Tag Archive: E-Bikes

  1. Vosper: “E-bikes step up in a down market”

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    Source: Bicycle Retailer

    2023 wasn’t a great year for the e-bike market, with high inventory & low sales, and struggling relationships between suppliers and retailers. This is unlikely to improve in the immediate future.

    Decreased Imports

    A recent analysis by Rick Vosper in Bicycle Retailer shows that the number of imports for both classes of bikes fell significantly in 2023 (Figure 1) as suppliers attempted, and succeeded in, decreasing the number of orders in the pipeline.

    Pedal only bike imports for 2023 were down by 41% from 2022, which itself was down 31% from 2021. In 2023 5.3 million units were imported, which represents the lowest number of pedal-only imports since the first recorded year in 1981. To compare, e-bike imports were 990,000, down 10% from 2022, which represents a 25% increase from 2021.

    Figure 1: USA E-Bike imports vs pedal only bikes
    Source: eCyclceElectric & U.S Department of Commerce (USDOC)

    Not only that but e-bikes are steadily gaining market share, from 2% in 2016 to more than 18% of pedal-only bike sales in 2023 (Figure 2). This increase inversely correlates with the decrease in pedal only bike imports.

    Some have speculated that when e-bike imports reach 20% of pedal only, it will mark an infection point for e-bike sales in the U.S., and that a large increase in market share will happen as a result.

    However, Vosper disagrees commenting “I am sceptical of this projection. Here’s why: some large majority of e-bike sales are in the very bottom of the mass market as low-end bikes shipped D2C from China and other Asian manufacturers. These units have no direct parallels in the pedal-only market segment, so there’s no basis for an apples-to-apples comparison, which renders that 20% number arbitrary. To really see the relationship, we’d have to look at dealer and mass retailer sales and filter the bottom feeders out of the equation somehow. At present I don’t believe the industry has the resources to do this.”

    Figure 2: E-bike imports as a percentage of pedal only (20″+)
    Source: USDOC

    An ongoing problem

    Despite the cuts in imports in 2022 and 2023, there’s still inventory excess due to the huge number of imports during the years of COVID (2020 & 2021), this indicates that the inventory excess is a long-term problem. On the bright side, e-bikes seem to be doing better than other product categories. In an informal poll on the Facebook group Cycling Industry Recover, 56% of retailers reported that their e-bike sales are up relative to their pedal only models. Perhaps this is indicative of future buying trends.

  2. CityQ to replace car traffic with car-like e-bikes

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    A range of futuristic car-like e-bikes will be available this year in cities across Europe

    London, UK, March 11th 2024: Cities across Europe looking to reduce congestion and pollution by imposing limitations to car traffic will be faced with a potential solution this year. Mobility technology startup CityQ is ramping up production of its game-changing ‘car-like e-bikes’, making both cargo and passenger models available in the UK, Germany, Benelux and Scandinavia in 2024.

    Purpose-built with seating for multiple passengers, cargo capacity, weather protection and a futuristic digital powertrain, CityQ’s four wheeled e-bikes are unique because they retain true car like capabilities whilst being considerably lighter, more manoeuvrable, and more sustainable than an EV.

    For cities, car like e bikes help cut pollution and congestion and for consumers, they deliver safe, door-to-door all-weather mobility without needing a license, insurance, or vehicle registration.

    Charging at home without reliance on public EV infrastructure and offering unmatched stability and storage, the e-bikes provide a viable alternative to automobile ownership. Compared to EVs, CityQ e-bikes are allowed in bike lanes, take up significantly less road and can park for free together with other bikes.

    With a net weight of only 120kg, they are the lightest car like vehicle available, and produce a fraction of the emissions of an EV, whilst requiring no costly car-charging infrastructure. When comparing total carbon footprint (from vehicle construction and emissions from a lifetime of use) CityQ e-bikes are approximately 90% more sustainable than ICE vehicles and 80% more sustainable than EVs.

    The e-bikes have a range of 110 km using two swappable batteries and can handle moderate inclines of 20% gradients while loaded with up to 250 kg of cargo or people, with light pedalling effort. Their top speed is 25 km/h, typical for e-bikes due to regulation laws.

    With Europe facing crippling pollution and congestion and underdeveloped public EV charging networks, the e bikes CityQ has produced to date have become hugely popular, with demand outstripping supply.

