EIT Urban Mobility launches a Strategic Innovation Open Call
DOCKR cargo bikes to be available in Today’s subscription service
Belgian Cycling Factory expands global reach
Fulpra appoints Jehudi van de Brug as Commercial Director
Shared mobility to be used by 25% of the global population by 2028
66% of leased bikes in Belgium are e-bikes
ICE Trikes showcase PERS chainless pedalling system at Eurobike
Germany’s DVW urges the separation of pedestrian and cycling paths to improve traffic safety
Podbike offers further support for riders after closure
Author Archives: EU LEVA
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EIT Urban Mobility launches a Strategic Innovation Open Call
Comments Off on EIT Urban Mobility launches a Strategic Innovation Open CallSource: EIT Urban Mobility
EIT Urban Mobility is inviting Europe’s innovators to submit proposals to its Strategic Innovation Open Call, with the aim of accelerating the implementation of impactful solutions which address urban mobility’s most pressing challenges.
Through this call, EIT Urban Mobility seeks to support innovative, ambitious and market-critical projects which address key problems faced by cities, public authorities and mobility providers, stating “We aim to de-risk development and enable large-scale deployment by backing solutions with a clear path to market and the potential to scale across Europe.”
Scope of the call
The call will focus on five sectors in which EIT Urban Mobility believes Europe has the potential to innovate and create impact:
- Urban logistics
- Public transport
- Mobility data management
- Electrification of transport and alternative fuels
- Health and mobility
The call may, in the future, include specific topic scopes to address key opportunities or failures in the market, which could benefit from funding support.
EIT funding allocation
The total estimated funding allocated to this call is €60 million for the period 2026-2028, and has multiple cut-off dates The indicative funding for the first submission cut-off is €9 million.
Each project may receive up to €2 million of EIT funding. EIT Urban Mobility will reimburse up to 65% of the eligible project costs, while the minimum co-funding rate for all proposals is 35%.
Who can apply?
This is a multi-beneficiary call for proposals; there must be a minimum of two independent legal entities, working together. These entities must be established in two different European Member States, and/or Third countries associated with Horizon Europe.
For information on special cases, including Switzerland and Hungarian universities please refer to the Call Manual.
Application process
The Strategic Innovation Open Call is open from 2026-2028 with several cut-off dates, outlined below.
The assessment of the proposals involves two stages:
- Stage 1 is the expert evaluation of proposals submitted via the EIT Urban Mobility NetSuite platform
- Stage 2 includes a panel hearing and selection by the Selection Committee.
Key dates are:
- Call opens: 19 June 2025
- Info webinar sessions: 1-3 July 2025
- Deadlines to apply: All submission windows close at 17.00 CET on the published cut-off date.
- 1st cut-off date: 23 September 2025
- 2nd cut-off date: February 2026
- 3rd cut-off date: June 2026
- 4th cut-off date: February 2027
- Eligibility and admissibility check: Up to 1 week post-submission cut-off
- Evaluation and invitation to panel hearings: Up to 6 weeks post-submission cut-off
- Panel hearings and portfolio selection: Approximately 2 weeks post invitation to Panel Hearings
- Communication of results: Approximately 2 weeks post-Panel Hearings
- Start of the projects: Approximately 4 weeks post-communication of results
Find out more about the Strategic Innovation Open Call here.
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DOCKR cargo bikes to be available in Today’s subscription service
Comments Off on DOCKR cargo bikes to be available in Today’s subscription serviceSource: Zag Daily
Following the acquisition of LEVA-EU member DOCKR by Today earlier this year, the brand’s cargo bikes will be available on a subscription basis, via a new service aimed at families, freelancers and small businesses across Europe.
The service will begin to roll out in key European cities this summer, and is expected to cost under €200 per month with maintenance included, plus optional extras such as insurance and theft cover. Users will manage their subscription through the Today app, which offers real-time support, trip tracking and service scheduling.
