Author Archives: LEVA EU

• Europe’s transport volumes and its CO2 emissions see a rise over 5% in 19 years

  20/06/2022 16:49 Comments Off on Europe’s transport volumes and its CO2 emissions see a rise over 5% in 19 years

  Source: European Environment Agency

  Recent analysis by the European Environment Agency (EEA) has reported an increase in greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars and heavy goods vehicles in line with the growth in transport volumes on Europe’s roads over the past two decades.

  The EEA assessment ‘Decarbonising road transport — the role of vehicles, fuels and transport demand’ is part of the  ‘Transport and environment reporting mechanism’ (TERM) series of annual assessments and focuses on greenhouse gases. According to EEA data, between 2000 and 2019, CO₂ emissions from passenger cars in the 27 EU Member States increased by 5.8 %, while emissions from heavy goods vehicles increased by 5.5 %. This was due to growing transport volumes and despite advances in fuel efficiency and an increase in biofuel usage.

  Passenger mobility and haulier preferences are yet to change in Europe. Both transport types have maintained and increased their volumes on the road systems, and the efficiency of vehicles’ CO₂ emissions, and shifts to greener transport modes, need addressing.

  Electric vehicles are set to play an important role in improving our air quality. Increasing the volume of these engine types will help to decarbonize passenger and freight logistics, although the EEA assessment reports that efficiency-gains are not the simple solution to the greenhouse gas problems. Ride-sharing, fuller cargo loads and encouraging the use of public transport, cycling and walking are also required to decarbonise Europe’s mobility system.

  To support the overall climate neutrality target, the EU goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport by 90% by 2050, compared with 1990 levels.

  

• Bafang “shifts” to hassle-free riding – the new 3-speed automatic gear hub

  16:38 Comments Off on Bafang “shifts” to hassle-free riding – the new 3-speed automatic gear hub

  LEVA-EU member Bafang introduces its new 3-speed automatic gear hub. This intelligent-acting hub takes over from the driver the otherwise manual process of changing gears, according to the speed, in a quiet, discreet, and precise fashion… automatically! Instead of shifting gears, the motto is ‘enjoy!’

  

  Bafang is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of eBike drive systems and continues to expand its extensive product portfolio in the drive components segment with fresh innovation. Weighing only 1.7kg, this powerful 80Nm hub can be supported by both chain- and belt-driven motors. Plus, it can be used without any electric assistance at all on standard pedalling bicycles. This automatic gear hub is particularly suitable for e-trekking, e-city, and e-cargo bikes (reduction ratios of 1:1, 1:1.36, and 1:1.65).

  Low maintenance – high performance

  An optional speed detection sensor replaces the traditional sensor installed on the chain stay, providing a very clean solution for mid-drive systems. The new 3-speed automatic hub has precise shift points depending on wheel speed, thanks to Bafang’s exquisite clutch mechanism. The hub can be combined with eMotors that are designed to support up to 25km or 32km. Furthermore, it can of course also be used for regular bicycles. No matter if 20’’ or 24’’, for folding/concept bikes, or for the bigger sizes such as 26’’or 28’’, the gear hub excels. The shift points are ideally matched (cadence calculated/based on a 38T/16T chain wheel), so manual, hectic shifting is no longer necessary. This means less distraction from the road, with more riding comfort and safety for the rider.  In terms of components, there is no need for an additional shifter and shift cable, resulting in lower maintenance requirements, easier servicing, and high performance.

  Furthermore, this stylish and solid-looking automatic shines with the following technical data: Belt freewheel (optional, open to Gates specifications), 16T or 18-single freewheel specifications, OLD: 135mm, spoke hole: 36x13G, additional chain wheel inside. Due to the powerful design of this innovative gear hub, it can only be integrated in applications equipped with disc or V brakes.

  

• Eovolt increases folding electric bike production capacity at Genas manufacturing center

  16:29 Comments Off on Eovolt increases folding electric bike production capacity at Genas manufacturing center

  Source: ToutLyon, S. Renard

  Production capacity will almost double from 1,200 units per month to 2,200. This can be attributed to the installment of a second production line and the creation of additional storage spaces.

  After establishing a production facility in Genas in mid-2020, foldable electric bicycle manufacturer, and LEVA-EU member, Eovolt has ridden the two-wheeled wave. In the first year, sales saw an increase from 3,800 units, to 9,500. As growth shows no sign of slowing down into 2022, it is unsurprising that the company continues to upscale its manufacturing presence.

