Author Archives: LEVA EU

• Ghent subsidies help local suppliers decarbonise deliveries

  08/07/2024 17:55 Comments Off on Ghent subsidies help local suppliers decarbonise deliveries

  Source: The Mayor

  The Belgian city aims to have its centre emissions free by 2030.

  Companies making deliveries to Ghent’s central area can join one of two pilot projects: receiving a free electric vehicle, or a financial subsidy for a local emission-free last-mile delivery service. Both incentives are provided by the municipality.

  Ghent’s climate goals are notably practical. The city aims to make its central area as emission-free as possible by 2030. While this target may seem less ambitious compared to other cities that promise ’emission-free zones’ or ‘banning fossil fuel cars,’ it appears achievable.

  Not just empty words

  “By 2030, we want city logistics to be as emission-free as possible, but we’re not leaving entrepreneurs to tackle this alone. We give them time to prepare and offer support to encourage them toward sustainable logistics,” explains Sofie Bracke, Alderman for Economy.

  Approximately 7,000 tonnes of goods are delivered to Ghent’s central area (inside the R40 ring road) every week via 40,000 trips by vans and trucks, excluding construction logistics. Daily, 10,000 to 20,000 parcels are delivered to the city center.

  This significantly impacts traffic and emissions, prompting the city to start implementing changes now. The phased approach allows entrepreneurs time to adapt.

  Two options for entrepreneurs

  For the first pilot project, companies, sole proprietorships, or non-profit organizations can test an emission-free vehicle for deliveries in Ghent free of charge for one week. They will also receive advice and customized logistics services.

  Options include an electric truck, box truck, refrigerated truck or van, a light electric freight vehicle, or a cargo e-bike. Testing is available from September 23 to December 13, 2024.

  The second option involves outsourcing the ‘last-mile delivery’. Logistics companies will bundle deliveries and transport goods from the city’s edge to the center. Participants collaborating with these providers will receive a 6,000-euro subsidy.

• myStromer announces partnership with Spoke

  16:46 Comments Off on myStromer announces partnership with Spoke

  Speed pedelec producer to incorporate Spoke’s cycling safety technology into its e-bikes

  Stromer has announced that the aim of this new strategic partnership is to enhance safety and enrich riding experiences for its customers worldwide by incorporating Spoke Safety’s advanced vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology into its s-pedelecs.

  Stromer’s next generation of e-bikes will include Spoke’s technology and risk awareness systems, and will be available to its existing fleet of customers through a customized Spoke VUE™ aftermarket upgrade program. Spoke’s technology and systems will enhance digital connectivity between cyclists, vehicles, and infrastructure by providing riders with real-time alerts and improved visibility to navigate urban environments and complex traffic scenarios safer and easier.

  Improving daily mobility and commuting safety for its riders and other road users is one of Stromer’s key goals, and the brand believes it has found an innovative and committed partner in Spoke Safety that will help them achieve this, and set new standards for e-bike safety and performance.

  About Stromer

  Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Oberwangen, Switzerland, the company is shaping the future of mobility with its speed pedelecs. myStromer AG manufactures all its e-bikes at its site in Oberwangen and is the market leader in the speed pedelec (fast e-bike < 45 km/h) category. The company has around 180 employees, three subsidiaries (USA, the Netherlands and Romania) and sells its products in 28 countries. At Stromer, “Swissness” stands for the promise of quality, design, reliability and respect for the environment. Since 2021, the Spanish brand Desiknio has been completing its range with high-quality city bikes (< 25 km/h). With its high-end products, Stromer offers a modern mobility solution for commuters. Just look at the more than 465 million km they have already ridden with a Stromer. Stromer is #HereToChange

• Company leasing providers have almost quintupled their sales since 2019

  16:40 Comments Off on Company leasing providers have almost quintupled their sales since 2019

  Company bike leasing has emerged as a significant growth driver for the bicycle sector, according to a study by Deloitte’s Sport Business Group in partnership with the industry association Zukunft Fahrrad. From 2019 to 2023, the total revenue of company bike leasing providers surged from 0.7 billion to 3.2 billion euros, nearly quintupling. This reflects an average annual growth rate of 46 percent.

