Tag Archive: E-bike

  1. Bafang Electric launches its first Bafang Dealer Day, attracting hundreds of industry professionals

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    The first Bafang Dealer Day took place on January 16 in Nijkerk, generating a great response and positive feedback. More than 450 dealers took up the LEVA-EU member’s invitation to register for the event and made their way to the distinctive venue Hart van Holland. Here, much discussion surrounding Bafang itself, the dealer direct service, new products, and partner opportunities took place.

    Confident presentations and interactive exchange

    The day’s presentations were specially designed with dealer-specific information in mind, ranging from an overview of Bafang’s history to technical insight regarding the latest drive systems. Confidently leading the day’s proceedings was moderator Rens Merckelbach. He was joined by members of Bafang’s Benelux branch Vince Weerden, Santosh Mankoe, and Leroy van Heeren, the branch’s Service Manager, Dealer Direct Service Executive, and Customer Service Specialist respectively. Each presented on their specialist subject, taking time to answer any dealers’ questions on the matters at hand.

    New products and the BESST Pro Tool

    After a refreshment break the event continued, moving into an adjacent hall where dealers were able to view Bafang’s latest technological offerings up-close while receiving tailored advice from knowledgeable staff members.

    Alongside the isolated drive systems, batteries, and HMIs on display, a range of test bikes were available for dealers’ use. Supporting Bafang’s own test bikes were branded bikes boasting a range of systems, provided by Jools, Brinckers, BSP, and Dolly Bikes. Based on the faces seen around the specially designed test track, Bafang’s motto, “Engineered to make you smile”, rings true!

    The afternoon was then characterized by presentations of the latest products from Bafang by Lennart van Houwelingen, the Sales Manager for Benelux. Following this, Leroy van Heeren returned to deliver a presentation regarding the BESST Pro tool, which is sure to be an exciting prospect for many dealers.

    Rens Merckelbach concluded the event with a light-hearted lottery, where Bafang team members presented a selection of gifts to lucky attendees. Concluding with a classic networking session, the event can only be described as an extremely successful and slick launch of Bafang’s Dealer Day. Full of informative content and exciting ideas, the event clearly outlines Bafang’s focus on development in the European market, and is the product of a great team effort by the staff of Bafang Electric Ltd.

  2. T-Mobile and Townmaking run e-bike ISA trials in Amsterdam

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    Source: Fietsberaad.nl

    Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) would review and adjust the speed of e-bikes and speed-pedelecs in line with local limits

    The concept of Intelligent Speed Adaption (ISA) is not new, having been tested in cars for many years – however, thus far it has seen little real-world application. In Amsterdam, T-Mobile and Townmaking are now running experiments for the technology in regard to two-wheelers; routes such as that between Amsterdam and Schiphol are being monitored for potential application.

    How could this work? Speed could be reduced through geofencing, that is, if a bicycle enters a certain area or approaches a certain location, the speed is automatically reduced. Such technology is already used in some rental e-scooter fleets such as Voi in the UK, where ‘slow speed zones’ automatically reduce a vehicle’s maximum speed.

    In the latest experimentation by T-Mobile, an app was tested that turns the screen of the rider’s smartphone red when entering an area with a speed limit. To prevent too much distraction, other warning methods are also being considered, such as a vibration signal via the handlebar. Technology would eventually be made available to bicycle manufacturers and road authorities to implement their own preventative measures.

    A crucial element for the success of the new technology is the speed with which the system reacts and modulates the bicycle to a safer speed. This so-called latency (deceleration factor) can make the difference in whether or not a cyclist brakes in time in an unsafe situation. Thanks to modern 4G and 5G networks, T-Mobile says very low latency connectivity can be achieved in 10 milliseconds or less.

  3. The all-new Solace eRIDE from SCOTT

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    LEVA-EU member SCOTT introduces its new standard in electric road and gravel bikes: the Solace eRIDE. Quiet, efficient and with a near-zero drag motor, the Solace is a highly versatile do-it-all endurance bike.

