Author Archives: EU LEVA

• RAPEX Warnings 2024

  02/12/2024 19:54 Comments Off on RAPEX Warnings 2024

  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 48
  Electric Bicycle	Moustache Bikes	Model: Dimanche 28, Dimanche 29, Friday 28 Risk Type: Injuries Measures taken by economic operators (Importer) Recall of product from end users. Date of entry into force 04/11/2024
  Week 40
  Electric Motorcycle	LiveWire	Model: S2 Del Mar Risk Type: Injuries Measures taken by economic operators (Importer) Recall of the product from end users.
  Week 37
  Electric Bicycle	Ouxi	Model: V8 Risk Type: Injuries Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Other) Withdrawal of the product from the market. Date of entry into force 31/03/2024.
  Week 35
  Electric Bicycle	Focus	Model: JAM² Risk Type: Injuries Measures taken by economic operators (Distributor) Recall of the product from end users. Date of entry into force 01/08/2024.
  Week 33
  Power Charger	YZPOWER	Model: YZ130 Risk Type: Electric shock Measures taken by economic operators (Distributor) Recall of product from end users. Date of entry into force 21/03/2024
  Week 29
  Electric Bicycle	Fixie Inc.	Model: Backspin Zehus Type/ number of model: ZEHUS AiO GEN2 Motor Risk Type: Fire Measures ordered by economic operators (Manufacturer) Warning consumers of the risks. Date of entry into force 24/06/2024 Measures ordered by economic operators (Manufacturer) Withdrawal of product from the market. Date of entry into force 24/06/2024
  Week 28
  Electric Scooter	DOGEBOS	Model: M4 Risk Type: Injuries Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Distributor) Withdrawal of product from the market Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Distributor) Recall of the product from end users Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Distributor) Warning consumers of the risks
  Week 25
  ATV	Polaris	Model: Ranger EV Risk Type: Fire, Injuries Measures taken by economic operators (Importer): Recall of the product from end users
  Charger	Kontio Motors	Model: C300 Risk Type: Electric shock Measures taken by economic operators (Importer): Recall of the product from end users
  Electric Scooter	HECHT MOTORS	Model: HECHT COCIS BLACK Risk Type: Electric shock, Injuries Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Distributor) Recall of the product from end users
  Electric Scooter	RACCEWAY	Model: TDP001Z Risk Type: Injuries Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Retailer) Withdrawal of the product from the market
  Week 19
  Electric Bicycle	Benno	Model: Boost Evo – Bosch Perf CX 500Wh Risk Type: Injuries Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Other) Recall of the product from end users
  Week 18
  Electric Bicycle	Fitch Bike	Model: Miss Moka Risk Type: Injuries Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Other) Recall of the product from end users
  Week 11
  Product: Electric Cargo Bike	Babboe	Model: Mini-E Risk Type: Injuries Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Other) Recall of the product from end users
  Product: Electric Cargo Bike	Babboe	Model: City-E Risk Type: Injuries Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Other) Recall of the product from end users
  Week 8
  Product: Electric Motorcycle	Cake	Model: Kalk&, Kalk INK&, Kalk:work, Kalk Ink SL, Kalk INK, Kalk INK Race, Kalk OR, Kalk OR Race, Kalk AP Risk Type: Fire Measures taken by economic operators (Manufacturuer): Recall of the product from end users
  Week 4
  Product: Electric Scooter	VSETT	Model: VSETT 10+pro Risk Type: Electric Shock, Injuries Measures taken by economic operators (Importer): Recall of the product from end users. Date of entry into force 20/12/2023.

• Invitation for cargo bike industry to join Taipei Cycle Business Trip

  18:11 Comments Off on Invitation for cargo bike industry to join Taipei Cycle Business Trip

  Source: Nieuws Fiets

  In late March 2025, the Taipei Cycle show will take place at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. As Asia’s largest cycling trade fair, this event will highlight the rising prominence of cargo bikes. To celebrate this development, NieuwsFiets.nu, in collaboration with the International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF), is organising a business trip to Taiwan for industry professionals.

  Nieuws Fiets has partnered with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the organiser of Taipei Cycle 2025.

