Author Archives: Annick Roetynck

About Annick Roetynck

Annick is the Manager of LEVA-EU, with decades of experience in two-wheeled and light electric mobility.

• Rad Power Bikes Named One of 2021’s Most Innovative Companies

  15/03/2021 16:52 Comments Off on Rad Power Bikes Named One of 2021’s Most Innovative Companies

  LEVA-EU member Rad Power Bikes has just been recognized as one of the most innovative companies of 2021.

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  In an annual ranking compiled by Fast Company, a leading tech and business magazine, Rad Power Bikes landed the number 2 spot in the transportation category — the highest position for any electric bike company.

  “Our movement to create a world where transportation is energy-efficient, enjoyable, and accessible to all has always been 100% people-led, and charged by the passion and excitement of each and every rider,” founder and CEO Mike Radenbaugh said. “We have them to thank for this.”

  Fast Company is not the only one to notice the transformative power of electric bikes. This announcement comes on the heels of a historic $150 million investment in Rad Power Bikes from some of the nation’s top financial powerhouses.

  “Innovation is core to who we are and we’re thrilled to see our hard work pay off,” Radenbaugh said. “Moving forward, we will continue to redefine mobility and push the boundaries of what people can expect from an electric bike. This doesn’t just mean new bikes and accessories designed for the inspiring ways our riders get outside. It means groundbreaking digital tools to enhance their ownership experience at every turn, not just this year, but for years to come.”

  The Rad Power Bikes website is here.

• CAKE and West Coast EV Announce Joint Venture

  16:49 Comments Off on CAKE and West Coast EV Announce Joint Venture

  The partnership establishes CAKE’s first authorized US retail location, test track, and service center in California’s central valley.

  LEVA-EU member CAKE, announced a partnership with West Coast EV (WCEV) to establish a flagship CAKE retail dealership, service center, as well as CAKE’s first US-based CAKE test track. The WCEV facility, based in McFarland, CA, is at the heart of California’s new electric vehicle highway on the I-99 corridor of California’s Central Valley and is slated to open Fall of 2021.
  
  Alongside the track and retail experience, West Coast EV plans to utilize CAKE motorbikes to offer one-of-a-kind ‘Eco-Tours’ of the rich historical surrounding area, with rides through rolling grape vineyards as well as local almond and pistachio farms. Additional excursions will be offered to explore the natural wonders of the nearby Sequoia National Forest, lakes and parks. The goal is to allow customers to experience the joy of clean, quiet exploration and to further CAKE’s ‘Explore with Respect’ mission while educating individuals about the delicate balance between climate change and its impact on nature, agriculture, and food supply.
  
  “Establishing a home-base in Southern California with West Coast EV is an incredibly important part of bringing CAKE to the masses,” commented CAKE founder and CEO, Stefan Ytterborn. “We are particularly excited about the test track and Eco-Tour ride experience as there is no better way to understand the magic of electric transportation and CAKE motorbikes than by having the experience of riding without disturbing or polluting.”
  
  West Coast EV aims to become California’s premier EV electric powersports supercenter. The mission is to promote California’s mandate to zero-emission battery electric transportation and infrastructure. Aligned with the transition to 100% electric vehicles on the new California electric highway by 2030, West Coast EV also plans to expand its deployment of solar to battery storage EV (EVCS) charging stations. These stations will accommodate electric bicycle, motorbike, passenger, and heavy-duty commercial vehicles such as Volvo, International and Tesla. The Swedish Gigafactory battery maker NorthVolt will supply batteries to CAKE’s electric motorcycles and the charging stations used in West Coast EV’s battery storage systems.
  
  “We know that adoption and use of zero-emission electric vehicles has a tremendous impact on lowering greenhouse gas emissions and carbon emissions. The easy adoption of personal electric bikes can absolutely transform the green transportation revolution,” says JD Gessin, a sustainable energy entrepreneur and founder of West Coast EV. “By bringing CAKE’s electric vehicles along with their last mile E-delivery solutions to the Central Valley, we’re going to be able to create jobs, while showing people that meeting California’s goal of net zero-emissions by 2030 is not only possible, but also incredibly fun.”
  
