s currently a loud, congested six-lane road that’s the site of multiple accidents involving cyclists due to the absence of cycling infrastructure. Not tempted to ride down the Torstraße? Tom’s render splits up the road with a middle lane exclusively for public transport and taxis, and a segregated red bike lane to protect cyclists and minimise traffic conflicts. A green line for trees, flower beds, bike racks, and power plugs provides the necessary space and infrastructure for riders and pedestrians alike. Public life here becomes central, rather than sidelined in favor of cars. Phew. That’s better.

  

  The Rosenthaler Platz is a five-road intersection with no cycling infrastructure in place – one of the most dangerous roads for cyclists. Tom’s solution – which envisages a color coded bike roundabout to segregate it from the road and protected pedestrian crossings – embraces the potential for a safer, more inclusive and diverse public space. Picture a pedestrianized market square in its center, where you could sit under the shade of a tree while sipping your morning coffee. It’s too good an opportunity to miss.

  

  Find the complete article here.

• Bafang at Pro-Day Paris

  26/07/2021 19:28 Comments Off on Bafang at Pro-Day Paris

  Paris, July 2021 – LEVA-EU member Bafang welcomed enthusiastic cycling professionals at Pro-Days.

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  Earlier this month, the French cycling-industry exhibition Pro-Days was held in Paris at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

  Bafang presented drive systems for e-mountain, e-road and e-city bikes at the show, showcasing the provision of high-quality power solutions. Many bike professionals came to visit the stand, undertake intensive discussions and test products!

  At the Bafang stand, several European and international partner bike brands were presented, featuring different Bafang drive systems. The partner bike range was augmented by special Bafang test e-bikes, which included a demonstration of the brand-new H700 automatic 2-gear rear motor, a highly integrated, compact and concise system developed for e-city bikes.

  Visitors learned about the latest models, technologies, and future market trends. In the test riding area, attendees were able to directly experience various latest e-bike models and vehicles displayed by brand manufacturers.

• New Rules for E-Scooters in Helsinki

  17:59 Comments Off on New Rules for E-Scooters in Helsinki

  July, 2021 – Source: Finish Ministry of Transport and Communications. Speed limits for e-scooters will soon be tightened force in Helsinki as the three shared electric scooter operators agreed on ways to promote traffic safety in a meeting with Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka earlier this month.

  The rental companies in Helsinki voluntarily undertook to limit speed at night throughout the city and, during the day, also in the city centre. For the moment, it is not clear yet which speed limits will be implemented. Joint measures are being prepared under the leadership of the City of Helsinki and the operating compagnies have already announced their acceptance of restrictions. Some rental companies are prepared to completely block the use of e-scooters at night or restrict availability in the most popular restaurant areas. 

  The City of Helsinki is also preparing measures to organise the parking of electric scooters in such a way that danger to other road users can be avoided. 

  Read the entire press release here.

  Photo: Segway-Ninebot

• Six Steps Towards Sustainability

  19/07/2021 11:43 Comments Off on Six Steps Towards Sustainability

  Source: LEVA-EU member Promovec – For being a sustainable and green company, you need more than just “keeping up appearances” or doing it because it is a “trendy thing”; it is about working hard and have a clear strategy on how to be as green as possible throughout the whole supply chain and organization. Furthermore, all green values should be shared by all within the organization. The usual business should be green instead of “just” falling back to doing business as we did before.

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  1. STEP – sustainable packaging box. At Promovec, the company is continuously looking for improvement internally. Their plan for the immediate future shows ambition to innovate and contribute to the world’s challenges. They have gone from the black, colorful battery packaging boxes to a reasonable and sustainable packaging box. The new packaging boxes are recyclable and entirely made from cardboard. The material has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and they get it from a local source.

  2. STEP – healthy lifestyle. Internally Promovec encourages all employees to have a focus on a green and healthy lifestyle. The company has become a certified Bicycle-friendly Workplace. The campaign helps to increase the focus on a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation. By cycling, we can save the climate a tremendous amount of CO2 and help to supplement a healthy lifestyle.

  3. STEP – renewable energy. Overall, Promovec is always seeking to become more sustainable. Their battery production facilities use 100% renewable energy and is supplied by sustainable energy sources. Furthermore, they use a CO2-neutral server for running the website and LED lights with 60-75% improvement in the overall energy efficiency.

  4. STEP – sustainable bonds. In order to be as sustainable as possible, the company has changed the company’s pension fund. By doing so, they can now buy sustainable bonds. It fits the vision and philosophy regarding Promovec’s green values.

  
  5. STEP – new sustainable HQ. In 2022 Promovec will move intoa new headquarter just outside Aarhus. The building will be the first in Denmark to reach a golden certification standard in DGNB. The measurements of the DGBN system are based on three key factors; sustainability areas of ecology, economy, and sociocultural.