     CityQ’s CEO Morten Rynning said:

    “Cities don’t need to wait for autonomous vehicles, flying drones or new infrastructure to get less car traffic and pollution. This will come naturally by welcoming the innovation within downsized electric vehicles such as micro cars, micro mobility and CityQ. Our first revolutionary cargo e-bikes – have already been embraced by experts and global customers and thousands have reached out to test or order our family e-bike which is expected to be released this year. We will be the first company to successfully bridge the gap between cars and e-bikes – for all types of transport in inner cities.“

    According to the European Environment Agency, approximately 40% of EU urban dwellers are exposed to harmful levels of air pollution, primarily caused by road transportation. It is also estimated that each year, congestion costs in Europe amount to €100 billion, about 1% of the EU’s GDP. Without effective action, the problem could worsen, with congestion costs projected to increase to €200 billion by 2050. Experts like McKinsey expect that such super light, small electric vehicles can transform urban mobility, representing a $100bn global market by 2030.

    CityQ’s e-bikes boast car-like seating, weather protection, safety features and a reverse gear for improved portability. Equally suited for delivery services, maintenance crews, shared platforms, families or daily commuters, the versatile e-bikes are simple and convenient to use.

    So far CityQ has raised over €3 million in early-stage funding as it has developed its innovative products and built up its manufacturing capacity. Its cargo models will launch in Spring 2024, with passenger versions available in the autumn. The initial launch markets are Germany, Benelux, UK and Scandinavia and pre-orders are now open.

    At this early stage, CityQ are offered at prices starting just above €11k. As production ramps up there will also be lower cost models fitting private families and attractive leasing offering for corporations offering incentive programs towards their employees.

    Images of CityQ’s range of e bikes can be downloaded from here.

    About CityQ

    CityQ is a Norwegian and German mobility technology startup that designs and produces a range of the most sustainable light electric vehicles with car-like feeling for urban transportation. Their new 4-wheel ebikes combine software-driven electric powertrain innovations and purpose-built vehicle design to develop e-bike alternatives to cars and traditional bicycles. The company currently develops and manufactures its e-bike in Germany, and will offer the vehicles initially in the UK, Germany, Benelux and Scandinavia.

  3. Dutch analysis suggests electric bicycles themselves are not a cause of rider fatality increase

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    Source: CROW

    Groningen & Utrecht University have worked with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management to study any potential links between e-bike users vs conventional bicycle riders, and number of accidents.

    It has been reported that the number of traffic fatalities per million e-bike owners is estimated to be twice as high as fatalities per million non-electric bicycle owners. However, the universities and ministry researchers have looked at fatality data differently, concluding that owning an e-bike does not cause an increase in cycling-related deaths, and that a greater fatality risk can be attributed to rider age and distance of travel.

    Accident data on age, gender and exposure was analysed from 2018 to 2021. From this, researchers noticed that the risk of a cycling fatality increased for cyclists older than 80 years of age, and this statistic was even higher for cyclists in this age group who rode a non-electric bike. The study implies that policies on road safety shouldn’t focus on bicycle category, but should be directed toward preventing accidents for all ages.

    Figure: number of cycling deaths per billion kilometers in the Netherlands from 2018 to 2021, divided into age and gender (Source: Westerhuis et. al, 2024 ). 

    By looking at the data, researchers explain that e-bike fatalities do occur more in older age groups because they tend to be more vulnerable, and more likely to be seriously injured. Also when riders travel longer distances on e-bikes, they are more exposed to accidents, since people travel more kilometres per trip on average on e-bikes than they would on a conventional bicycle. The researchers identified that the data indicates that e-bikes do not cause a rise in accidents, and conclude that no connection has so far been made between a higher cycling speed and travel incidents.

    The scientists also conclude that their analysis does not allow causal connections to be established, with their results being indicative. They explain that in theory, further experiments could establish a causal link between traffic fatalities and e-bicycles, with effects being measured before and after research. But in the context of traffic accidents, a research design like that would be too unrealistic because it would result in too few accidents to make a valid statement, so looking at accident statistics after they’ve occurred is the best option in these circumstance.

  4. Bafang Laboratory Center receives CNAS accreditation

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    Bafang Electric (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. is committed to building a world-class professional testing laboratory for two-wheel drive systems, elevating industry product quality standards. Most recently, the Bafang Laboratory Center officially obtained its accreditation certificate from the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS). This achievement comes in the wake of the company’s continuous upgrading of quality management practices, and dedication to product quality, both fundamental elements in the survival and development of enterprises.

