The prevalence of electronic components in bicycle weight has surged significantly, a trend previously lacking concrete data. In a recent analysis, Ernst Brust reveals this proportion to be nearly 19%.
Ernst Brust, the founder of Velotech.de, has extensively analysed bicycle material usage spanning the last five decades. Particularly notable is the stark rise in electronics utilization by nearly 20% since 1970. Historically, bicycle construction predominantly relied on traditional materials like steel and aluminium for frames and components, with electronics playing a marginal role.
However, the contemporary landscape of material composition in 2024 depicts a marked shift towards a greater inclusion of electronic elements. Present-day bicycles boast an array of electronic features, underscoring technological advancements and their integration into modern bike design, as noted by Brust. Commenting on this evolution, the technology expert asserts, “The development of material usage in bicycle construction from 1970 to 2024 illustrates the change and the increasing importance of electronics in the modern bicycle. These changes contribute to making bicycles more efficient, safer, and more comfortable.”
Legislation to fast-track standards for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries has unanimous, bipartisan support. But standards that will have the power to change the industry are still months if not years away
To address the hazards posed by poorly manufactured batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, New York City officials have implemented measures to curb the rising incidents of fires and injuries caused by these devices.
Within the first three weeks of 2024, there were nine fires linked to these batteries, resulting in eight injuries. FDNY reported that since 2019, injuries related to battery fires have surged by 1,053%, reaching 150 cases in 2023. Last year, 18 people died in battery-related fires, up from 6 deaths the year before.
To counter this alarming trend, officials have passed local legislation to prohibit the possession or sale of refurbished lithium-ion batteries. A City Council committee hearing is scheduled to discuss additional e-bike safety measures, and Governor Kathy Hochul plans to propose a bill banning their sale. Public housing leaders in the city have also moved to limit the number of e-bikes per household. Despite these efforts, safety experts argue that true mitigation requires regulation at the manufacturing source.
Achieving this goal necessitates federal legislation, a challenging prospect given the divided and unproductive state of Congress. Surprisingly, there is bipartisan support for regulating the batteries, as evidenced by a pending bill in Congress. This legislation aims to empower the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish federal standards for the safe construction and import of these batteries.
New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with Representative Ritchie Torres, have been advocating for such legislation since last year. Without this authorization, the Consumer Product Safety Commission lacks the regulatory authority to impose mandatory standards. The absence of mandatory standards allows manufacturers to adhere to safety measures voluntarily, leading to an influx of poorly made products and subsequent battery malfunctions, explosions, and fires.
The bill has garnered significant support during its progression through the House of Representatives, receiving unanimous approval in both a subcommittee and the Energy and Commerce Committee. Though viewed as a positive development by consumer product safety experts, the journey ahead involves Senate consideration and, if successful, a significant delay before the mandatory standards take effect, potentially extending to at least another year.
Despite the extended timeline, consumer product safety experts view this legislation as a crucial step. However, the process involves Senate deliberations and, as of now, there is no immediate information on its status. Regardless of the legislative outcome, the implementation of mandatory standards would represent a pivotal move to address the widespread issue of e-bike and e-scooter battery fires and associated risks.
A study on the Brabant bicycle incentive program, B-riders, revealed that 70% of participants cycled to work on an e-bike as many or more days as planned during the initial six months.
The B-riders program ran between 2013 to 2018, aiming to encourage North Brabanders to switch from cars to e-bikes. Researchers at Utrecht University and TU Delft conducted the study into the participants’ behavioral changes. Participants, who were required to purchase e-bikes and not own one beforehand, received monetary incentives based on kilometres cycled during rush hours. The program, costing one million euros, successfully prevented over a million car journeys during peak times.
Results
In the first month, 51% of participants followed their intended commuting frequency, with 8% cycling more and the rest less. Notably, 47% of former car commuters and 55% of multimodal travellers cycled as planned, highlighting motorists’ underestimation of cycling days. Over the subsequent six months, 50% cycled as intended, 21% exceeded their plans, and 29% cycled less. Remarkably, 68% maintained their initial intentions, with 83% of those planning 4 to 5 cycling days per week sticking to their goals.
Motivation
The study found that factors like attitude towards cycling and goal feasibility had limited influence on participants. Financial rewards and the Netherlands’ cycling-friendly environment may have played a role. However, with all participants already positive towards e-bikes and having registered to take part in the program, the question of motivating less enthusiastic individuals to cycle more remains unanswered.
Background
The B-riders program surveyed participants three times, with 547 fully completing questionnaires. Published in the Journal of Cycling and Micromobility Research in December, the study concludes that the e-bike holds potential for substituting cars in commuting.
Comments Off on Marc Burkhardt joins QWIC as Sales Representative Germany
E-bike manufacturer and LEVA-EU member QWIC is excited to announce the addition of a new team member, Marc Burkhardt. As of April 3rd, Marc starts as the new Sales Representative for the Western part of Germany
Marc is a highly experienced sales professional with over 30 years of sales experience, including over 20 years of experience in the specialist retail sector in the mobile phone industry. With his track record, he brings a wealth of experience to the QWIC team.
Marc Burkhardt: “I am excited to join the QWIC family and promote the brand’s e-bikes to existing and new dealers. QWIC is an exciting and innovative company, and I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues to drive the growth of the brand.”
His focus will be on continuing the good cooperation with the existing dealers and also expanding the dealer network, and on securing and expanding the brand positioning in his sales territory.
More vacancies available QWIC is constantly looking for enthusiasts who want to contribute to the growth of QWIC. Do you want to be part of QWIC’s success? Check out all vacancies here.
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