  Source: RadMarkt

  The study, “The German Company Bike Leasing Market,” surveyed the largest providers using a standardized questionnaire. These companies represent approximately three-quarters of the market. The collected data was then extrapolated to estimate the overall market size based on dealer information.

  The survey revealed that the fleet size of bicycles and e-bikes leased through employers has grown by an average of 45 percent annually since 2019, expanding from 400,000 bikes in 2019 to 1.9 million by the end of 2023. This marks nearly a fivefold increase over five years, with 23,000 bikes newly leased in 2019 and 790,000 in 2023.

  Leasing strengthens brick-and-mortar retail

  Kim Lachmann, Director and bicycle market expert at Deloitte stated “Company bike leasing has now become one of the most relevant market drivers in the bicycle market – especially in the past year, which has been challenging for the industry. High bicycle stocks and a simultaneous slight decline in customer demand due to inflation posed problems for many market participants. However, we continued to see stable growth in company bike leasing – both in terms of volume and price. It is also clear that it is strengthening brick-and-mortar retail in particular. Almost 90 percent of users buy their bikes there.”

  Leased bikes tend to be higher-priced, with about 80 percent being e-bikes and an average price of 3,500 euros in 2023—almost 1,700 euros more than the average price of bikes purchased in the overall market. According to the study’s authors, this price difference is a significant factor in the observed strong sales growth in the bicycle market.

  The study also found that around 37 percent of employees in Germany now have access to company bike leasing. The number of employees eligible for company bike leasing contracts through their employers grew from 5.3 million in 2019 to 16.8 million in 2023.

  Untapped potential

  “The company bike leasing sector has grown immensely in recent years, but the potential is far from being exhausted. On average, around 90 percent of employees at participating employers are not yet leasing. In addition, the number of participating companies is increasing continuously – by an average of 46 percent annually since 2019. Company bike leasing is perceived by employees as an attractive offer,” says Kim Lachmann.

  In 2023, around 204,000 employers offered their employees the opportunity to lease company bikes, up from around 45,000 in 2019.

  Wasilis von Rauch, Managing Director of Zukunft Fahrrad, emphasized the market’s resilience, describing company bike leasing as a billion-dollar market that benefits both employees and companies through health and climate protection advantages. He noted that approximately two-thirds of commuters have a journey suitable for bicycles or e-bikes, often faster and more enjoyable than other modes of transport. Rauch urged policymakers to support this trend by creating conducive framework conditions.

• Registration open for TRL’s Discover:Innovation Day 2024

  16:32 Comments Off on Registration open for TRL’s Discover:Innovation Day 2024

  Source: TRL

  TRL’s world-leading Smart Mobility Living Lab in London will host Discover: Innovation Day on Wednesday, 17th July. The event promises a day filled with exciting innovations in transport mobility.

  Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the latest advancements in transportation technology from TRL and its partners. The event will bring together industry leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and cutting-edge innovators.

  Reasons to Attend:

  • Discover the Future: Explore the latest trends and technologies transforming the mobility landscape, from electric and autonomous vehicles to smart city infrastructure and sustainable transportation solutions.
  • Network with Visionaries: Connect with key players in the industry, expand professional networks, and forge valuable partnerships.
  • Experience Innovation: Engage with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and thought-provoking insights.

  Click here to register.

• E-bike ownership in Germany reaches record high

  16:29 Comments Off on E-bike ownership in Germany reaches record high

  Source: SAZ Bike

  The energy supplier Eon has conducted a survey on the rising popularity of e-bikes. According to their findings, nearly a quarter of the population now owns an e-bike, with a notable increase among younger individuals.

  “Electric bike popularity is hitting new heights. Currently, one in four people in Germany owns an electric bike, the highest since our first survey in 2020,” states Jens Michael Peters, Managing Director of Energy Solutions at Eon Energie Deutschland.