  An investment of €500,000 has secured the additional production capacity. Baptiste Fullen, Eovolt co-founder, shares, “The expansion of our production unit is part of a global company development project. We want to accentuate our local approach in order to lock our production chain and to be more responsive and more flexible.”

  

• Podbike nominated for the Eurobike Innovators Prize 2022

  16:21 Comments Off on Podbike nominated for the Eurobike Innovators Prize 2022

  The Podbike FRIKAR by LEVA-EU member Podbike AS has been nominated for the Eurobike Innovators Prize 2022 in a competitive and inventive bicycles category.

  An online audience will select which nominees in the category reach the final round by casting their votes, so participation by all visitors to the Eurobike website is encouraged.  The Podbike FRIKAR e-bike is up against established giants with large followings, so the competition is tough.  All votes will be considered and a panel of experts will then decide the winner.

  To vote for the Podbike FRIKAR e-bike, click here:   
   VOTE NOW FOR PODBIKE FRIKAR

  The Podbike® Frikar is helping fight the climate crisis by offering an alternative to motor vehicles for short journeys and daily commutes. Practical, efficient, attractive, and suitable for riding in comfort 365 days per year, this innovative design puts the fun factor back into daily life whilst not disregarding those elements of safe travel that we’ve become accustomed to. Comprehensive braking systems, independent suspension, and fully-enclosed all-weather protection for rider and child/cargo mean this street-worthy design is a certified contender and one to be celebrated.

  

• Pendix at Eurobike: serial hybrid you can touch

  16:15 Comments Off on Pendix at Eurobike: serial hybrid you can touch

  The drive specialist, and LEVA-EU member, Pendix is ​​also represented at the Eurobike trade fair this year, which this time is primarily dedicated to future mobility. In line with this, the Zwickau-based company is presenting its innovative Pendix eDrive IN hub drive, which was specially designed as a B2B product for the bicycle and micro-mobility sector. Visitors can try out the drive at the fair and take test drives.

  The basis is the brushless drive technology of the previous eDrive models. In order to keep the number of components, wear and tear, and maintenance costs to a minimum, there is also a serial hybrid variant. This version of the drive does not require a mechanical drive train, but an electric chain. The energy generated by the driver is sent to the rear motors via a generator. The European Commission recently decided to put bicycles with this drive technology on the same legal footing as conventional bicycles.

  The Pendix eDrive IN is already being used in various model projects. For example the logistics company Postnord has added eight cargo bikes including Pendix eDrive IN to its fleet. The new serial hybrid technology is also already being tested on the Stadtaffe model from cargo bike manufacturer Vowag. Series production of the Pendix eDrive IN is scheduled to begin at the end of 2022.

  Pendix Managing Director Thomas Herzog is looking forward to the reactions of the specialist audience: “Our entire team put a lot of heart and soul into the development of the Pendix eDrive IN. And I think a really innovative and future-proof drive has emerged with which we want to help drive the turnaround in traffic. In any case, the first reactions from our customers are consistently positive, and I’m looking forward to hearing what the Eurobike visitors think after they’ve done a lap.”

  The Eurobike will take place from July 13th to 17th, 2022 in Frankfurt am Main. In Hall 8, where Pendix is ​​represented at booth F19, everything revolves around “Future Mobility” over 30,000 square meters. In addition to bicycles, the focus is primarily on e-mobility, climate protection, digitization and sustainability, light electric vehicles, or cargo bikes. Topics such as microhubs, the last mile, or connections to public transport are also part of the program.

  

• Prague’s cargo bike boom – a case study for urban last-mile deliveries

  13/06/2022 20:15 Comments Off on Prague’s cargo bike boom – a case study for urban last-mile deliveries

  Source: Autonomy Network

  Prague remains a key location for cargo bike urban integration, having opened two city center depots. After operating for a sustained period, the success of the scheme can now be evaluated.

  Prague’s two cargo bike depots opened in 2020 and 2021 respectively, being recognized by the 2021 Eurocities Awards as a low-carbon alternative to last-mile van delivery. The principal is simple, a van drops off packages at the central depot, which are then delivered across the city via cargo bike. In Prague, hilly terrain leads to a preference for e-cargo bikes, allowing riders to tackle tougher terrain with ease. Thus far, each depot has delivered approximately 7,000 orders per month, with each location housing up to eight companies.

