Comments Off on Podbike announces new partnership with WUNDERFiX
Norweigan e-bike brand joins forces with WUNDERFiX to provide highly efficient warranty support to its German customers.
This new collaboration means that Podbike FRIKAR owners in Germany can enjoy outstanding support for resolving warranty cases efficiently and quickly from the WUNDERFiX app, where its customer service team will take care of all processing, and if necessary, co-ordinate with local dealers on matters including reimbursement.
WUNDERFiX originates from the Venture Studio JobRad Group, with a goal of advancing sustainable mobility with next level bicycle service to the bike industry.
Transport for London (TfL) has introduced stricter e-bike parking regulations in response to growing concerns about the obstructions caused by on-demand rental bikes from companies like Lime, Human Forest, and Dott.
The new policy mandates that e-bikes can only be parked in designated areas on TfL land and high-traffic “red routes,” aiming to bring order to London’s congested streets.
London has become a testing ground for e-bike services, as a template for assessing their business viability and environmental impact in urban settings. The city currently has at least 40,000 e-bikes in circulation from various providers, complementing TfL’s Santander cycle hire scheme. While e-bikes are praised for promoting sustainable, efficient urban travel, improper parking has drawn criticism for clogging sidewalks and impeding non-electric bike racks.
An allocation of £1 million for 7,500 parking spaces
The enforcement measures expand on prior localized policies to cover a broader area of the city. TfL has allocated £1 million (1,205,275 EUR) to create 7,500 parking spaces across London boroughs, adding to the 2,000 bays already in place. On red routes alone, 800 parking spaces are planned by next summer, with a total of 3,000 targeted by 2026. However, these measures still fall short of accommodating the full demand, as the current parking infrastructure addresses only a fraction of the bikes in circulation.
E-bike providers required to incorporate regulations into their technology
E-bike companies are required to implement technology-based restrictions to ensure compliance. For instance, rental apps will prevent users from ending trips outside designated parking zones. Operators who fail to adhere to the rules may face fines or legal action, although the policy does not yet specify penalty amounts or cover areas outside TfL land and red routes.
Feedback from industry stakeholders
Industry stakeholders have voiced mixed reactions. Caroline Seton, co-founder of Human Forest, commended the initiative, emphasizing the need for government-backed legislation to enforce uniform standards across operators. Lime echoed the sentiment, highlighting its investment in parking infrastructure and commitment to working with TfL to address urban challenges. The policy signals a shift toward stricter regulation of e-bike schemes while maintaining their role in advancing sustainable transportation. Kieron Williams, London Councils executive member for Climate, Transport, and Environment, expressed optimism, urging operators to take greater responsibility and collaborate on long-term solutions.
As London adapts to its evolving transportation landscape, the balance between innovation and regulation remains a challenge in shaping the future of dockless e-bike systems in urban environments.
Comments Off on Ellio explains the secret behind its shifting system
Belgian bike brand shares comprehensive video about its automatic switching function
A key feature of LEVA-EU member Ellio’s speed pedelecs is that riders don’t have to use gears thanks to its automatic shifting system. Ellio bikes house a gear box in the rear wheel, where belts for its pedal and mid-motor come together to power it up. This system allows riders to choose their own cadence and pedal at their preferred pace; once the cadence is reached, the mid-motor automatically takes over to speed up the ride.
The video of an Ellio developer explaining its process can be found here (in Dutch).
Rising popularity of electrified two-wheelers in the Netherlands continues.
The number of bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles in the Netherlands is steadily increasing. With a fleet totalling 26.2 million two-wheelers, the Dutch population increasingly views these vehicles as practical and affordable transport solutions.
The number of bicycles has grown from 22.3 to 24.1 million since 2010, with bicycle use also rising significantly. In 2023, people in the Netherlands cycled a collective total of 19.1 billion kilometres, an average of 1,065 km per person. Ten years ago, this was 902 km per person. The rise in kilometres travelled is linked to the growing use of electric bicycles, which allow people to cover greater distances. These figures are drawn from the latest edition of ‘Mobility in Figures Two-Wheelers 2024,’ published by the RAI Association and BOVAG.
Strong demand for e-bikes keeps 2023 sales stable
Of the 804,101 new bicycles purchased last year, 56% were e-bikes, with 453,219 units sold. The increased share of e-bikes raised the average purchase price in 2023 to €1,815, a two percent increase over 2022. The high demand for e-bikes and their elevated average price maintained overall turnover in the bicycle market in 2023, even though the number of bicycles sold dropped slightly by six percent. Notably, the Netherlands, alongside Germany and France, leads the European e-bike sales market.