    The Solace eRIDE is both a Road and Gravel platform, two bikes in one. With a clean do-it-all design, generous tire clearance and carbon frame, the Solace is a lightweight e-bike package with an excellent range. Longer rides are encouraged with room for both 1 water bottle + range extender or 2 water bottles and suitable bike frame bags.
    Both bikes share the same frame, with the essential differences coming down to spec.
    They share the heritage of the SCOTT Addict Gravel frameset, a bike that is already a class leader in the lightweight gravel sector.

    Frame Construction
    Despite having an open bottom bracket for placement of the drive unit, we have reached very similar stiffness values compared to the Addict gravel. Having such a compact system like the one that TQ has developed played a key role when building the mounting points where the motor and the battery are assembled in the frame. Compact and minimalistic mountings, help to keep a smooth carbon construction in the frame structure, avoiding bulky or complicated interfaces.

    Drive Unit
    Thanks to the silent TQ motor, the Solace eRIDE enables you to hear the sound of nature without distractions. The bike’s light weight means it can easily be used without any assistance, an added benefit being the motor has almost no drag allowing you to use the battery only when needed for an excellent range. For a road or gravel e-bike platform this is very important. For systems with drag, riding above the legally imposed thresholds can be limiting. No such issue with the TQ system.

    Compact Powerful Assistance
    TQ is a German company founded in 1994 that specializes in electric components across a range of industries including aerospace, medical and infrastructure. With the HPR50, they simply rewrote the rules, delivering an unprecedented weight/torque ratio of 1.8 kg for 50Nm. With a diameter of 8 cm, TQ has innovated by using a harmonic gear system. This allows for a reduction of size, while also increasing the accuracy of the system. This results in a lighter bike and better integration while reducing drag for a more natural pedaling sensation. This technology also allows for the reduction in system noise for a truly natural experience.

    Always Connected
    To maintain a clean cockpit, the TQ system puts the accent on device connectivity and a minimalistic display located in the top tube. At a glance, the LED display provides all the essential info like the battery level in %, the range in Km and the mode. Thanks to an integrated power meter the RPM, and watts are also provided. Additionally, The TQ app offers real benefits and is easy to use. It is easy to connect, customize and control your TQ-powered e-bike with the TQ e-bike app. The bike comes with a suggested SCOTT motor tune, but with the app, you can tune your drive unit to either save battery life or maximize the power output.

    2 Batteries – 1 Internal, 1 External
    In addition to the 360Wh battery integrated into the downtube, all Solace models are prepared to use an additional 160Wh range extender. The Solace’s range extender comes as an accessory and looks like a simple water bottle. Utilizing a SCOTT-specific quick-release system, the range extender is easy to swap in for a bottle cage tool free.
    Thanks to TQ’s expertise and unique cell efficiency, battery capacity is optimized to the fullest. The e-bike’s system automatically adapts to having two power sources with SMART technology.
    This means that, when using the range extender, the system will prioritize its drainage before calling on the use of the Solace’s integrated battery. Plus, when the range extender is emptied the transition between power sources is automatic and seamless. You won’t even notice it.
    The complete system can be charged in one go too. With the range extender in place, just plug the smart charger into its port. As before, the SMART system will prioritize the e-bike’s internal battery charge first, then top up the range extender, so you’ll never be caught short when heading out to ride. The charge time is fast, the main battery can reach 80% in just two hours of charging.

    Integrated cables
    The Syncros Creston IC combo handlebar allows complete internal cable routing for mechanical or electronic cables and disc brakes. With this intelligent construction, it has never been as easy to adjust the position with spacers.