  Successful collaboration between public and private sectors

  Operating companies pay a small fee to cover depot running costs, and hence, the city administration does not have to contribute a stake in the project outside of the initial construction cost. For a relatively low price, the depot helps to achieve Prague’s long-term vision to promote cycling and change its citizens’ attitudes to this means of transport. The depot also contributes to the city’s pledge to lower its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 and to be carbon neutral by 2050.

  The project is a good example of cooperation between different actors. The pilot project was approved by the city council based on a study by the Prague Institute of Planning and Development. It took only three months to execute the proposal. Ekolo, the company setting up and running the depot, attributes this success to intense cooperation between the logistics firm and city-run companies.

  Domestic firm (Dámejídlo, Zásilkovna, Rohlík or WEDO) and international firms (DHL, Dascher, GLS) both profit from the innovation. Twelve enterprises use the two depots at present, but Adam Scheinherr, mayor’s deputy for transportation, is in talks with companies that could not be accommodated in the first depots. A representative of Ekolo started helping with similar cargo bike projects in London, Copenhagen, and Lille.

  Potential to inspire future action and lessons learned

  As the largest depots of their kind, Prague’s cargo bike scheme offers both a point of inspiration and a case study from which to learn. Of course, it is commonly accepted that electric cargo bikes are an optimal delivery vehicle; speedy, quiet, low polluting, cheaper, accessible, etc. however, new insight can now be utilized to further improve customer and driver experience.

  The key lessons learned for future projects were:

  • More depots are required: This will minimize driver distance and reduce delivery times.
  • Unsustainable trends must still be recognized: Overconsumption and the negative impact of deliveries and packaging are still prominent issues for the majority of parcel lifetimes. More localized production is required.
  • Worker experience must be improved: One recent example concerns an online grocery store, Rohlik.cz, one of the companies using the depot. The firm reduced the couriers’ wages (despite having almost doubled its profit last year), sparking public concern. Other difficulties of this job came to light, namely long working hours, lack of social security, and uncertain wages.

• Mahle X20 drive system production begins in Slovenia

  19:37 Comments Off on Mahle X20 drive system production begins in Slovenia

  Source: RadMarkt

  LEVA-EU member, Mahle, has begun production of the X20 e-bike drive system at its assembly line in Slovenia. The site, located in Šempeter pri Gorici, currently employs around 20 workers and has already delivered its first engines after becoming operational this year.

  The Mahle X20 drive system weighs less than 3.2 kilograms – including the battery and control unit. The motor delivers an impressive 23 Newton meters of power directly to the wheel, comparable to a mid-motor of 55Nm of torque, making the model suitable for gravel bikes, racing bikes, and urban e-bikes. Within the X20, a range of sensors monitor acceleration, speed, torque, temperature, and cadence. Artificial intelligence then works within the motor to continuously adjust drive power in line with cyclist behavior.

  Dr. Armin Messerer, Vice President Mechatronics and responsible for the E-Bike Drive Systems division at Mahle shares, “We are pleased that the industrialization of the X20 went so smoothly and that we have already been able to deliver the first e-bike motors from Šempeter to our customers. With our X20 drive system, which can be installed almost invisibly in the frame and hub, we offer our customers a top-class product that sets new standards in terms of power-to-weight ratio.“

  

• RAPEX Warnings 2022

  19:34 Comments Off on RAPEX Warnings 2022

  The Rapid Exchange of Information System is the EU rapid alert system for unsafe consumer products and the measures taken by the member states to deal with that safety problem. The Commission publishes a weekly overview of RAPEX notifications. Below you will find notifications relating to light electric vehicles. To consult the full details of a notification on the Commission’s website, just click on the week.

  Week	Brand	Type
  Week 23
  Product: Electric Scooter	OXELO	Model: 8577081, SC RIDE 900E Risk Type: Injuries Measures ordered by economic operators (to: Manufacturer): Withdrawal of the product from the market Measures ordered by economic operators (to: Distributor): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force 24/05/2022
  Week 8
  Product: Electric Bicycle	EUROBIKE	Model: EB40 Risk Type: Injuries Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Retailer): Stop of sales
  Week 7
  Product: Electric Scooter	MS ENERGY	Model: ES-8-2508 N1 Risk Type: Burns, Fire Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Distributor): Withdrawal of the product from the market
  Week 1
  Product: Electric Scooter	KAABO	Model: Mantis 10 : – GT – K800 – Lite – Limited – K2000 Mantis 8 : Lite – Origin – Plus – Up Risk Type: Electric shock, Fire, Injuries Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Importer): Recall of the product from end users
  Product: Motorcycle	Zero Motorcycles	Model: SR/F Risk Type: Injuries Measures ordered by economic operators (to: Manufacturer): Recall of the product from end users

• A study into the use of e-bikes shows an increase in regular activity.  