  Construction has begun on the West Coast EV and CAKE retail facility. New models and accessories are currently available, along with other electric vehicles and accessories. Key launch dates, Eco-Tour plans, and track openings will be announced on the West Coast EV website and social media @gozeroev.
  
  Additional images and video of the CAKE track experience that will roll out at West Coast EV in the coming months.

• Call for Papers for 34th International Electric Vehicle Symposium

  16:47 Comments Off on Call for Papers for 34th International Electric Vehicle Symposium

  The 34th International Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition (EVS34), having “Towards Intelligent E-Mobility” as a theme, will be held in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China on June 25-28, 2021

  It is hosted by the China Electrotechnical Society (CES), the World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA), the Electric Vehicle Association of Asia-Pacific(EVAAP), and the People’s Government of Nanjing Municipality.

  The deadline for the submission of academic contribution is extended to March 20, 2021. The organisers warmly invite domestic and foreign universities, scientific research institutions, industrial enterprises and technology workers to actively contribute with papers and participate in the symposium.

  Submit papers by registering and following the instructions on http://www.evs34.org.cn/.

  The co-organizers of EVS34 are European Association for Electromobility (AVERE) and Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA). The conference will invite well-known experts, scholars and academics to exchange ideas on cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices in the field of electric vehicles.

  More information in the event’s leaflet.

• German and Dutch Electric Cycle Markets Flourish

  16:44 Comments Off on German and Dutch Electric Cycle Markets Flourish

  New data about the electric cycle markets in Germany and the Netherlands are available for the year 2020. Despite the pandemic, both markets flourished and showed record numbers.

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  Germany

  Zweirad-Industrie-Verband (ZIV) published new data on the German (electric) cycle market in 2020. That shows a steady growth to over 5 million pieces being sold in 2020. Of this number, 1.95 million are electric cycles, a growth of more than 43% compared to 2019.

  The electric cycle now accounts for almost 39% of all cycle sales in Germany, making it the largest segment of the market in volume. Second in line is the trekking cycle with 25% followed by the urban cycle with 13%.

  The electric cycle market is made up of the following segments:

  • e-trekking: 692,300
  • e-MTB: 585,000
  • e-city/urban: 546,000
  • e-cargo: 78,000
  • e-other: 29,300
  • e-racer: 9,800
  • speed-pedelecs: 9,800

  

  Note: LEVA-EU Graph, based on data of ZIV.

  Over the years, the electric cargo cycle has steadily worked its way up in the sales statistics over the years. Showing again a year on year growth with a new record of 78,000 pieces being sold in 2020, a growth of more than 43%.

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  The Netherlands

  In 2020, the sales of electric cycles have reached new record numbers. They increased by more than 30% compared to 2019 for a total of 547,000 electric cycles. With an average price of €2.259, turnover reached a remarkable €1,65 billion in 2020, which is double the turnover in 2010.

  Electric cycles accounted for 50% of all Dutch cycle sales in 2020, leaving next segments non-electric city cycles and children’s cycles far behind. The the share of electric cycles is considerably on the increase. It was 42% in 2019 and only 15% in 2011.

  Brick and motor shops remain the most important distribution channel for electric cycles. 10% of all revenues have been realized through internet sales while this was 23% three years earlier. The decrease in internet sales is also noticed on electric cycles where only 8% was sold last year, while it accounted for 27% three years earlier. This downward trend is probably the result of  ‘traditional internet shops’ who turn there business into a mix of digital and physical shops according to RAI/BOVAG.