Decline in moped sales as motorcycle popularity soars
The introduction of the helmet requirement for moped riders in 2023 clearly impacted sales, leading to a decline. However, electrification within the moped and scooter market has continued to accelerate, with nearly 35,000 new mopeds and scooters sold in 2023, 42.4% of which were fully electric.
Motorcycle sales reached a new peak, growing by 13% to 17,472 machines – the highest level since 2000. The 800,000th motorcycle was registered in 2023, marking a record high for the Dutch motorcycle fleet. Motorcycling is especially gaining traction among younger people, with a 30% increase in new motorcycle sales in the 18-25 age group. This popularity is further reflected in the growing number of motorcycle licenses obtained, particularly within the youngest age bracket (18 to 20 years).
Mayor Adams announces New York City’s e-bike trade-in program
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has introduced the final regulations for the city’s pioneering e-bike and lithium-ion battery trade-in program—the first of its kind in the U.S.
The program provides an opportunity for eligible food delivery workers to trade in unsafe e-bikes and batteries for certified, high-quality alternatives. Part of the broader “Charge Safe, Ride Safe” initiative, this program aims to mitigate risks associated with uncertified lithium-ion batteries and enhance street safety.
With a goal to reduce e-bike-related fires and illegal mopeds on the streets, the program has already contributed to a decline in injuries and fatalities. In 2024, 222 battery-related fires led to 88 injuries and four fatalities, a reduction from the 14 deaths during the same period last year.
Mayor Adams stated: “My top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe, and that includes from new and emerging threats like the dangers posed by uncertified lithium-ion batteries.” He highlighted the program’s dual focus on protecting delivery workers and minimising fire risks.
Program details: replacing unsafe e-bikes and batteries
The $2 million program allows New York City delivery workers to exchange uncertified e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries for UL-certified alternatives, which meet national safety standards. Recognising that many workers need two batteries to operate daily, the program provides participants with one certified e-bike and two compatible batteries.
Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi emphasised that while e-bikes are essential in reducing pollution, they must not compromise safety. The program aims to provide safe, zero-emission e-bikes for workers, ensuring peace of mind for them and their communities.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) will manage the program. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez explained, “This program will do this while also protecting all New Yorkers from deadly fires“.
Eligibility and application process
To qualify, applicants must meet criteria which include:
• New York City resident.
• Own an eligible e-bike or lithium-ion battery.
• Earning at least $1,500 as a food delivery worker in 2024.
• 18 years old and over.
Applications will open in early 2025, with a DOT awareness campaign to inform eligible participants about the program.
Alongside the trade-in program, DOT is expanding bike lanes, piloting public e-bike charging stations, and promoting safe e-bike practices to encourage safer, greener e-mobility.
Regulatory and infrastructure changes
New York City also plans to introduce new regulations allowing e-bike charging and battery-swapping cabinets on public sidewalks. These installations, currently prohibited, will require FDNY and Department of Buildings approval to meet safety standards.
Council-member Keith Powers, who supported Local Law 131 that led to the program’s creation, endorsed the initiative as a critical investment in e-bike safety. Public charging station pilots from companies like Popwheels and Swobbee are already showing positive impacts, reducing the need for home charging and increasing safety.
Widespread support for the initiative
The trade-in program has gained strong support from city and state officials. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker stressed the importance of removing uncertified lithium-ion devices from city streets, noting that the initiative enhances safety for delivery workers and the general public.
New York State Senator Cordell Cleare also praised the program’s role in preventing fire-related incidents while also emphasising, “While that is a reduction from the 18 deaths last year, it is still four deaths too many.“
Other council members, including Carlina Rivera and Oswald Feliz, also voiced their support for the initiative. Council-member Rivera further emphasised the importance of expanding public charging stations to support safe e-bike usage across the city,
The charity Electrical Safety First (ESF) has expressed concerns over “incomplete” e-bike kits, stating that consumers are often left to pair batteries and chargers themselves, which can lead to compatibility issues and increase fire risks, according to the BBC.
Product safety engineer Giuseppe Capanna noted that some kits bought online may lack essential components, such as the battery and charger, which places the responsibility on the consumer to find suitable replacements—often resulting in mistakes.
“You have a high risk that a charger won’t be compatible with the battery. The battery could then become overcharged – that’s one of the things that can cause it to go into thermal runaway, which causes it to catch fire and explode” Capanna explained.
Capanna, however, emphasized that reliable companies do sell safe kits, and suggested referring to guides, for reputable options.