  Taipei Cycle, alongside Eurobike, is one of the premier trade fairs for the global cycling industry. It attracts leading international suppliers of components and finished products and welcomes a large number of overseas visitors annually. Although the event is held in Taiwan’s capital, it is firmly focused on global markets, providing opportunities for worldwide exports.

  Driving international business growth

  A key highlight of the fair is Bike Vision, a new initiative by Taipei Cycle that showcases groundbreaking innovations and supports startup growth in the cycling industry. This platform provides selected startups with opportunities to display their developments, connect directly with industry leaders, and establish partnerships that can accelerate global business growth, particularly in the Asian market.

  As global awareness of environmental sustainability and carbon reduction initiatives grows, electric bikes and light electric vehicles have become preferred transportation and logistics solutions in Europe and the Americas. Recognising this potential, Taipei Cycle 2025 will dedicate the fourth floor of Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 2, to the E-Bikes & Drive Units and Cargo Bike & Micro-mobility Pavilion. This area will feature a comprehensive showcase and test zone for e-bikes, motor systems, cargo bikes, e-scooters, and light electric vehicles.

  Limited seats for the exclusive business trip

  To align with the focus on cargo bikes, Nieuws Fiets and ICBF are organising an exclusive business trip for representatives of the cargo bike industry. Other industry professionals are also welcome to join this fully arranged trip to Taipei Cycle 2025.

  Please note: Only 20 spots are available for the Taipei Cycle Cargo Business Trip, so early booking is essential to secure your place.

  The package costs €2,895 and includes flights, accommodation at a 5-star hotel, breakfast, dinner on exhibition days, local transport, and airport taxes. This trip is open exclusively to professionals in the cycling or retail industries and is not available to consumers.

  Click here for more information and booking.

• Growing the supply of shared cargo bikes in Sweden

  18:04 Comments Off on Growing the supply of shared cargo bikes in Sweden

  Source: Fietsberaad Crow

  Switching from motorised vehicles to cargo bikes for transporting goods in urban areas can significantly reduce emissions. However, the availability of shared cargo bikes remains limited. Researchers from Lund University in Sweden explored how to expand the supply and usage of shared cargo bikes, highlighting the critical role of municipal actors.

  The study combined a literature review with interviews involving 15 stakeholders, including representatives from two shared cargo bike providers: Grätzlrad in Vienna and LastenVelo in Freiburg. Grätzlrad, initiated by the municipality of Vienna, allows users to collect bikes from local managers, while LastenVelo, a citizen-led initiative, uses fixed parking spaces. Both platforms offer free bike loans, requiring only a deposit or administrative fee for registration. Currently, these services are primarily utilised by early adopters, mostly environmentally conscious, highly educated men who already rely on bikes as their main mode of transport. As a result, shared cargo bikes remain a niche service, not yet reaching a wide variety of population groups.

  Role of municipal actors

  The research emphasises that increasing the use of shared cargo bikes among diverse residents requires a variety of providers and user-friendly booking platforms. Municipalities play a pivotal role in this process by integrating cargo bikes into urban mobility planning and fostering growth through collaboration with different providers. For example, cities can directly offer shared cargo bike services, as seen with Vienna’s Grätzlrad. Alternatively, they can support citizen initiatives like LastenVelo by creating favorable legal frameworks or provide subsidies to commercial providers, provided they distribute bikes across targeted neighborhoods.

  Rental hubs and scaling up

  Beyond municipal efforts, organisations like Forum Freie Lastenräder, an association of free cargo bike providers across Germany, Austria, and Hungary, are essential for growing the shared cargo bike network. Station-based systems with automatic rentals are particularly promising for scaling up, as they are well-suited for goods transport. While free-floating systems, commonly used for shared bikes and scooters, are less ideal for cargo bikes, having these managed systems with administrators would be valuable, especially for first time users. These can provide a personal touch for first-time users. Strategic rental locations, such as shared mobility hubs, housing developments, and public transport stops, can further enhance accessibility.

  Click here to read the full study.

• How larger and heavier cars impact Brussels’ road safety and environmental goals

  17:48 Comments Off on How larger and heavier cars impact Brussels’ road safety and environmental goals

  Source: Fietsberaad Crow

  The growing prevalence of larger and heavier cars in the Brussels-Capital Region conflicts with road safety and environmental objectives, as analysed by Brussels Mobility and Brussels Environment in their report, Larger and Heavier Cars. The report examines the causes of this trend and suggests measures to curb the rising weight of the vehicle fleet.