  Source: RAI/BOVAG

• Market Report on Cargo Cycle Logistics in Germany

  08/03/2021 18:08 Comments Off on Market Report on Cargo Cycle Logistics in Germany

  The first extensive market report about (electric) cargo cycle logistics in Germany has been published by Radlogistik Verband Deutschland: ‘’Optimism in times of a pandemic’’. The report delivers information on the German market size, the potential of these vehicles and on how to optimize the use of cargo cycles for logistics.

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  As elsewhere in Europe, (electric) cargo cycles are seen as a more sustainable form of transporting goods in German cities. Creating clean logistic chains has becomes increasingly important in cities, now that there has been a huge boom in parcel deliveries due to the corona pandemic.  

  The German association Radlogistik Verband Deutschland eV (RLVD) carried out a survey to get a better comprehension of the (electric) cargo cycle logistic industry in Germany. Small- and medium sized enterprises related to the industry were surveyed such as manufacturers, service compagnies and research institutes.

  At the end of 2020, the German sector was still relatively small with some 100 compagnies, 2,600 employees and a turnover of around €76 million. Despite this relatively small size, growth potential is there and the sector has definitely boomed during the corona pandemic.

  Several results of the survey support the claim about growth potential. Almost 70% of the participants expect to hire additional staff in 2021. No-one is planning any layoffs and 75% of the compagnies believe that their sales figures will increase.

  ”The development of cargo cycle logistics is extremely positive’’ says Martin Schmidt, board member of the association. He also acknowledges that: ”If we want to fully capture the potential of clean and sustainable cities, politicians need to step up there game to promote and support the uptake of cargo cycles as a means of transport in this sector.” It would for instance be wise to have similar incentives for electric cargo cycles as for electric cars (EVs).  

  ”Cargo cycle logistics is safe. More than 1.6 million kilometer was driven with these vehicles in 2020 and no significant accidents have been recorded”, says Thomas Schmitz, second board member of the association. ”In accordance with our traffic code, users of cargo cycles ride their vehicle with care and responsibility towards other road users. Cargo cycles are on average well maintained and are safe vehicles, even with substantial cargo loads.”

  Here is a link to the article (German).

  Photo: Radlogistik Verband Deutschland e.V.

• New Luxembourg Micro-Mobility Rules in Violation of EU law

  17:58 Comments Off on New Luxembourg Micro-Mobility Rules in Violation of EU law

  Luxembourg’s Mobility Minister, François Bausch, has recently announced amendments to the national traffic code, with a view to accommodating micro-mobility. He probably did not realise that what he explained at that press conference was against European law.

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  Luxembourg has a new category to its traffic code: the electric micro-vehicle (micro-véhicule électrique). This term covers electric monowheels, hoverboards, e-scooters, etc. The category is devised for “small vehicles with at least one wheel, with our without a seat, for the transport of one person only”. Their maximum speed must be limited from 6 to 25 km/h and their power to 250W. They must be equipped with a permanent red and white light, as well as with a bell. These vehicles are awarded the same status as conventional bicycles. They may therefore be used on cycle paths.

  With these new and probably well-intended rules, the Luxembourg government is in violation of European legislation. According to Regulation 168/2013, any vehicle with a seat that can be propelled by the motor itself, is an L1e-B moped. It must be type-approved as such. The Luxembourg government has the competence to award it the same status as a conventional bicycle in the traffic code. The government is however not entitled to exempt if from type-approval and grant the limited technical requirements as outlined above.

  LEVA-EU has written about this issue on several occasions, see https://leva-eu.com/non-type-approved-e-scooters-with-saddle-are-illegal/. The fact that even a member state goes wrong, shows to what extent current legislation is ill-adapted. That is why, in our position paper on the review of the type-approval for light electric vehicles (LEVs), we propose to exclude all LEVs up to 50 km/h. Instead, they should all be made subject to a horizontal vehicle Regulation complemented with harmonised standards and, if necessary, specific type-approval for certain categories. It cannot be justified that the technical rules for an LEV, change completely just by adding a saddle to it.

