The Netherlands’ national government is proposing to introduce a helmet requirement for young riders of e-bikes, speed pedelecs, fat bikes, e-scooters and other light electric vehicles (LEVs) in 2027.
The proposal, which has yet to be presented to the House of Representatives and the Senate, seeks to enforce helmet use for riders of all LEVs who are under the age of 18.
The move follows much concerned discussion in the Netherlands about the popularity of fat bikes among younger riders, and an associated increase in injuries involving them. An initial measure to target only fat bike riders with mandated helmet use has encountered numerous obstacles, with the government concluding that “it’s proving impossible to distinguish between rules for fat bikes and other e-bikes, such as electric cargo bikes.”
In addition to the helmet legislation, the government wants to take other measures to reduce the number of accidents involving electric bicycles with:
A campaign to improve the behaviour of riders.
Supporting the bicycle industry in developing a quality mark for electric bicycles.
The goal is to submit the proposed legislation to the House of Representatives in the autumn of 2026, and for the helmet requirement to take effect in 2027.
The LEVA-EU member, which has long been recognised for its self-balancing personal transporters and shared micromobility solutions, is accelerating its expansion into the global e-bike and speed pedelec market.
At the CES Show in Las Vegas, Bike Europe interviewed Nick Howe, head of e-bike worldwide at Segway, who stated that the company’s strategy extends far beyond simply introducing new bicycle products.
“Our ambition goes well beyond launching new models,” Howe said, pointing to Segway’s intention to bring proven automotive and powered two-wheeler technologies into the cycling industry.
“Segway is a transportation company. People don’t always realise how deep our experience is in shared mobility and powered two-wheelers.” Howe emphasised that this deep expertise is now shaping the brand’s evolving e-bike and speed pedelec direction.
Retail-first distribution with Europe as a strong focus
Segway has outlined a clear competitive approach centred on specialist retail. “We are 100% committed to the bike shop model globally,” Howe stated, emphasising the role of local dealers not only for sales, but also for service, education and building long-term trust.
The company’s initial commercial focus remains on the United States, where Segway expects its strong brand awareness to translate quickly into market volume. However, interest from European retailers at CES could push forward plans originally targeted for 2027. Segway notes that its systems have been designed from the outset to meet both US and European regulatory requirements.
Vertical integration at the core
A defining pillar of Segway’s e-bike strategy is vertical integration. Rather than relying on external drivetrain suppliers, Segway develops its own motors, controllers, electronic systems and software, collaborating only where industrially necessary, such as battery cell production.
“We don’t go to a drivetrain supplier and customise a bike to their system,” Howe explained. “We develop a system ourselves and then build the bike around it.”
This approach allows tighter hardware-software integration, faster development cycles and stronger cost control, while also enabling the adoption of automotive-grade sensors and algorithms.
Two models showcasing one philosophy
Segway’s latest line-up signals its transition into volume-ready products with two distinct models. The Myon targets the urban mid-market, featuring a proprietary 500 W motor, a 717 Wh battery, up to 130 km of range and 85 Nm of torque. Gyroscopic sensors derived from Segway’s self-balancing technology support efficiency and optimised power delivery.
The Muxi, inspired by cruiser and Dutch commuter designs, incorporates a direct-drive rear motor adapted from scooter technology (500 W, 80 Nm). This enables uncommon e-bike features such as traction control, regenerative braking and hill-start assist.
Safety, automation and accessibility
Segway is positioning safety and automation as key differentiators. “Features such as the connected ‘Airlock’ system featuring automatic unlocking, alarms, GPS tracking, remote immobilization and Apple Find My compatibility, reinforce the automotive parallel,” Howe said.
“Our message is consistent: advanced technology does not have to mean unreachable prices,” Howe concluded, highlighting Segway’s ambition to reset expectations in the mid-range e-bike and speed pedelec segment through scale, vertical integration and cross-sector expertise.
At the recent Velofollies trade show, market research specialists GfK gave a presentation reviewing the status of the Belgian cycling retail sector in 2025 compared to 2024. Sales volume, particularly for e-bikes, was relatively strong, however profit margins are under pressure, with sales via leasing schemes a contributing factor.
The GfK presentation drew on information from Belgian newspaper De Standaard, and shared headline figures of a 7.7% rise in bicycle sales to 250,400 units and a revenue increase of 11.8%. Electric bikes accounted for over 80% of total revenue in 2025.
Bicycle leasing has bloomed in Belgium recently, with tax-advantaged employer schemes allowing their staff access to bikes – especially e-bikes – which some may normally consider outside of their financial reach. During the Velofollies presentation, it became apparent that the system has not been as financially attractive as expected for bicycle retailers, who have reported that leasing companies are forcing retailers to offer significant discounts.