    Accessories & Compatibility
    Fender kits are available for both Solace Road and Gravel from Syncros.
    The Solace eRIDE is also light-ready and compatible with a range of Syncros products so you can stay visible any hour of the day. Using the smart box in the top tube it is possible to directly connect compatible light systems to the main battery.
    Solace Road and Gravel are compatible with a dedicated kickstand from Syncros.
    The Creston cockpit will fit any of the standard Syncros mounts.

    Product Range
    The Solace eRIDE will be available as Road and Gravel options. All models feature a carbon HMX frame. The collection will total 6 models including 1 dedicated Contessa women-specific model. Discover the full collection at Scott-sports.com.

  4. Bafang offers the chance to win any e-bike featuring their system

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    In its final Giveaway of 2022, LEVA-EU member Bafang is offering up to 3000 EUR towards a powered-by-Bafang e-bike model.

    The ‘Bafang Giveaway Trail | Stage 3’ closes the popular competition series that has run through 2022. Details from the Giveaway landing page can be seen below.

    “The power is in your hands – our grand prize winner can claim a Bafang-powered e-bike worth up to €3000!

    “We want to see your views from the trail, the open road, the city streets! What makes you smile when you’re out and about on two wheels? Submit your very best photo or video in the theme and approved entries will head to a public vote to determine the winner.

    “Entry is easy, submit a file, link to your video via the form, or enter by publicly posting your media on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #BafangGiveawayTrailStage3

    You’ll have until Janurary 6, 2023 to enter your media, and we can’t wait to share in your views!”

    Visit the Giveaway landing page, here.

    Visit the Giveaway directly, here.

    Visit the Bafang-owners bonus round, here.

  5. RadTrike 1 – Rad Power Bikes’ First Electric Tricycle

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    LEVA-EU member Rad Power Bikes welcomed the first electric tricycle in its lineup. An iconic adult tricycle with an impressive weight load capacity (188 kg/ 415 lbs), unmistakable Rad fat tires, and an impressive low step-in frame.

    The RadTrike 1 will be exclusively available in the USA in 2023 and may make an appearance in Europe and the UK in 2024 depending on interest from local Rad Communities.

    While this electric tricycle is not yet available in Europe, let’s take a look at what would be the same across the USA and European models:

    • Impressive weight load capacity of 188 kg (415 lbs) with a limit of 147kg (325 lbs) max rider weight
    • Extremely low step-in height (stand-over height) of 34 cm (13.4”)
    • This adult tricycle fits riders with heights of 163 – 185 cm (or inseam measurements between 25-35 inches)
    • Estimated reach on a full battery between 32-88 km (20-55 miles)

    Check out the tech overview via Rad Power Bikes’ YouTube channel, here.

    So what would be different in Europe from the US model:

    • The European model will be equipped with a 250W motor to adhere to EU regulations (unlike the US model, which comes with a 750W motor)
    • The RadTrike 1 in Europe will be a pedelec trike. This means it will not be equipped with a half-twist throttle (unlike the US Rad ebikes); instead it will come with a Twist Power Assist to help you get launched with the bike. The Twist Power Assist will provide acceleration up to 6 km/hrs but will not provide additional speed without the rider pedaling the bike.

    If you want the RadTrike 1 to come to Europe, make your voice heard by signing up, here.

  6. Research: Electric bikes are 21% more fun and 13% more efficient

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    Source: Electrek, Toll, M.

    The study, “It’s electric! Measuring energy expenditure and perceptual differences between bicycles and electric-assist bicycles,” was published in the latest issue of the Journal of Transport & Health.

    The new research aims to quantify the differences in energy expenditure, perceptions of difficulty, and acceleration between regular bikes and e-bikes in a bike-share system. Following a fitness evaluation, the 15 participants took two near-identical bike rides; once with an e-bike, and once with a regular bike. During the course of the ride, heart rate and speed were continuously measured, and participants shared their own perceptions of exertion and enjoyment.