  Photo by Cedric Letsch on Unsplash

• SUPER73® Raises $20 Million in Funding From Volition Capital

  11:02 Comments Off on SUPER73® Raises $20 Million in Funding From Volition Capital

  IRVINE, CA | LEVA-EU member SUPER73®, an American electric vehicle brand, based out of Orange County, California, recently announced the close of a $20-million investment from Volition Capital, a Boston-based growth equity firm.

  Founded in 2016 by LeGrand Crewse, Michael Cannavo, and Aaron P. Wong, SUPER73® produces two-wheeled electric vehicles with a mission to fuse motorcycle heritage and youth culture. It has quickly grown into one of the most recognizable electric vehicle brands in the world, with a loyal and passionate customer base, which includes many A-list celebrities and professional athletes.

  “We have always known that there was something special at SUPER73. It wasn’t just about creating a fun electric bike, it was about building a gateway to unlimited adventure and cultivating a true community. Volition Capital not only saw that same vision but believed in it. Together, we now have a real opportunity to take SUPER73 to the next level and help redefine the electric vehicle industry.” – Legrand Crewse, CEO of SUPER73 explains.

  After an impressive launch on Kickstarter, SUPER73 saw fast-paced growth, not only because its handsome, minimalistic e-bikes looked like nothing else at the time, but also because the company bucked the norms of the traditional electric bicycle industry. SUPER73 refused to become one of the many stale e-bike companies that exist solely to produce mass-market vehicles, and instead became a content-driven lifestyle brand that inspires adventure and creates community.

  The company’s desire to be different is key to its success. In 2017, SUPER73 went viral after redesigning its first-generation e-bike to resemble a pair of Star Wars speeder bikes. These were ridden in costume through downtown Manhattan; the video has subsequently been viewed more than 10 million times on YouTube. SUPER73 continued to produce noteworthy hits including an appearance at New York Fashion  Week, an international art exhibition with contemporary artist Tom Sachs, and a  custom-built, 24-karat gold e-bike for Post Malone.

  As the company continued to produce remarkable viral content, its popularity snowballed, and soon SUPER73 attracted the attention of big-name celebrities, athletes, and performers, including Jack Black, Will Smith, and Madonna. What’s more, the brand earned their support without paid promotion or endorsement.

  For the moment, there are tens of thousands of SUPER73 riders and enthusiasts across more  than 20 countries. The brand’s moto-inspired culture has created a new generation of  “bikers,” who not only self-organize into regional “SuperSquad®” rider clubs but have  also embraced the custom modification subculture. All over the world, fans of SUPER73 share their custom creations on social media and have helped grow the “SuperSquad” community faster than ever. SUPER73 has more than 430,000 followers across its content channels.

  The brand continues to push the boundaries of innovation by frequently producing high-profile collaborations with unique partners, including legendary French soccer club Paris Saint-Germain, Japanese streetwear brand NEIGHBORHOOD, and famed motorcycle designer Roland Sands. Mold-breaking projects like these have gained SUPER73 coverage in major publications such as Time Magazine, ESPN, Rolling Stone, GQ, Car & Driver, Men’s Journal, Motor Trend, Hypebeast and many more.

  It’s been less than five years since SUPER73 came to life, but the company employs more than 75 people on two continents; in 2020 SUPER73 opened its first European headquarters in Amsterdam. And with the demand for SUPER73 e-bikes in Europe already outpacing the remarkable demand for its products in the U.S., there is no doubt this young company will see even more success with the support of Volition Capital and  its $20-million growth investment.

  “Super73 has all of the ingredients to become a great consumer brand – fanaticalcustomers, insatiable demand for its products, and a distinctive design philosophy,” said Larry Cheng, Managing Partner, Volition Capital. “It is one of the fastest growingcompanies we’ve ever invested in and are poised to build a great new American brand as it leads the e-bike market for years to come.”