The launch of the service marks a new consumer-focused avenue for DOCKR cargo bikes, which have previously been used in B2B contexts. Kees Jan Blankestijn, Chief Operating Officer at Today, said, “We’ve seen the demand firsthand and know the use cases – whether it’s families doing the school run, gig workers hauling gear, or small businesses making local deliveries. Our vehicles are purpose-built for these needs, and now they’re more accessible than ever.”
Today CEO, Sean Flood, observed that although there are many e-bike subscription services available, e-cargo is missing from the mix. “These are true vehicle replacements that can carry children, groceries, etc, and the upfront cost of purchasing new is currently a huge barrier to utilisation for a lot of families. By offering an all inclusive, flexible product, we think it opens this segment up to so many new customers.” He added, “If we want widespread adoption of electric bikes, we need to remove friction. that means flexibility, simplicity, and real value – plus the tech and service to back it up.”
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Belgian Cycling Factory expands global reach
Comments Off on Belgian Cycling Factory expands global reachSource: BRAIN
Belgian Cycling Factory, home to premium brands Ridley, Eddy Merckx, Nukeproof, and Aeres, is excited to share the news of its growing international presence.
As part of the brand’s global expansion strategy, they are proud to welcome a fantastic lineup of new distribution partners across Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and Asia.
Newest partners joining the BCF family include:
- Cara Trade – Ireland & Northern Ireland
- Zookee – Now also active in Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary
- A2U – Slovenia
- Keindl Sport – Croatia
- All That Ride Sport – Turkey
- Mondo Frames Distribution – Romania
- Trilife – Bahrain & Saudi Arabia
- TheBikeStudio – Puerto Rico
- Taishan Ruibao Composite Materials Co. Ltd – China
- Wunpang Bicycle – Hong Kong
- Pentagon Asia – Taiwan
- H2C – Malaysia
Edward Vlutters, BCF International Business Development Director, shared: “We’re thrilled to welcome these partners into our growing network. Expanding our international reach ensures more riders around the world can enjoy our quality bikes.
Jochim Aerts, BCF CEO, added: “Building strong partnerships beyond our dealer-direct markets is an essential step in becoming a truly global player in the cycling industry.”
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Fulpra appoints Jehudi van de Brug as Commercial Director
Comments Off on Fulpra appoints Jehudi van de Brug as Commercial DirectorSource: Cargo Bike Festival
LEVA-EU member Fulpra, a manufacturer of high-load-capacity electric cargo bikes, has appointed industry expert Jehudi van de Brug as its new Commercial Director.
Netherlands-based Fulpra has a mission of “Reshaping urban transport by reinventing last mile mobility”. It manufactures a range of powerful electric cargo bikes which offer the load capacity of a delivery van, and has grown to support customers in nine countries and sees an annual growth rate of almost 90%.
Van de Brug joins Fulpra from fellow LEVA-EU member brand DOCKR, where he spent almost two years as Head of Commerce. Writing on his LinkedIn, he said of the new position, “I’ll continue working on what drives me most: making our inner cities cleaner, quieter, and more livable.” At Fulpra he will be responsible for building a scalable international sales structure, and focus on the expansion of strategic key accounts and partnerships globally.
Van de Brug said, “I’m very excited to join Fulpra. It’s a unique opportunity to position a groundbreaking mobility solution from the Netherlands on the global stage. Fulpra is ready to scale, and I look forward to contributing significantly with the team.”
Michel van Eijnatten, Co-founder & Director of Growth at Fulpra, said, “With Jehudi, we bring on board a proven sales leader who knows what it takes to scale internationally. His experience and energy perfectly align with our ambition to set the standard in sustainable urban logistics.”
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Shared mobility to be used by 25% of the global population by 2028
Comments Off on Shared mobility to be used by 25% of the global population by 2028Source: SmartCitiesWorld
Juniper Research’s new study highlights the growing role of micromobility and the need for its integration into public transport networks
The study forecasts that a quarter of the global population will be using shared mobility services by 2028, as the industry continues to expand rapidly. The number of users is expected to grow by 46% over the next three years – from 1.4 billion in 2025 to more than 2 billion in 2028.