In its Battery Breakdown report released last year, ESF pointed out that well-designed conversion kits from reputable manufacturers, when installed professionally, are generally safe. Nonetheless, the charity advocates for stricter safety standards for these kits, highlighting that many kits available online do not include a battery, leaving it up to consumers to find and ensure compatibility with a charger.
ESF also raised concerns over some kits offered by less reputable sellers, which exceed legal power limits, putting both riders and pedestrians at risk and potentially subjecting users to legal consequences.
In response, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has called for stronger product safety regulations for e-bike kits and stricter sales oversight. The NFCC supports ESF’s recommendation for third-party certification of e-bikes, e-scooters, and batteries, noting that current regulations allow manufacturers to self-declare battery safety.
The upcoming Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, recently introduced in the King’s Speech, aims to address unsafe products sold by overseas suppliers in the UK. A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson stated, “We take the risk of e-scooter and e-bike fires very seriously. That’s why we’re working with local authorities to identify illegal products to prevent them from being imported, while notifying consumers and businesses about unsafe products.
“The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will allow us to amend product regulations, respond swiftly to innovative new products and maintain high safety standards.“
Comments Off on Trenergy expands presence in Belgium with dedicated dealer show
Trenergy, a prominent name in the electric bicycle industry, is making significant strides in Belgium, surpassing a milestone of forty dealers. To celebrate this achievement and attract potential new partners, Trenergy recently hosted a show for Belgian dealers.
The event took place at WATT The Firms in Ghent, a versatile venue that provided an ideal setting for showcasing Trenergy’s extensive range of products. “We have been at Velofollies for years, but a dealer show is different from a trade show. That’s where we’ll be again in January, next to the Kwaremont Café. There we have a nice stand with a good run-up, but you don’t have enough space to show the whole collection and so you stick to the highlights. We did present everything here,” René Driessen, business controller at AZ Import, Trenergy’s supplier, explains to Nieuwfiets.
A unique dealer show experience
The dealer show offered a comprehensive look at Trenergy’s offerings, attracting both current dealers and prospective partners. “We have invited all Belgian dealers, but we have also had several prospects who are considering working with us. We are here for one day now and if you don’t come here we will meet again at Velofollies in January or at the B2B FESTIVAL in February,” Driessen added, emphasizing the event’s significance in fostering business relationships.
Navigating market challenges
Driessen acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the bicycle market, noting that overstock issues plague many companies. “In that respect, it’s not much different for us than for other companies. Many brands have overstock and dump bikes at low prices, sometimes even below cost. Everyone suffers from that,” he said. However, Trenergy’s strategy differs due to its lean inventory and quick production turnaround, facilitated by owning their factory. “We don’t have hundreds of thousands of bicycles in stock. We just keep going and make sure that our dealers have a solid brand in-house,” Driessen emphasized.
Innovations and product upgrades
Trenergy continues to innovate, expanding its collection with new models and upgrades. Notably, the company has introduced more models with Bosch drives, including the Advance models with Active Line Plus, and will add a third white color option early next year. The Montes model, known for its battery-in-carrier design, has undergone a facelift, and the Sportive model now features a more robust variant with an 80Nm Motinova Pegasi motor, thicker frame, tires, sporty handlebars, and a Shimano Nexus 8 hub, available in spring 2025.
The Trenergy E-Relax Pro has also been revamped, with a new frame, robust carrier battery, and a new name – Silves – set to be available next year with Shimano Nexus 3 or Nexus 7 options. Additionally, a Limited Edition of the Performance Belt, featuring a Bafang M420 motor and a 720 Wh battery, will be marketed at €2999, available in silver gray or white.
Looking ahead
Following the successful Belgian dealer show, Trenergy plans to host a Dutch dealer show in their showroom in Wijchen on November 3, 4, and 18. These events are crucial for solidifying Trenergy’s market presence and demonstrating their commitment to supporting their dealer network.
Trenergy’s strategic focus on innovation, quality, and maintaining strong dealer relationships positions the company for continued growth and success in the competitive electric bicycle market.
Comments Off on Promovec eyes expansion amid industry challenges
Although the e-bike industry is experiencing financial turbulence, Promovec CEO Jesper Lundqvist remains optimistic about the company’s future, driven by robust ambitions and strategic innovation.
Founded several decades ago, Promovec holds approximately half of Denmark’s electric bike market, positioning itself as a leader during a transformative period in the sector.
Despite several competitors facing severe financial difficulties, including near-bankruptcies and market exits, Lundqvist is confident in Promovec’s stability and growth prospects. Speaking from the company’s headquarters in northern Aarhus to Danish media Ehherv, he highlighted the adaptability and resilience of Promovec in an evolving market.