    International Authority Accreditation

    CNAS accreditation signifies that the outstanding hardware facilities and management practices of the Bafang Laboratory Center have reached international recognition standards, and that the facility possesses the technical capabilities to conduct high-quality professional testing. In following CNAS guidelines, Bafang will further enhance the reliability of its diverse product range including motors, HMIs, controllers, and sensors, as well as the compatibility of its complete systems for electric rides.

    As an official Chinese accreditation body, CNAS is responsible for the review and supervision of certification organizations, testing institutions, laboratories, and other qualified assessment institutions. Under the authority of the Certification and Accreditation Authority of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA), CNAS has achieved international recognition of its test results with numerous global organizations, helping to accelerate product certification and project advancement for companies and enabling Bafang and its upstream and downstream partners to respond to market demands more rapidly and accurately.

    Bafang Quality Management System

    To date, Bafang has successfully established the acoustics laboratory, motor performance laboratory, battery performance laboratory, eBike system performance laboratory, EMC laboratory and reliability laboratories in mechanical and environmental, as well as other specialized testing facilities. Bafang has allied with riders all over the world to conduct on-site application tests on professional tracks and has assembled a quality management team that covers every stage of the product lifecycle. Through a multi-channel, whole-process quality management system, Bafang pioneers product quality invariably.

  5. Oslo study shows e-bike subsidisation effective in encouraging active travel

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    Source: Science Direct, Journal of Transport & Health Vol. 35, H.B. Sundfør, S. Berntsen, E.T. Bere, A. Fyhri

    Researchers have noted that although there have been multiple e-bike subsidisation programs in Europe, limited research has been done on the effects of these schemes on travel behaviour, and whether they encourage more cycling and physical activity.

    E-bike subvention study overview

    Hanne Beate Sundfør, Sveinung Berntsen, Elling Tufte Bere, and Aslak Fyhri conducted a study on the effects of e-bike incentivisation in Oslo, Norway during 2020. It looked at the short-term effects on citizens who received a subsidisation from the government towards purchasing an e-bike, paying special attention to how it affected their cycling and physical activity levels.

    The subvention from Oslo City Council offered to cover up to 50% of the cost of an e-bike for residents. The study involved subvention beneficiaries completing questionnaires about the distance they travelled on various modes, and overall distance. It also involved them self-reporting the time they spent on e-cycling, conventional cycling, walking, moderate physical activity, and vigorous physical activity.

    Bicycle usage and physical activity hypothesis

    The group tested 3 theories about e-bike purchase subsidization effects on everyday cycling and physical activity. Firstly, that subsidising e-bikes would increase bicycle usage for trips below 50 km. Secondly, that subventions would lead to an increase in MET physical activity due to more daily active travel, including e-biking, conventional cycling and walking. And thirdly that subsidising e-bikes would lead to higher overall MET minutes of physical activity, (where MET means metabolic equivalent of task, a fitness measurement that signifies how intense a physical exercise is).

    Results

    Findings showed that Oslo’s 2020 e-bike subvention program positively impacted cycling behaviour. The study team discovered an increase in distances travelled by bike, and cycling itself as a more commonly used transport mode. It found that the scheme resulted in e-bike activity climbing by 12.6%, with citizens using electric instead of conventional bikes, public transport and cars.

    The study also revealed that while e-biking increased, conventional bicycling and walking decreased. Interestingly the researchers discovered that there had been an increase in MET-minutes from active transportation overall, showing that the higher levels of e-biking exercise covered the reduced exercise from walking and conventional cycling, showing the positive effects of Oslo’s subvention on encouraging more active travel through e-biking.

    Learn about the study in more depth and how it could aid environmental and public health targets.

  6. New additions at myStromer AG

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    Three new team members strengthen the speed pedelec brand’s offering, across technology, marketing and account management roles.

    Christoph Lindlein is responsible for global marketing management in his role as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Franz Reindl is Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and heads the R&D department and Lennart Wolff is looking after the region of Northern Germany as the new Stromer and Desiknio Account Manager. Since August 2023, Christoph Lindlein (37) from Germany has worked as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and headed the company’s marketing strategies.

    After completing his degree in Sports Economics and Management at German Sport University Cologne and in International Marketing in Melbourne, Australia, Christoph Lindlein began his career in 2010 at the German sporting goods manufacturer adidas at its headquarters in Herzogenaurach. In 2011 he moved to Switzerland to join the INTERSPORT International Corporation. He successfully held several marketing positions there over the next 12 years. His most recent responsibilities included the global marketing strategy for the INTERSPORT Group and the establishment of long-term marketing partnerships with leading sports brands such as Nike, adidas and Puma. He also drove the development of the marketing strategy of exclusive brands from INTERSPORT.