  The survey reveals that 24.7 percent of Germans own an electric bicycle, up from 23.3 percent in 2023 and 15.2 percent in 2020. E-bike ownership has grown significantly among 18- to 29-year-olds, rising from 13.8 percent in 2023 to 17.5 percent. The highest ownership rates are among people aged 50 to 64 (27.4 percent) and those over 65 (27.7 percent).

  Regional differences

  When looking at the federal states, Lower Saxony leads with 32.6 percent of residents owning an e-bike, followed by Baden-Württemberg (27.4 percent), Bavaria (26.4 percent), Schleswig-Holstein (26.2 percent), and North Rhine-Westphalia (26 percent). Emsland and Bentheim counties top the list nationwide, with 47.3 percent ownership each, followed by Leer (42.6 percent), Wittmund (41.8 percent), and Aurich (41 percent). Eon provides a detailed visualization of these regional results.

  Sustainabilities role in purchasing and charging

  Around 40.7 percent of e-bike owners use green electricity for charging, and 28.8 percent of potential buyers are considering switching to a green electricity tariff. Additionally, 21.5 percent of e-bike owners chose their bikes for sustainability reasons, like reduced emissions compared to cars. Among e-bike models, city e-bikes are the most popular (37.3 percent), followed by trekking e-bikes (26.4 percent) and e-mountain bikes (15.9 percent).

  A popular means of transport for holidays and commuting

  E-bikes are also popular for holidays and commuting. In the past year, 12.5 percent of Germans used an e-bike while on holiday, with nine percent using their own and 3.5 percent renting locally. Looking ahead, 36.3 percent are considering using an e-bike on their next holiday, especially among 18- to 29-year-olds (46.1 percent). Additionally, 25 percent of Germans are contemplating a multi-day e-bike trip.

  For commuting, 6.8 percent of employed individuals regularly use e-bikes, and 34.5 percent are interested in leasing a company bike to save on purchase costs. Already, 13.2 percent of employed 18- to 29-year-olds use an employer-provided e-bike option.

• LEVA-EU’s newsletter will go on Summer break

  16:25 Comments Off on LEVA-EU’s newsletter will go on Summer break

  Our team would like to inform you that after our regular e-mail on 9th July, we’ll be pausing our weekly newsletter for the Summer break until Tuesday August 20th. If not already subscribed, you can sign up to receive all the essential light electric vehicle sector news, research, jobs and more updates here.

  During the Summer break we welcome you to keep an eye on our news sections and social media, which may be updated from time to time.

  LEVA EU would like to wish everyone a fantastic Summer!

• Nijland Cycling B.V. and Cargo Cycling Join Forces with Metrucks GmbH to PropelUrban Mobility with the Metrucks Doer E-Quadricycle

  03/07/2024 11:45 Comments Off on Nijland Cycling B.V. and Cargo Cycling Join Forces with Metrucks GmbH to PropelUrban Mobility with the Metrucks Doer E-Quadricycle

  

  Nijland Cycling B.V. and its subsidiary brand Cargo Cycling are proud to announce a strategic partnership with Metrucks GmbH, aimed at revolutionizing urban mobility through the innovative Metrucks Doer e-quadricycle.

  The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) solidifies the commitment of all parties to collaborate on production, sales, and service of the groundbreaking vehicle.

  Under the terms of the MOU, Nijland Cycling B.V. will oversee the final assembly of Metrucks Doer vehicles, leveraging its expertise to ensure the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Cargo Cycling will lead sales and marketing efforts for the Metrucks Doer outside of Germany. Metrucks GmbH will stay responsible for
  production and sales of the Doer for the German market.

  With a shared vision for sustainable urban mobility, Nijland Cycling B.V. and Cargo Cycling are poised to drive positive change in communities across the globe through the Metrucks Doer e-quadricycle.

  The Metrucks Doer sets new standards in urban transport, boasting customer-centric features such as modular building blocks for customizable solutions and a reinforced weatherproof cabin for enhanced comfort. Its ergonomic seating positions, combined with a pedelec version for seamless navigation through bike lanes, offer users unparalleled convenience and flexibility.