    The study’s key results were as follows:

    • Individuals expended about 13% less energy on e-bicycles compared to conventional bicycles on a steady-state ride.
    • E-bikes and conventional bicycles provided moderate intensity physical activity.
    • Individuals reported higher enjoyment on the e-bike.
    • Individuals reported less exertion and difficulty on the e-bike.
    • Most participants reported preferring the e-bike for commute travel.

    Of course, results from any research with such a small sample size (n=15) should be considered with caution.

    Access the full research article, here.

  7. Cycling-related facial injuries do not vary between e-bikes and conventional bicycles

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    Source: Fietsberaad.nl

    As the usage of both e-bikes and conventional bikes increases, so does the number of bicycle-related injuries. New research explores whether e-bikes hold a larger share of facial injuries after an incident.

    Researchers at the Groningen University Medical Centre explored the nature of cycling-related facial injuries (maxillofacial fractures) and whether there are differences between those experienced by e-bike users or regular cyclists. The recently released paper will assist in emergency room injury treatment.

    311 patients were examined across 4 hospitals for the presence and severity of injury between May 2018 and October 2012. Of these patients, 73 were riders of e-bikes, and a range of other factors such as age and alcohol consumption were taken into consideration. In the sample, it appeared that e-bike riders more often suffered fractures to the centre of the face, while jaw fractures and serious dental injuries were more common for conventional cyclists.

    However, when results were corrected in line with additional factors, the conclusion was that patient-specific characteristics, such as age, alcohol use, and comorbidities (the simultaneous presence of two or more medical conditions), may have a greater influence on a rider sustaining maxillofacial fractures than the type of bicycle ridden.

    Based on the results, the researchers see reason to promote the use of bicycle helmets among the elderly and vulnerable cyclists, because it has been proven that their use reduces head injuries and has a protective effect against facial injuries and fractures.

  8. NieuwsFiets.nu DealerTrip 2023: destination Portugal

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    Source: NieuwsFiets.nu

    The NieuwsFiets DealerTrip is back on the agenda and will travel to Bike Value in Portugal from 8 to 15 January 2023. As the registration period is much shorter than usual, this is a trip for quick decision-makers!

    As travel restrictions have been considerably relaxed again, the new NieuwsFiets.nu ‘DealerReis’ will travel to Portugal next year. This trip will take place in January, and due to the rapid approach of the date, interested entrepreneurs will have to decide quickly. It is certain that it will again be an exciting professional trip, heading to the beating heart of the Portuguese bicycle industry. The program of factory visits is currently being finalized, but visits to companies such as SRAM, Polisport/Bobike, Miranda, and Fritz Jou (producer of QWIC, among others) have been confirmed.

    DealerTravel to Vietnam is too risky due to corona

    The last NieuwsFiets.nu DealerReis took place in 2019 when travel to China was still possible. A trip to Vietnam was originally planned for 2020, but disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed this visit. “That trip has been postponed twice and was in principle planned for November this year. And although it is currently possible to travel to Vietnam, I think it is too risky,” says organizer Arnauld Hackmann. “Suppose COVID-19 flares up again and Vietnam starts re-instituting quarantine rules, then we have a big problem. I first want to see how things are going there in the coming months, but Vietnam will definitely remain on the wish list for the near future.”

    Portugal: The main production location in the EU bicycle market

    In addition to NieuwsFiets.nu, Hackmann also organizes dealer trips for the German trade magazine Velobiz.de. Editor-in-chief Markus Fritsch proposed the idea of ​​visiting Portugal as an alternative to Vietnam, which has Bike Value in Agueda, where a lot of the bicycle industry is located. “The first discussions were held during Eurobike. November, the month in which the trips normally take place, was not feasible, so we opted for the beginning of January,” explains Hackmann. “An additional advantage is that this trip is a lot cheaper than the Asia trips of the past.”

    The northern Portuguese metropolis of Porto is one of the most beautiful cities on the Iberian Peninsula. In addition, the port city is now an important center of the European bicycle industry; more than one-fifth of bicycles produced in Europe roll off the assembly line in Portugal. The country on the Iberian Atlantic coast has thus developed into the most important production location in the EU bicycle market. In addition, Portugal is an important location for the production of bicycle frames and other parts.