    Christoph Lindlein explains why he moved to Stromer: “After more than 12 years in the sporting goods industry, I decided to change directions. Inspiring people to adopt a more active and healthier lifestyle has always been a motivating factor and driving force behind my career. I also strongly believe in the importance of more sustainable mobility and would like to be an active part of the mobility transformation – and above all inspire people to sustainably change their habits and behavior when it comes to mobility.”

    He continues: “I am convinced that authentic and emotional storytelling will strengthen the brand awareness and customer loyalty of Stromer and Desiknio over the long-term. Together with our innovative product solutions, this can not only drive the transformation of mobility and generate growth, but can even inspire our customers across generations. With Stromer and Desiknio I have found two fascinating brands with highly innovative products and an incredibly passionate team.” Christoph Lindlein works at the Stromer Campus in Oberwangen near Bern, Switzerland.

    Since March 2023, Franz Reindl (30) from Austria has been responsible for the Research & Development department as the CTO at the Stromer Campus in Oberwangen near Bern. The industrial and mechanical engineer brings with him valuable experience from the automotive industry that he can integrate into the product development for Stromer Speed Pedelecs. He joins us from KTM AG (currently Pierer Mobility) in Austria, where he most recently worked as the Head of R&D and was responsible for the Development department for the sports car series KTM X-BOW GTX, GT2 & GT-XR.

    His role includes building and leading a highly efficient 45-member Research & Development team with a clear focus on digital innovations. The expanded team works with an intense focus on developing new solutions in short time periods and is raising the quality to the next level. “Sometimes it is up to us as engineers to find solutions to the challenges of mobility. My team and I will continue to develop attractive solutions with maximum safety and comfort. Our good connections with the automotive industry will support us in our undertakings,” explains Franz Reindl.

    Starting in December of last year, Lennart Wolff (35) took on the support of Stromer and Desiknio dealers in the Northern Germany region as Account Manager and successor of Nuscha Vakilzadeh. Lennart Wolff brings an affinity for e-bikes: He has already been working in the e-bike industry for seven years. For the last five years, he worked as the store manager at the eBike Company in Hamburg. He developed his passion for Stromer early on – with his first job in the bike industry: “It was a Stromer ST2. That S-Pedelec fascinated me immediately; its power and range were just perfect for my commute. I am excited to be able to represent the brands Stromer and Desiknio in Northern Germany.”

    Lennart Wolff, Account Manager Stromer and Desiknio, North Germany
    Franz Reindl, Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
    Christoph Lindlein, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

    About Stromer

    Founded in 2010 and based in Oberwangen, Switzerland, the company is shaping the future of mobility with its Speed Pedelecs. myStromer AG produces all its e-bikes at the Oberwangen site and is the market leader in the Speed Pedelec category (fast e-bikes < 45 km/h). The company employs around 180 people, has three subsidiaries (USA, Netherlands and Romania) and sells its products in 25 countries. “Swissness” is Stromer’s promise of quality, design, precision, reliability and respect for the environment. Since 2021, the Spanish brand Desiknio has enhanced the product range with high-quality urban bikes (< 25 km/h). With its high-end products, Stromer offers commuters a contemporary mobility solution. This can be confirmed by the < 450 million kilometers traveled on Stromers. Stromer is #HereToChange.

  7. The Verge interviews management on VanMoof 2.0: a new hope

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    The electric bike company’s new leadership is interviewed about plans to relaunch and expand into more e-mobility areas.

    Source: The Verge

    After being a big player in the e-bike market for years, VanMoof abruptly announced its bankruptcy last summer, leaving 200,000 users uncertain about the future of their e-bikes, with the possibility of no component or service centers being able to assist them. Since then it has been purchased by urban mobility manufacturer, Lavoie, who have implemented new management to outline plans for its future.

    Two of its three new leaders, Elliot Wertheimer and Nick Fry, were recently interviewed by technology news outlet, The Verve, about VanMoof’s relaunch plans and the broadening of its product range. They strongly expressed their enthusiasm to keep existing VanMoof riders on the road, and described their schemes to revitalise the company and expand into new e-mobility areas.

    Van Moof 2.0

    For the European market, VanMoof’s 2024 relaunch will prioritise current riders by rolling out replacement parts to retailers with in-house repair shops, then it will resume e-bike sales from its existing catalogue, and follow with the launch of a new VanMoof branded e-scooter.