The effect on profitability
Bicycle retailers typically expect to see a gross margin of around 30% on a bicycle, however leasing companies are demanding discounts of up to 10%. With the speed pedelec segment seeing over 60% of sales generated through leasing, large bicycle retail chains are therefore barely profitable, or even operating at a loss. Independent bicycle shops are also affected, as some leasing companies operate their own distribution points, placing a limit on the role and income of smaller, independent retailers.
Thomas Vanderhoydonck, of Fietsen De Geus and chairman of the Traxio Velo advocacy group, said to De Standaard: “The profit margin on a private customer is simply higher. Moreover, leasing customers also involve more work because there’s more administration involved.”
The government’s role
De Standaard has highlighted that the government’s role in the bicycle sector raises questions. Through Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV), an independent organization owned by the Flemish government, there are links with various cycle industry entities. Examples include a loan to Fietsen Wildiers, which was recently converted into an equity stake; Wildiers has grown to become the largest bicycle chain in Flanders after making several acquisitions. PMV is also a shareholder in the Aska Bikes brand, raising questions about market conditions and competition.
Recent data from Fietsberaad Vlaanderen and Acerta shows that the Flanders region of Belgium has been seeing new records in cycling data, with 18.5% of all journeys now taken by bike, and half of Flemish people regularly cycling to work. Strong investment in cycling infrastructure and the high ownership of e-bikes in the region are significant factors.
A biennial survey, FietsDNA, undertaken by Fietsberaad Vlaanderen (Flanders Cycling Council), took responses from 3,000 participants, and found that there have been an additional 40,000 bike trips per day since 2022.
44% of survey respondents rated the region’s cycling infrastructure at 7 out of 10 or higher, an increase from 40% in the 2022 survey. The survey also found that 45% of Flemish people own an electric bicycle, compared to 37% in 2022, and that although ownership is still high among the over-50s, it has increased in the 18- to 29-year-old age bracket, indicating that e-bikes are not only favoured by seniors.
The commuting landscape
Separate research published by HR service provider Acerta maps data from 380,000 employees at more than 40,000 employers, and found that 50.8% of Flemish people commute by bicycle, at least part of the time. Charlotte Thijs, mobility expert at Acerta, pointed to the twin factors of e-bikes and suitable infrastructure in achieving this tip in the balance. “The rapid rise of e-bikes and the associated sophisticated cycling apparel and helmets are making cycling to work increasingly comfortable. Public spaces are also becoming increasingly bicycle-friendly with the construction of additional cycle highways and wider cycle paths.”
Bicycle leasing
Thijs also highlighted the role of employers in encouraging the uptake of cycling. “Employers are responding by offering bicycle leases and providing cycling allowances. This also makes their employees fitter and reduces the risk of long-term absences. With the focus on the (reintegration of) long-term sick employees in 2026, we expect companies to further emphasize the health benefits of cycling.”
The FietsDNA survey shows that 14% of Flemish people use an employer-provided bicycle, with almost half these being leased and are mainly electric bikes. Some employees own multiple company bicycles.
Infrastructure investment
Central government spending on cycling in the Flanders region is around €319 million per year, equating to €47.9 per capita. This is in stark contrast to Flanders’ neighbouring Netherlands, which has more than twice the population but spends the equivalent of €13.3 per capita.
The Flanders government is seeking to achieve a 30% cycling transport mode share by 2040, and much of the investment is going into the development of a 2,800km supra-local cycling network, which is partially complete.
Electric bike types and maintenance demands
As well as standard commuter-style e-bikes, other categories including speed pedelecs, cargo bikes and folding bikes are seeing an increase, particularly in urban households. This has an effect on the demands put on bike workshops – e-bikes are heavier with complex drive systems and more intensive use due to their ability to travel longer distances – leading to an increase in wear and tear and a requirement for more frequent maintenance.
The new CEO of Netherlands-based LEVA-EU member QWIC, Steven Uitentuis, has spoken about the e-bike brand’s recent performance, and its outlook for the future, with a view to expanded availability in Europe.
Steven Uitentuis spoke to Dutch cycling media Nieuwsfiets as 2025 came to a close, talking about his path to becoming the new QWIC CEO, and exploring what it is that sets QWIC apart in a competitive e-bike market.
Asked about why he chose to take on the role, Steven pointed to QWIC’s strong position, and gave a positive view of the future of the e-bike in general. “Sometimes an opportunity presents itself, and it falls at exactly the right time, in the right place. I’m confident in QWIC’s current position, free of debt. It’s a brand that has done things differently than others in the past. So it stands out. It has the potential to further strengthen its position as a brand in the market with a slightly unconventional perspective on e-bikes. I’m convinced that e-bikes are here to stay, and there will only be more of them in the long run. That’s something that really appeals to me.”