  6. STEP – green ambitions. When it comes to the batteries, recycling is essential for Promovec, as they contain valuable and hazardous materials. To reduce the environmental footprint even further and incorporate green ambitions into daily routine, they gave the waste management system an overhaul to make sure that the company recycle as much as possible.

  Photo credits Promovec.

• Expanding Service Hubs and certified workshops VanMoof

  09:38 Comments Off on Expanding Service Hubs and certified workshops VanMoof

  LEVA-EU Member VanMoof is expanding their service footprint from 8 to 50 cities across the world so that their riders have better access to service. To make sure that riders are never off the road for long, VanMoof has opened Service Hubs that can offer services of every kind to its growing community of riders. They have also partnered with independent bike shops so that riders can get help in the local area.

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  VanMoof’s state-of-the-art Service Hubs anticipate everything a VanMoof rider might need – from test-rides and tune-ups, to faster-than-ever repairs and services of every kind. Service Hubs aim to bring them closer to the riders, so riders can access services easier and faster than ever before. Riders are welcome to stop by the Service Hubs in hometowns for a test ride, a tune-up, repair, or just for a great cup of coffee.

  A certified workshop is an independent bike shop certified and trained by VanMoof to perform maintenance and repairs on VanMoof bikes. This means riders have access to almost the same level of VanMoof service they would get from a Service Hub or Brand Store even if their city doesn’t have one just yet. Test rides are available at selected certified workshops.

  Due to current Covid regulations, riders must book their appointment in advance. Riders can book an appointment via their My VanMoof account. They’ll be directed to the booking tool via the ‘Bike Doctor’ page. Click on ‘Find a solution’ option, and simply follow the steps.

  Find all Service Hubs and Certified Workshops here.

  Photo credits: VanMoof

• Batteries For The World of Tomorrow

  12/07/2021 11:00 Comments Off on Batteries For The World of Tomorrow

  Source: Promovec – Climate change and global warming define the global agenda, not just in the political sphere but in private households and corporations. People can no longer pretend that they are not affected by it or not affect it. Article by LEVA-EU member Promovec.

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  In the globalized world, everything is connected. What inhabitants do in Denmark has worldwide consequences and what happens in the world has consequences for Danish citizens. Furthermore, this entails that all companies and citizens share responsibility.

  As professor emeritus Steen Hildebrandt has remarked, business as usual is no longer an option. Global warming is more than a problem; it is a call to action. An ethical demand from future generations to leave them a habitable and prosperous planet.

  Predicting the future is all but easy. One thing, however, is sure: the demand for sustainable ways of transportation will only increase. Here batteries are a crucial element not only for electric transportation but for all electronic products and devices. Soon it will play a massive role in storing clean energy from sustainable sources.

  In 2019, Promovec established their battery production facility in Aarhus, Denmark. By doing so, they assure to remain at the forefront of the e-bike market and development of developing sustainable batteries.

  

  The first step is to become self-sufficient with battery packs and in the long run, they have a mission to make sustainable battery packs available for a wide variety of products. With the production facility, there is control over the process and development te become more sustainable in the years ahead.

  Their components adhere to the strictest safety, efficiency, performance regulations and products are tested to meet relevant standards. All are fitted with integrated intelligent BMS systems. Also, Promovec is committed to the responsible sourcing of raw materials for all components going into production.

  At Promovec, they are constantly looking for ways to improve continuously setting high goals. Plan for the immediate future clearly shows ambition to innovate and contribute to the world’s challenges.

  Promovec will significantly reduce all environmental impacts and look forward to giving their customers better battery experiences with sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation. Their vision is to play a significant part in the development of the future of sustainable modes of transportation. Batteries and e-mobility can play a vital part in ensuring optimal conditions in the future of urban areas, while these will with certainty keep expanding rapidly. Not only does e-mobility offer a sustainable mode of transportation, but it is also an easily accessible and agile vehicle made for the urban lifestyle.

  Recycling is essential when it comes to batteries, as they contain both valuable and hazardous materials. In 2019 Promovec gave their waste management system an overhaul to make sure that they recycle as much as possible. To reduce the environmental footprint even further and incorporate green ambitions into daily routins. They have introduced sustainable products in the office and production facilities, such as FSC paper products and green energy solutions. Moreover, they have also become a certified Bicycle-friendly workplace.

  To be green and sustainable is more than just “keeping up appearances”; it is trying to be as green as possible throughout the whole supply chain. If green values are shared by their employees, making green decisions become an easy choice. They cannot fall back to business as usual. Instead, Promovec does strive to make the usual business green.