    Wertheimer and Fry stated that like before, pre-bankruptcy, VanMoof’s product engineering, product design and technology development will still be fully in-house, with the company rehiring many of its previous staff based in Amsterdam.

    The Verge article delves into more detail about the brand’s plans, the expertise of its new management and how they plan to turn things around and make VanMoof successful again. Click here to read the interview in full.

  8. Stromer ST5 Pinion — Commuting with Benefits

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    Glide past cars in traffic dynamically and quietly – just one of the many advantages that characterizes the latest speed-pedelec model from Stromer.

    Power, Range, and Lightning-Fast Shifting

    With its maximum power, extensive range, integrated design, and high-end components, the Stromer ST5 offers excellent ride dynamics and an unparalleled riding experience. The electronic Pinion Smart.Shift system, paired with a 9-speed Pinion C 1.9i gearbox, allows for quick and precise shifting. The sport mode provides an extra boost.

    New Acoustic Experience and Carbon-Reinforced Mudguard

    The innovative integrated Stromer Sound System enhances the user experience with acoustic signals. Additionally, Stromer equips this model with a new extended mudguard made from robust, recyclable, carbon-reinforced polyamide (PA) produced through injection molding in Germany. This technology results in a 50% lower CO2 footprint in raw material production compared to an aluminum mudguard. Adapters are included for the choice between a long or short mudguard.

    Riding Experience, Refined Components, and Other Advantages

    The 850-watt powerful rear-wheel motor with a sport mode ensures dynamic and silent riding pleasure with support up to 45 km/h. The ST5 is maintenance-friendly thanks to the electric Pinion shifting and the Gates Carbon Belt Drive. It features high-end components such as Brooks handles, a Selle Royal Vivo saddle, a Supernova M99 Pro 2 headlight, and TRP four-piston brakes.

    • Electric Pinion Smart.Shift shifting
    • Range up to 180 km
    • Fully integrated ABS (front)
    • Integrated Stromer Sound System
    • Supernova M99 Pro 2 (1080/1870 lumens)
    • Connectivity via mobile network for GPS tracking, Smartlock, motor settings, statistics
    • Keyless battery ejection with a button press
    • Fully integrated design and cutting-edge technology
    • Optionally equipped with a suspension fork and sprung seat post for extra riding comfort
    • Mudguard adapter

  9. MAHLE X20 ePowers the new Beat and X-Beat from MMR

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    MMR, the leading bicycle manufacturer for renowned athletes such as Fernando Alonso, Oscar Freire, or the international artist Edgar Plans, among others, launches its new models of eBikes Beat for road and X-Beat for gravel. Both models, which will be ePowered with MAHLE X20 system, share the same frame, reflecting a more practical and ecological vision from MMR.

    Simple design to make a difference.

    The new Beat and X-Beat stand out for their clean, cable-free aesthetics. To achieve this, the brand has worked to offer a careful and aesthetic machining of the rear hub and the use of larger diameter bearings to facilitate internal wiring. These aspects, together with the exceptional MAHLE X20 full system integration and the attention to detail from MMR engineers’ team in polishing the most visible welds, make the new Beat and X-Beat make a difference.

    X20 in the new road and gravel eBikes from MMR.

    MAHLE X20 system, with its iX2 battery, has managed to reduce the weight of these two new eBikes from MMR by 500 grams. From the brand, its founder Chechu Rubiera highlights the “torque sensor as one of the greatest contributions of X20 by allowing to adapt more faithfully the rider’s demand for assistance, being remarkable the difference in rides with steep slopes”.

    Sergio Gómez, brand product manager, adds to the advantages the thru axle that “provides greater rigidity and better centering of the wheel and its brake disc in the frame and caliper” allowing easy removal.

    Finally, José María López, MMR product engineer, points out that “the simple gesture of assembling the wheel makes it possible to connect the motor to the system, without needing to do it manually with plugs that are sometimes difficult to align and connect”.

    Beat and X-Beat: two versatile eBikes.

    In the design of Beat and X-Beat, the MMR engineering team committed, from the beginning, to express a practical and ecological vision. With this purpose, Beat for road and X-Beat for gravel, share frame and incorporate elements such as rivets in frame and fork, more likely adventure trips and bikepacking, to add luggage rack and mudguards.

    From MMR, they explain that the merger of these two models and concepts meets the demand of the riders who seeks versatility in eBikes, with which you don’t take anything away to enjoy everything.

    Learn more

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