The projected growth is attributed to the rapid development of on-demand transport platforms, many of which now include micromobility options such as e-scooters and e-bikes.
Micromobility integration fuels growth
The study highlights that a key driver of increased adoption is the integration of micromobility services into existing ride-hailing and shared mobility platforms. This enables users to access a broader range of transport options through a single app, increasing convenience and accessibility for urban commuters.
Despite this progress, the report notes that full integration with public transportation systems remains a significant challenge, due largely to fragmented ownership and a lack of collaboration between private providers and public authorities.
Call for public-private partnerships
Juniper Research emphasizes the importance of effective public-private partnerships in creating seamless multimodal mobility solutions. Without coordinated efforts between city authorities and private vendors, the full benefits of shared mobility, such as reduced congestion and lower emissions, may not be realized.
“In the short term, micromobility vendors must seek to adopt standards and pursue public/private partnerships to integrate services, to better serve public needs,” said report author Thomas Wilson. “Over the longer term, city authorities must work with shared mobility vendors to design true multimodal experiences, or congestion will not be effectively tackled.”
Barriers to a fully multimodal market
While e-scooters and e-bikes are well suited to inner-city travel, the lack of integration across services (often owned by competing private operators) continues to limit the potential for a truly multimodal transportation system. The report points to under-utilisation of micromobility options as a key issue holding back the sector’s full potential.
To address this, the report recommends measures such as:
- Expanding designated pick-up and drop-off zones for shared vehicles
- Installing docking stations near public transport hubs
- Encouraging interoperability between platforms
Leading shared mobility markets
According to the study, the 12 largest markets for shared mobility in 2025 will be:
- China: 516 million users
- India: 267 million users
- United States: 125 million users
- Japan: 44 million users
- Taiwan: 37 million users
- Bangladesh: 32 million users
- Germany: 31 million users
- Russia: 26 million users
- United Kingdom: 25 million users
- France: 25 million users
- Indonesia: 24 million users
- Italy: 21 million users
These figures underline the widespread and growing popularity of shared mobility, particularly in urbanized and densely populated regions.
Comprehensive market outlook
Juniper Research’s new market suite provides detailed analysis and forecasts across 61 countries, covering more than 60,000 data points over a five-year period. The full report explores trends, opportunities, and challenges in the shared mobility sector. More information about its report Shared Mobility – For Use, Not Ownership, can be found on Juniper Research’s website.
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66% of leased bikes in Belgium are e-bikes
Comments Off on 66% of leased bikes in Belgium are e-bikesSource: Fietsberaad
TRAXIO’s study highlights a strong growth in bicycle leasing for the region, with electric bicycles in particular proving popular with employees.
Bicycle leasing continues to gain momentum in Belgium, with electric bikes now making up the majority of leased two-wheelers. According to a new study by TRAXIO, 66% of all leased bikes in Belgium are e-bikes. As of mid-2025, the total number of leased bicycles stands at 166,696, with a record 52,278 new lease contracts signed in 2024 alone.
These findings are part of the latest TRAXIO VELO brochure, which for the first time, offers a comprehensive overview of the Belgian bicycle leasing sector.
Leasing supporting the transition into sustainable mobility
The report underscores the growing role of bicycle leasing in Belgium’s broader mobility transformation. An increasing number of employees are turning to cycling, particularly electric cycling, as a sustainable and active mode of daily transport.
Calls for policy support in Belgium
Despite the positive trend, TRAXIO notes that bicycle leasing remains underutilized, with only 1.91% of the working population currently using a lease bike. To unlock the full potential of this market, the organization is urging policymakers to integrate bicycle leasing more firmly into Belgium’s national mobility budget. TRAXIO emphasizes that with more structural support, the bike leasing sector can grow significantly and make a greater contribution to sustainable mobility in Belgium.