  Brussels Mobility and Brussels Environment are public agencies responsible for mobility and environmental policies in the region. Drawing on a literature review, statistical analysis, and expert discussions, they studied the increasing presence of large, heavy cars in Brussels and across Belgium. Their findings cover the causes, impacts, and potential interventions to address this issue.

  Rising Vehicle Mass

  Between 2013 and 2023, the average mass of private vehicles registered in Brussels grew by 10%, while company cars saw a 17% increase. Additionally, company cars are approximately 250 kg heavier than newly registered private vehicles. Vehicles are also becoming wider; since 2018, newly registered cars average over 180cm in width.

  Impacts on safety, space, and emissions

  Heavier vehicles offer greater protection to their occupants, reducing their risk of serious injury or death in accidents. However, this comes at the expense of others, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, or occupants of lighter vehicles, whose risk of harm increases significantly. In Brussels, this risk disparity is even more pronounced than in the rest of Belgium.

  Larger vehicles also demand more space, often exceeding the dimensions of existing parking spots and impeding efforts to allocate public space for active transportation modes. Their bulk hinders urban greening initiatives, and their weight exacerbates wear-and-tear emissions from tires, brake pads, and road surfaces.

  For petrol and diesel cars, the additional weight has offset reductions in CO₂ emissions. Meanwhile, heavier electric vehicles require larger batteries, increasing the demand for raw materials and emissions during manufacturing.

  Causes of the trend

  The growth in heavier vehicles is driven by several factors:

  1. Industry marketing: Automakers prioritize heavier and larger vehicles due to higher profit margins, limiting the availability of lighter, more affordable options.
  2. Tax policies: Belgian fiscal policies do not consider the weight of electric vehicles, unlike fuel-powered cars. Additionally, the fiscal regime for company cars encourages the selection of heavier, more luxurious models.
  3. CO₂ standards: European CO₂ emission standards fail to incentivise a reduction in vehicle mass.

  Proposed measures

  To counter this trend, Brussels Mobility and Brussels Environment recommend several measures, including:

  • Implementing a weight-based kilometre charge to discourage heavier vehicles.
  • Tightening parking policies to limit the entry of heavy cars into the city.
  • Designating zones where heavy vehicles are prohibited.
  • Banning public advertising for large and heavy cars.

  These proposals aim to address the safety and environmental challenges posed by the increasing share of larger, heavier vehicles in the Brussels-Capital Region.

• Podbike announces new partnership with WUNDERFiX

  17:41 Comments Off on Podbike announces new partnership with WUNDERFiX

  Norweigan e-bike brand joins forces with WUNDERFiX to provide highly efficient warranty support to its German customers.

  This new collaboration means that Podbike FRIKAR owners in Germany can enjoy outstanding support for resolving warranty cases efficiently and quickly from the WUNDERFiX app, where its customer service team will take care of all processing, and if necessary, co-ordinate with local dealers on matters including reimbursement.

  WUNDERFiX originates from the Venture Studio JobRad Group, with a goal of advancing sustainable mobility with next level bicycle service to the bike industry.

  Podbike’s full announcement can be read here (in German).

• Scotland’s first e-scooter trials set to launch

  17:36 Comments Off on Scotland’s first e-scooter trials set to launch

  Source: The Scotsman

  Cross-border talks for Scotland to join the next round of e-scooter trials.

  Scotland is preparing for its first-ever electric scooter rental trial within the next nine months, according to Voi, England’s largest e-scooter operator. Discussions are underway between the Scottish Government and the UK government to join an expanded initiative. Voi, which manages two-thirds of the 20+ trials currently operating in England, highlighted that this new phase would allow Scottish councils to finally explore e-scooter use—four years after the initial trials were introduced by the former Conservative government.

  Current legal status of e-scooters in Scotland

  At present, only e-scooters involved in English rental trials are allowed on public roads. In Scotland, e-scooters remain illegal on roads and pavements but are permitted on private property with the owner’s consent. Despite this, they are legally available for purchase and have become increasingly common in many areas north of the Border.

  UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh recently suggested that private e-scooter legalisation could happen in the future, though not before next year. In a similar vein, Scotland’s Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop remarked in May that such changes are inevitable.

  Legislative challenges and council interest

  For Scottish councils to participate in upcoming trials, legislative amendments are required. Glasgow and Midlothian councils have expressed interest in hosting rental schemes, but progress has been delayed due to the absence of enabling legislation. Glasgow City Council noted that it had agreed to a trial back in 2020 but is still awaiting legislative approval from Transport Scotland. Similarly, Midlothian Council reiterated its readiness for a trial, pending funding and regulatory changes.

  Transport Scotland, the government’s transport agency, confirmed it is in talks with the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to evaluate potential participation. The City of Edinburgh Council also expressed interest in learning from trials elsewhere but emphasized that meaningful progress is dependent on legislative clarity.

  Voi’s vision for e-scooter expansion in Scotland

  James Bolton, Voi UK’s general manager, stated that Scotland is a key focus for the company in the coming year. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Scottish cities, noting significant interest from local authorities. Bolton highlighted that e-scooter trials in England over the past four years have demonstrated substantial benefits, such as reducing car trips and shifting travel patterns—a goal aligned with Transport Scotland’s target of cutting car travel by 20% by 2030.

  Bolton also addressed safety concerns, emphasizing that serious accident rates have fallen by over 70% since the trials began. According to him, e-scooters are now as safe as bicycles, bolstered by data from Voi’s operations in 17 English cities, including London, Liverpool, and Oxford, where 1.8 million riders have completed 40 million trips.

  A missed opportunity and renewed optimism

  Although Scotland missed the opportunity to participate in the initial e-scooter trials, there is renewed optimism that a rental scheme could become operational on Scottish streets within the next nine months. This development could mark a significant step forward in sustainable transportation for the region, helping reduce car dependency and providing a new, eco-friendly travel option for Scottish commuters.

• Bicycle use in the Netherlands continues to rise according to Key Mobility Figures 2024

  17:30 Comments Off on Bicycle use in the Netherlands continues to rise according to Key Mobility Figures 2024

  Source: Fietsberaad Crow

  In 2023, the Dutch traveled approximately 187 billion kilometers within their own country, an increase from 2022 but still 8% below pre-pandemic levels. However, the number of kilometers traveled by bike or on foot has grown since 2019 and is expected to continue rising. These findings come from the biennial Key Mobility Figures 2024 report by the Knowledge Institute for Mobility Policy (KiM).

  Cycling accounted for 17.9 billion kilometres in 2023, about 1% more than in 2019 and 5% more than in 2022, making up roughly 10% of total kilometres traveled. On average, individuals cycled slightly less than in 2019, with per-person distances dropping from 1,090km annually to 1,065km in 2023. Electric bicycles now represent 38% of all cycling kilometres, a significant rise from just 6% a decade ago. While e-bikes have partially replaced traditional bicycles, the total distance traveled on regular bikes still grew by 2% between 2022 and 2023.

  Future Trends

  KiM projects that by 2029, bicycle use will increase by 11% compared to 2023. The use of electric bicycles is expected to grow by 40%, while distances covered on regular bicycles may decline by 7%. The report also highlights the growing diversity of electrically assisted or motorized two-wheelers on the road, some of which blur the classification between bicycles and other vehicle types.

  Walking and Remote Work

  The Dutch traveled 8% more kilometres in 2023 than in 2022, but 8% fewer than in 2019. Despite the reduction in total kilometres, travel time remained comparable to 2019, largely due to a 33% increase in walking distances since 2019. The decline in overall travel is primarily attributed to a rise in remote working.

  About Key Mobility Figures

  The Key Mobility Figures 2024 report provides a 10-year retrospective and a five-year outlook on mobility trends, including data on travel distances, travel time, accessibility, traffic safety, and the living environment. Published every two years in even years, the report complements the more comprehensive Mobility Image report released in odd years.

  Click here to read the full report.

• London tightens e-bike parking regulations to address growing congestion concerns

  17:20 Comments Off on London tightens e-bike parking regulations to address growing congestion concerns

  Source: Techcrunch

  Transport for London (TfL) has introduced stricter e-bike parking regulations in response to growing concerns about the obstructions caused by on-demand rental bikes from companies like Lime, Human Forest, and Dott.