• LEVA-EU Presentation: Effect E-Bike Dumping on Taiwan

  10:58 Comments Off on LEVA-EU Presentation: Effect E-Bike Dumping on Taiwan

  In the framework of the online Taipei Cycle Show, LEVA-EU has contributed to the 2021 Smart Sport and Smart Cycling Forum. In an online presentation, LEVA-EU manager, Annick Roetynck, explained the effects of the EU dumping measures against e-bikes from China on Taiwan.

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  This afternoon session included 6 presentations in total. Other contributors were among others Accell CEO, Ton Anbeek, Executive Vice President of Specialized Bicycle Component, Robert Margevicius and WFSGI CEO, Robbert de Kock. The full line-up for this session is here: http://bw.businessweekly.com.tw/event/2021/BeyondExercise

  In October last year, at the request of EBMA, the European Commission suddenly changed the rules of origin for countries with non-preferential status, among which Taiwan. This happened without prior notice and without any transition period.

  Annick Roetynck explained the new rules and how to meet these. She also questioned the need for this change. E-bikes exported from Taiwan to Europe have indeed increased. Following the dumping inquiry in 2018 and the imposition of measures in 2019, some of the assembly was moved from China to Taiwan. However, one would expect that the move of these alleged dumped e-bikes would result in a decrease of the value. Remarkably enough, the opposite happened. In 2019, average value was 5.4% higher than in 2018

   Annick Roetynck’s presentation starts in this Youtube streaming at 2:15:

  For the presentation as a pdf-file, please send an email to annick@leva-eu.com

• Unexpected bike ad dreams up city-cycling utopia

  01/03/2021 16:31 Comments Off on Unexpected bike ad dreams up city-cycling utopia

  LEVA-EU member VanMoof launched a new surprising campaign showcasing the power of cycling. Following the brand’s controversial TV spot that was banned in France, UK illustrator Jim Stoten takes viewers on a psychedelic dream ride. Along the way, the frog protagonist watches the gloomy city transform around him, with gridlocked roads exploding into flowers, and isolated drivers coming together as a community of happy riders.

  VanMoof’s new campaign film draws attention to the positive impact that the next billion on bikes will make on cities worldwide. “Instead of focusing on the negative effects of cars and clogged streets, we’re emphasizing the positive advantages of cycling,” says creative director Pascal Duval.

  The two-minute animation takes viewers on a surreal journey, with a frog protagonist riding through a crowded city on a VanMoof S3. “I find it really exciting to see something which catches your eye and doesn’t seem to mean anything. Then you can’t help but start putting meaning to it.” explains illustrator Jim Stoten, who’s known for his madcap visual style.

  In his vision of a dreamlike daily commute, a curious frog pedals his way through busy, smog-filled roads, reminiscent of rush hour all over the world. As the frog zips past traffic jams and honking drivers, the world around him suddenly starts to change. With every push of the pedals, cars transform into blooming plants, and cycling lanes appear. With this ride, the frog is inspiring a wave of much-needed change – the more people ride, the greener our cities will be. By the end of the film, the frog is cruising through a clean, greener city, flanked by a growing community of riders.

  VanMoof’s animated dreamworld builds on the e-bike boom, seen across cities worldwide. Within a few weeks of the first lockdown, signs of environmental recovery were reported. “Last year could be the first big step in the mobility revolution the planet is craving”, Ties Carlier, VanMoof CEO and co-founder adds. VanMoof’s playful new vision, reminds people that urban quality of life is not only influenced by political decision makers, but by everyone making more conscious decisions every day.

  The film is part of VanMoof’s first campaign of 2021, running globally until the end of March on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram. In 2020, VanMoof more than tripled its sales of e-bikes. The disruptive pricing model, combined with industry defying in-house production, means VanMoof can satisfy soaring demand while other bike stores grapple with production shortages. The VanMoof S3 & X3 are available worldwide at vanmoof.com.