  18:27 Comments Off on A study into the use of e-bikes shows an increase in regular activity.  

  Source: Journal of Transport and Health

  Previous studies have shown that e-bike owners cycle more and drive less than they would without access to an e-bike. Support schemes for e-bikes exist in a number of countries, but knowledge about the effect of subsidies on active transport is limited. A new study into an Oslo-based e-bike subvention scheme reports on the uptake and use and the accompanying benefits.

  To boost the uptake of e-bikes, Oslo City Council introduced a subvention program (€500) for e-bike purchasers in 2016. Applicants disclosed a travel diary, answered a web survey on usage, and downloaded an app to support their activities. The survey results from the trial group were compared with two control groups; an outside sample of individuals and subvention receivers who had not yet purchased the e-bike. Compared to the control groups, the trial group increased cycling activities by 17–22% after subsidized e-bike purchase and a range of 11.6–19.3 km. The subvention led to more cycling activity and it concluded that financial incentives may contribute to a boost in active transport, even when the subvention is of a simplistic kind that does not target specific population segments.

  E-bikes have increased in popularity worldwide during the last few decades and represent the fastest-growing segment of the transport system (MacArthur et al., 2014). One aspect of e-bikes that is attracting more and more research interest is their effect on mobility patterns (Peterman et al., 2016). The e-bike has notable results regarding the impact on daily transport modes compared to regular cycling and walking. Distances are increased and even those only considered to be accessible by active transport are considered; traditional cycling barriers are reduced (de Geus and Hendriksen, 2015).  The e-bike may also reach population segments that are not prone to regular cycling or walking and particularly important for countries with current low bicycle use. However, the most rapid uptake has occurred in countries with high existing bicycling shares.

  A scoping review by Bourne et al. (2020) highlighted that the impact of the e-bike on travel behavior is largely influenced by the primary mode of travel prior to the introduction of the e-bike, largely a shift from traditional bicycles or cars. Physical activity has obvious health benefits and due to the electrical motor assistance, barriers such as long distances and hills become easier to overcome (de Geus and Hendriksen, 2015), and hence facilitate more physical activity in everyday life (Oja et al., 2011). The potential downside of the motor assistance is that it requires less self-generated power (i.e. energy expenditure) for a given time and distance, compared to a non-assisted bicycle. However, the e-bike is found to require physical activity of at least moderate intensity (Bourne et al., 2018)

  

  To boost e-bike sales, various forms of support schemes or incentives have been introduced, driven by a concern for the environment and for public health. Learning about the mode-share effects and changes in the overall cycling of such schemes is of particular interest, as it is an open question whether the motivation to use the e-bike after purchase is the same among subvention receivers as among “normal” e-bike purchasers. This recent study assesses the effect of subsidizing the purchase of e-bikes on users’ daily mobility patterns, and overall bicycle usage. Bicycle usage was measured by two items; how far (in kilometers) were ridden and whether the use was for transport or exercise. The trial group was also asked if (and when) they had bought the e-bike and first put it to use. To match the control group to the trial group they were also posed the question: “If you were to buy a bike today, would you consider an electric bike?” Possible answers were: “Yes, absolutely”; “Yes, maybe”; “I don’t think so”; “Don’t know” and “No, certainly not”.

  The app data was collected over a period of two months and the total number of trips recorded was 219,105. The largest difference in car use was between prospective buyers and those who had purchased an e-bike, and some of the higher cycling mode share was due to decreased use of public transport. The study was only designed to look at the relatively short-term effects of the subvention program and some participants had owned their e-bikes for five months. The data indicated that the earliest adopters cycled more than the latecomers, but this could just as well be a result of stronger motivation as of length of ownership. Typically, many people will cycle less or stop cycling completely in the winter months.

  The study concluded that financial incentives can contribute to a boost in active transport even when the subvention is simplistic and doesn’t target specific population segments. For subvention receivers participating in the study, the increase in cycling was significant so promoting e-bikes with fiscal incentives seems to work as intended in a Nordic country with relatively low cycling levels.