  “We are thrilled to join forces with Nijland Cycling B.V. to bring the Metrucks Doer to the forefront of urban mobility solutions,” says Srinath Menon, Founder and developer of the Doer at Metrucks GmbH. “This partnership not only strengthens our production capabilities but also expands our global reach, thanks to Cargo Cycling’s expertise in sales and marketing.”

  “Joining forces with Metrucks by taking on the assembly of the Doer is a great opportunity for us to further optimize our recently expanded production facilities. We love working on well-designed vehicles, and I must say, the Doer is exceptional,” says Luuk Nijland, COO at Nijland Cycling B.V.

  “We are excited to partner with Metrucks GmbH to introduce the Metrucks Doer to markets outside Germany,” says Jeroen Beumer, CCO at Cargo Cycling. “This collaboration not only underscores our dedication to sustainable urban mobility but also strengthens our position as a leading provider of innovative transportation solutions by expanding our product portfolio with a fantastic four-wheeler.”

  

  About Metrucks GmbH

  METRUCKS GmbH is a bootstrapped start-up, located in the south of Germany, that was founded at the end of 2021 as “Metrucks e.K.” and converted into a GmbH in 2023. The founder, Srinath Menon, is a mechanical engineer, welding engineer and holds a Master of Manufacturing Management, specialized in product design. He has years of experience in the research and development department of a well-known German car manufacturer and is following up on urban micromobility already since his studies.

  About Nijland Cycling B.V.

  Nijland Cycling B.V., a 34-year-old Dutch family business based in Heeten, is managed by the third generation. The company is well-known for its production of recumbent and adaptive bikes for individuals with disabilities under the Nijland brand and heavy-duty cargo bikes for urban logistics under the Cargo Cycling brand. They handle all production processes in-house, including frame building, a paint shop, wheel building, and assembly. Over the past few years, Nijland has seen consistent growth, demonstrating its strong presence in the market.

  About Cargo Cycling

  Established as a brand under Nijland Cycling B.V in 2020, Cargo Cycling has been a key player in the cargo bike industry, building on the efforts by Nijland in this space since 2015. It offers a unique and diverse range of heavy-duty cargo bikes to meet various logistics demands. With established partnerships with industry giants like PostNL and DHL, Cargo Cycling has solidified its position at the forefront of last-mile delivery vehicle solutions, showcasing its commitment to providing efficient and reliable transportation options for urban logistics.

• Annual POLIS 2024 Conference programme released

  01/07/2024 16:34 Comments Off on Annual POLIS 2024 Conference programme released

  POLIS, the European cities network, also announces registrations are open for its event on 27-28 May in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

  Source: POLIS

  Annually POLIS gathers urban stakeholders including regional policy makers and practitioners, researchers and consultants from Europe and beyond to discuss their latest achievements in city mobility. This year it looks forward to welcoming them to the conference to take part in 32 sessions and 2 high-level plenaries.

  Registered attendees will also be invited to explore sustainable urban mobility initiatives that are taking place in Karlsruhe and Baden-Württemberg. 6 site visits will give attendees the chance to see innovations including Karlsruhe’s tram-train system and underground, autonomous vehicles and energy efficient public transport solutions.

  Attendees can register at the early bird price of EUR 350 + VAT until 30th September, and for POLIS members, three of their representatives can register free of charge.

  To read the drafted programme and access registration click here.

• CEN and CENELEC continue webinar series for standard drafters

  16:14 Comments Off on CEN and CENELEC continue webinar series for standard drafters

  Source: CEN

  The CEN and CENELEC webinar series on Standards Drafting is back for 2024. The aim of the webinars is to achieve a common understanding of the drafting rules and the related procedures.

  The recordings of the previous webinar series can be found on CEN’s website. The series will continue in September, after a short summer break.

  About CEN and CENELEC

  The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) are two distinct private international non-profit organizations.

  More than 200.000 technical experts from industry, associations, public administrations, academia and societal organizations are involved in the CEN and CENELEC network.

  The stakeholders of the CEN and CENELEC system are: business, industry and commerce; service providers; consumer, environmental and societal organisations; public authorities and regulators; and other authorities.