  The new policy mandates that e-bikes can only be parked in designated areas on TfL land and high-traffic “red routes,” aiming to bring order to London’s congested streets.

  London has become a testing ground for e-bike services, as a template for assessing their business viability and environmental impact in urban settings. The city currently has at least 40,000 e-bikes in circulation from various providers, complementing TfL’s Santander cycle hire scheme. While e-bikes are praised for promoting sustainable, efficient urban travel, improper parking has drawn criticism for clogging sidewalks and impeding non-electric bike racks.

  An allocation of £1 million for 7,500 parking spaces

  The enforcement measures expand on prior localized policies to cover a broader area of the city. TfL has allocated £1 million (1,205,275 EUR) to create 7,500 parking spaces across London boroughs, adding to the 2,000 bays already in place. On red routes alone, 800 parking spaces are planned by next summer, with a total of 3,000 targeted by 2026. However, these measures still fall short of accommodating the full demand, as the current parking infrastructure addresses only a fraction of the bikes in circulation.

  E-bike providers required to incorporate regulations into their technology

  E-bike companies are required to implement technology-based restrictions to ensure compliance. For instance, rental apps will prevent users from ending trips outside designated parking zones. Operators who fail to adhere to the rules may face fines or legal action, although the policy does not yet specify penalty amounts or cover areas outside TfL land and red routes.

  Feedback from industry stakeholders

  Industry stakeholders have voiced mixed reactions. Caroline Seton, co-founder of Human Forest, commended the initiative, emphasizing the need for government-backed legislation to enforce uniform standards across operators. Lime echoed the sentiment, highlighting its investment in parking infrastructure and commitment to working with TfL to address urban challenges. The policy signals a shift toward stricter regulation of e-bike schemes while maintaining their role in advancing sustainable transportation. Kieron Williams, London Councils executive member for Climate, Transport, and Environment, expressed optimism, urging operators to take greater responsibility and collaborate on long-term solutions.

  As London adapts to its evolving transportation landscape, the balance between innovation and regulation remains a challenge in shaping the future of dockless e-bike systems in urban environments.

• Cycle journeys in London have increased by 26% since 2019

  17:01 Comments Off on Cycle journeys in London have increased by 26% since 2019

  Source: Zag Daily

  Recent statistics from Transport for London (TfL) indicate a 26% rise in the number of cycling trips since 2019.

  According to TfL’s latest Travel in London report, the capital sees approximately 1.33 million cycling journeys each day, marking a 5% increase from the 1.26 million daily trips recorded in 2023.

  This surge in cycling activity coincides with the expansion of London’s Cycleway network, which has now exceeded 400 kilometers, more than quadrupling its length since 2016 and surpassing the length of the London Underground.

  “It’s a significant increase in cycling that defies national trends,” stated Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, in an interview with Zag Daily. “What it shows is that all the actions and policies like the expansion to Cycleways, the Mayor’s Healthy Streets approach and the Vision Zero strategy are working in terms of getting more people cycling.”

  The most substantial growth was observed in central London, where cycling journeys rose by 11.6% between 2023 to 2024. Inner London experienced a 4.2% increase, while outer London saw a 3.8% rise.

  In October, eight Cycleways were expanded in London, and Transport for London (TfL) introduced 20 new Cycleway routes during the 2023/24 period. Currently, 27.4% of Londoners live within 400 meters of the cycle network, with TfL collaborating with London boroughs to achieve the Mayor’s target of 40% by 2030.

  A call from the industry is that London’s cycling routes need to be interconnected throughout the entire city, addressing the current gaps in the network.

  “We’ve made progress, but this is the start” Mr. Norman stated. “There are still holes in the network – one of the obvious being Kensington and Chelsea. Focusing on those boroughs that are not yet delivering is a priority because a network is only as good as its weakest spot.”

  Transport for London (TfL) has announced that next year will see the completion of several borough-led Cycleways, including routes from Rotherhithe to Peckham, Enfield to Broxbourne, and along Deptford Church Street.

  “There are boroughs who have never had bike lanes looking at installing cycle networks in the next six to 12 months and that is thanks to campaigning communities and politicians recognising the importance of this.”