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ICE Trikes showcase PERS chainless pedalling system at Eurobike
Comments Off on ICE Trikes showcase PERS chainless pedalling system at EurobikeSource: ICE Trikes
LEVA-EU member ICE Trikes presented a first for the trike industry at Eurobike last week, exhibiting a model equipped with the PERS chainless pedalling system developed by fellow LEVA-EU member CIXI.
ICE Trikes summed up the advantages of the PERS system succinctly: “No chains or gears, regenerative braking, reverse pedalling and truly clean innovative e-assist cycling. It’s the future!” ICE Trikes has been able to incorporate PERS into their designs smoothly, thanks to the open-architecture design which allows it to be integrated with third-party motors and batteries. They teamed up at Eurobike with CIXI to showcase the technology.
The brand had models on show both at their indoor booth, and in the outdoor demo area where visitors could take a test ride. Alongside the PERS-equipped models was ICE Trikes’ Handcycle project.
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Germany’s DVW urges the separation of pedestrian and cycling paths to improve traffic safety
Comments Off on Germany’s DVW urges the separation of pedestrian and cycling paths to improve traffic safetySource: SAZ Bike
The German Road Safety Association (Deutsche Verkehrswacht, DVW) has issued a strong call for the structural separation of pedestrian walkways and cycling paths in urban and suburban areas, citing increased traffic safety and reduced conflict potential between road users as key benefits.
The resolution was adopted during DVW’s annual general meeting, where a comprehensive package of measures aimed at improving pedestrian safety was unveiled. A central focus of the initiative is the transition away from shared-use paths – such as those marked by traffic sign 240, which designates a joint pedestrian and cycling path – and toward clearly divided infrastructure tailored to the needs of both groups.
According to the DVW, shared pathways pose “significant conflict potential” due to the growing diversity of users and mobility devices, including e-scooters, cargo bikes, and pedelecs. DVW President Kirsten Lühmann highlighted the increasing complexity of urban mobility, stating: “Conflicts with pedestrians were inevitable. By separating them, we can make the space safer for all road users.”
The proposed structural division will require adjustments in urban planning, traffic regulation, and collaboration with municipal authorities. Cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants are encouraged to appoint dedicated pedestrian traffic coordinators – a move that could significantly influence future cycling strategies and infrastructure planning at the municipal level.
In addition to separating paths, the DVW recommends a series of supportive safety measures including:
- Longer green phases at pedestrian crossings.
- Parking bans near intersections to improve visibility.
- Default speed limits of 30 km/h in areas with vulnerable populations, such as schools and kindergartens.
- Mandatory assistance systems in vehicles to prevent collisions.
- Stricter enforcement of traffic violations, particularly related to illegal parking.
The announcement opens the door to broader discussions within the cycling and mobility sectors, including the evolution of technical standards, infrastructure design, and the recognition of walking and cycling as equal modes of transport.
As German cities strive to adapt their mobility strategies to modern challenges, the DVW’s proposal signals a significant shift in urban planning priorities in placing greater emphasis on safety, clarity, and equitable space for all road users.
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Podbike offers further support for riders after closure
Comments Off on Podbike offers further support for riders after closureSource: Podbike
LEVA-EU member Podbike, which sadly filed for bankruptcy at the end of May, has been able to share some good news for existing owners of its FRIKAR bike.
The founders of Podbike have secured stock of spare parts and accessories, and have also acquired the full IP and design rights for the FRIKAR.
They have also made an agreement with former support manager Roopesh Raghavan, who is starting his own business, offering paid support and spare parts for sale.
Podbike states that these developments mean that:
- A dedicated service offering is being planned
- There will be continued support for FRIKAR owners
- There is a solid foundation for the future of the Podbike vision
The Podbike team say they are working hard behind the scenes to establish a service solution to ensure current Podbike owners can continue riding with confidence.