    With the NieuwsFiets.nu DealerTrip 2023, travelers take a look behind the factory gates of eight companies that produce in Portugal from 8 to 15 January. Of course, getting to know the destination’s culture and people is not neglected during this time. During the 8-day trip, there is extensive of opportunity for dealers to network and exchange experiences.

    Registration is open until 1 November 2022

    Find more information on the NieuwsFiets.nu DealerTravel 2023, here.

  9. Bafang Direct-to-dealer Services see primary launch with select brands

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    In the past, to meet the individualized needs of different e-bike brands, LEVA-EU member Bafang Electric (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as Bafang) developed a variety of products and provided after-sales services to brands in a flexible and efficient way. With the maturity of products and development of consumers’ service requirements, some brands took the initiative to ask Bafang to extend its services further to include dealers. To meet the evolving market demand, over the past two years Bafang has developed a direct-to-dealer service (DDS) mode for select bicycle brands and dealers in response to their service requirements, creating a comprehensive, closed-loop system.

    This concept was first put into practice in February 2021; in this preliminary stage, the service was available only to a few selected dealers. Following with an excellent response, Bafang’s dealer services network has further expanded and now serves dealers of multiple brands.

    As one of the world’s leading electric bike drive systems and electronic components manufacturers, Bafang knows its responsibility for the continuous flow and exchange of information between brands and their dealers. Therefore, Bafang has refined and strengthened its DDS, heavily investing in the project to provide applicable training programs for the existing products each year.

    In February 2021, Bafang launched the DDS with a Dutch brand, Gazelle. In the first interactive training stage, the brand invited a few dealers to thoroughly trial the dealer services system and assess any problems that arose. By the end of 2021, all of Gazelle’s dealers had been connected to the Bafang DDS system. For the Gazelle brand alone, Bafang will continue to provide more than 700 dealers with services including product training, customer service, and spare parts sales.

    Currently, 5 brands have joined Bafang’s DDS, and the Bafang dealers’ service team has established contact with more than 1,200 dealers to provide relevant services.

    The Bafang DDS service team boasts established technicians with years of industry experience who will train dealers and workshop employees to ensure that they can provide high-quality services to their customers. The scope of services provided by Bafang DDS includes:

    – Free replacement and maintenance of parts (within the warranty period)

    – Stable diagnostic systems

    – Training courses for new products

    – Technical documents in various languages for download (e.g., manuals, e-learning videos,

       assembly/disassembly demonstrations)

    – Quick response and follow-up on any technical issues

    – Sharing of the dealers’ experiences

    At present, the Bafang DDS system remains in its initial development stage, including the logistics system, service platform, training activities, etc., which are being continuously improved upon. In the future, Bafang plans continued expansion of the system to quickly meet dealers’ demands with real-world data and support. Dealers will have the advantage of using the full range of services provided by Bafang and purchasing parts directly through the system, while Bafang Dealer Services itself will continue to expand service outlets and increase service personnel. In April of this year, Bafang held a professional, innovative, and successful online training event with Fischer Bicycle and its international dealers, and is preparing for the provision of a professional service system for more brands and dealers in the future.

    Although the Bafang DDS is a relatively new offering, many dealers have shown great enthusiasm and encouragement for the program, providing valuable suggestions for Bafang to improve the subsequent service work.

    Bafang dealer service process

    How does the Bafang DDS function? Following the signing of a dealer service agreement by a bike brand, the brand’s list of dealers and their relevant details is shared with Bafang. Bafang then prepares all goods and content for the dealers, who can submit product queries through the dedicated DDS web portal. Bafang’s service engineers handle all incoming queries promptly, liaising remotely with the dealer through the most appropriate channels to reach a resolution.

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