Commenting on the direction that QWIC will take as a brand in the future, Steven highlighted the solid foundations which have already been laid, describing QWIC as “a well-organized collection, covering various segments. Excellent quality, but at an affordable price. Within that, we focus on using truly high-quality components. In the future, we want to eliminate problems with batteries or unreliable motors. Of course, QWIC’s contemporary and modern character will remain, particularly in terms of style, as we already do. Our slogan is also ‘Ride Your Style.’ You can customize your bike with the grips and saddle you like. That’s the approach we’ll continue with QWIC.”
Steven confirmed that QWIC will continue to focus on e-bikes that can be used for both touring and commuting, leaving the development of models in other segments, such as cargo bikes to other brands, including their sister company Brekr. Putting it simply, he said, “we offer a stylish version that’s a little different from what you’ll find on the market.”
Asked about QWIC’s international ambitions, Steven said, “Germany is a major focus market for us, and we’re already present in the Benelux region. We’re also going to grow in France. I wouldn’t rule out that countries like Denmark, or beyond, in Europe will be our focus in the long term.”
Nieuwsfiets asked Steven about what the new year brings for the e-bike market in general, and QWIC in particular. He spoke hopefully about seeing some market recovery after a slump for two or three years. On QWIC, he said, “we’re building. We see our growth, both in dealerships and in sales figures, skyrocketing in 2025. We’re noticing that some dealers who had lost confidence are returning very quickly. We grew our dealerships by 40 to 50% last year, and we expect that growth to continue next year. I expect QWIC to also make strides in Germany next year.” We’re making. There’s still a lot of potential there. Partly because we’re now introducing models with Bosch engines. Confidence in Bosch is so high, especially in Germany, that it’s attracting many new dealers. That’s fantastic to see. It’s also good to see that our dealer rotation is increasing. The dealers we do have are selling really well. QWIC is currently in a position where we can achieve growth. If we can manage that well, I think we’ll achieve a lot of great things next year.”
The LEVA-EU member is ready for China’s newly implemented E-Bike Safety Standard with their new compliant battery.
On December 1, 2025, China officially banned the sale of all e-bikes built to the older national standard, implementing the updated mandatory Safety Technical Specifications for Electric Bicycles. Any e-bike sold in China must now carry a valid China Compulsory Certificate (CCC) under this brand-new standard – older certificates are invalid.
These new rules go far beyond what most countries require. They tighten fire-resistance requirements, restrict plastic components to 5.5% of total weight, cap vehicle weight, and mandate improved electrical safety. Enhanced anti-tampering technologies for battery packs, controllers, and speed limiters curb illegal modifications at the source.
Working hand-in-hand with GB 43854-2024 – one of the world’s toughest lithium-ion battery standards (in place since October 2024 in China) – the regulations require mandatory over-charge protection, thermal abuse tests, puncture tests, and ban repurposed or second-hand cells, which have been a major cause of past fires. Greenway’s new 4828 lithium battery offers lightweight compliance, all-weather performance and maximum safety.
Lightweight compliance: Aerospace-grade magnesium alloy housing weighs just 9.6kg, helping meet strict weight requirements while enhancing fire resistance. Double-handle design enables flexible battery positioning.
All-weather performance: Charges at -10℃, discharges at -20℃, with 70km+ range for daily commuting and 5+ year lifespan that reduces total cost of ownership.
Maximum safety: GB 43854-2024 certified, passing nail puncture, drop, and water immersion tests. Greenway’s smart BMS continuously monitors battery parameters and protects against misuse and safety issues.
Overall, Greenway’s 4828 battery delivers on both the compliance and performance that e-mobility in China demands.
At the beginning of December, China introduced strengthened and stricter regulations on domestically produced electric bikes, which will also enhance the safety of Chinese-manufactured products entering international markets. The new rules follow a mandate earlier this year on EV battery fire prevention measures.
A new regulation, GB 17761-2024, means that every Chinese e-bike sold within China must have a valid China Compulsory Certificate (CCC), which supercedes any previous standards applicable to such products.
The rules include obligatory safety testing for battery issues such as thermal runaway, as well as a stipulation that there must now be digital communication between the battery and charger before the charging process can begin.
Batteries and chargers will be subject to separate CCC certification, meaning that all electrical components of e-bikes are subject to the same standards, including components that are made available independently from complete bikes.
Detail of new regulations
Certification: Mandatory CCC marking indicating compliance with GB 17761-2024 regulations.
Battery safety: Lithium-ion batteries and their respective chargers must be CCC compliant. Batteries need to pass a set of set safety tests, which will ensure that a single defective cell does not cause a fire or explosion. The battery and charger must communicate before charging commences, to ensure proper compatibility. Abnormal temperature detection must trigger an alarm.
Materials: The e-bike’s construction must contain no more than 5.5% non-fire resistant plastics.
Defence against tampering: Battery, controller and charging components must be interoperable, and designed with a level of security that makes tamper attempts harder. All newly produced e-bikes must make it impossible to have their speed limits adjusted.
GPS: The new rules encourage features such as GPS integration, real-time communication and dynamic safety monitoring. This is to help end-users track their e-bikes and to enable safety alerts. Electric bikes built for commercial use must be equipped with Beidou positioning chips.
LEVA-EU Member QWIC has announced Steven Uitentuis as its new CEO and announced their appearance at Velofollies 2026, where they will present brand-new models, segments and range-wide updates.
The e-bike designer and manufacturer has already kicked off the new year, announcing that Steven Uitentuis has joined the company as QWIC’s new CEO. Steven brings extensive experience in the mobility and technology sectors, combined with a strong entrepreneurial background. In a LinkedIn post welcoming the new CEO, QWIC wrote:
“As we continue to strengthen our organisation and enhance our service and dealer support, Steven will play a key role in driving our strategy forward. His return to the cycling industry comes at a pivotal moment, as QWIC gets ready to launch new models and introduce Bosch technology into the line-up. We are confident that under his leadership, QWIC will continue to innovate and deliver e-bikes that combine personal style, riding pleasure, and smart technology – staying true to our belief that everyone should be able to ride their style.”
The company also announced their appearance at Velofollies 2026 in Belgium this January, where they will formally launch new e-bike models, introduce a new segment, and announce several updates across their existing range.
The LEVA-EU member has formally announced ZyroFisher as its UK and Ireland distributor. The move will bring Skarper’s cutting-edge e-bike technology into 3,000 bike shops, enabling opportunities for more riders to seamlessly transform their bikes into high performance e-bikes, with minimal installation.
The UK brand has stated that the new cooperation is a milestone moment in scaling its unique click-on e-drive to riders nationwide at stores that they already know and trust, presenting demonstration opportunities with convenient dispatch options such as next-day delivery
Making Skarper’s award winning DiskDrive® system more accessible
The groundbreaking design has already won awards at Eurobike, Red Dot and iF Gold, with its ability to easily transform a non-electric bike into an electric version.
The click-on e-drive unit is a 4.5 kg system that can be easily clicked on and off bicycles without modifying their frames. It connects via its rotor interface, which replaces the standard rear brake disc. When attached to a bike, it brings up to 76 Nm of torque assist power through Eco, Cruise and Turbo modes, which can be controlled with the Skarper App. The unit can then be detached in seconds for an unassisted ride.
Skarper is also eligible for the region’s Cycle to Work scheme, enabling riders to receive a discount of up to 47% where applicable.
Stakeholder perspectives on the new collaboration
Ean Brown, the CEO of Skarper, has said the following to Cycling Industry News about the announcement: “Partnering with ZyroFisher allows us to make Skarper available where riders already trust and shop. It’s a vote of confidence in a new category we’ve created – the click-on e-drive – and a step toward making e-bike freedom available to anyone who loves their current bike.”
Sir Chris Hoy, Founding Investor in Skarper and 6-time Olympic Champion, stated: “Skarper’s partnership with ZyroFisher will bring this exciting technology to customers nationwide, making electric performance accessible to even more riders. Skarper is the next evolution in cycling innovation, transforming the bike you already love. I am so excited to see this important development for the business.”
ZyroFisher’s CEO, Tom Ainscough, said: “We are proud to partner with Skarper to drive a genuinely exciting breakthrough in e-mobility through a truly innovative product that expands, rather than replaces the cycling market. The new ground-breaking technology will be available to our 3000 plus retailers across the UK and Ireland, which will provide a super simple and accessible way for more people to experience the sustainability, freedom and joy of electric power, without changing their bike or the way they ride.”
Skarper launches App
Coinciding with this announcement, Skarper has just unveiled its new app, designed to make electric riding experiences for its customers even easier. With this new addition, customers can conveniently check battery levels, change riding modes and put their Skarper into pause mode from their handlebars.
Cycling media BikeRadar has said the following about the new app launch: “Skarper has a solution to the one issue I had with my favourite e-bike conversion kit. The new Skarper companion app brings full control to what I believe is the smartest ebike conversion kit you can buy.”