“If you go into our battery production, you will not find a single product that we produced a year ago. Right now, there is a drastic change taking place, and it is of course a challenge, but I think we manage to adapt, and right now we are in a really good place,” Lundqvist remarked.
Market dynamics and industry challenges
The electric bike market has seen a significant shift, with many new players entering the arena, leading to increased competition. However, the industry’s landscape is also marked by financial instability, as evidenced by the struggles of companies like Mate Bike and Strøm Cykler. This instability extends beyond Denmark, affecting markets in Austria and Switzerland as well.
Promovec has not been immune to these challenges, experiencing a notable dip in financial profits from DKK 32 million and 25 million in the fiscal years 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, respectively, to DKK 5.6 million in the last fiscal year. Nevertheless, Lundqvist attributes this decline to the exceptional market conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains confident in the company’s current position.
“The market has stabilised at a slightly lower level, which is more reminiscent of the pre-pandemic era, and we are still in a strong position due to our brand and our mobility,” he explained.
Innovative beginnings and strategic growth
Promovec’s journey began with a different focus. Initially envisioned as a provider of assistive devices for seniors, inspired by Lundqvist’s wife’s work as a physiotherapist, the company pivoted to electric bikes after recognizing a market opportunity. This shift proved prescient, with electric bikes evolving from niche products for those with physical challenges to mainstream transportation options embraced by a broad demographic.
“Back in the mid-noughties, the electric bike was quite new, and it was something you only used if you had a bad knee, a bad hip or were otherwise challenged on your physique. This is not the case at all today, when the electric bike is a means of transport for everyone,” Lundqvist noted.
Commitment to Danish production and sustainability
Promovec’s success is partly attributed to its commitment to Danish production. Lundqvist believes that owning the technology and controlling the production process is crucial for both quality and sustainability. This approach aligns with broader societal trends towards health, green transition, and adherence to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) legislation.
“It has turned out that our business speaks well to different trends in society. For example, the development in health – i.e. this thing about transporting yourself by bicycle rather than by car, says Jesper Lundqvist and continues “But also within the green transition and most recently with ESG legislation, which in my world is linked to technology in the sense that technology you have to own..”
Future vision: quality over quantity
Looking ahead, Lundqvist envisions a future where Promovec’s products stand out for their durability and quality, challenging the prevailing buy-and-throw-away culture. This mission, while potentially reducing the volume of sales, aligns with his broader goal of contributing to a more sustainable world.
“I would rather that we disrupt the market than others do, and that we then have to adapt. It can be our contribution to a better world if we can succeed in convincing a fraction of consumers that it is worth paying the extra for quality,” he asserted.
Promovec’s nomination for the prestigious EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award underscores its success and commitment to growth, quality, and sustainability. As the company continues to innovate and expand, Lundqvist’s leadership and vision will undoubtedly shape its trajectory in the dynamic electric bike industry.
The UK’s Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) has launched a campaign to promote fair and accurate reporting around the topic of e-bikes
The ACT initiative is a response to recent instances of misleading headlines and articles that have the potential to negatively impact the public perception of e-bikes. An additional aim is to support the Electric Bike Alliance’s ‘E-Bike Positive‘ campaign, which enables the public to more easily distinguish safer, reputable e-bike products from high-risk items.
Jonathan Harrison, Director of the ACT, said: “We’ve observed a concerning trend in some media outlets where the term ‘e-bike’ is being used inappropriately or sensationally, particularly in accident reports. This not only misrepresents the nature of e-bikes but also risks damaging public perception of what is an increasingly popular and sustainable mode of transport.”
The campaign was inspired by a recent incident where an ACT member successfully challenged a BBC article which initially implied a connection between an accident and the use of an e-bike. Both the headline and content were subsequently amended to more accurately reflect the incident as one of dangerous cycling, rather than an issue specific to e-bikes.
Jonathan Harrison continued: “In my opinion, the main cause of e-bike and battery fears is the increasing coverage – both in the media and online social channels – of fires linked to unsafe e-bike batteries and chargers, which has the overall effect of damaging the reputation of all e-bikes.
“In most cases, these unfortunate incidents are caused not by certified OEM e-bikes but by uncertified, aftermarket batteries imported to the UK, purchased via online auction sites or unapproved retailers. It is this misconception of all e-bikes being unsafe that jeopardises the growth of e-bikes as a highly beneficial, sustainable transport solution.
“E-bikes are an excellent solution for modern transportation for almost anyone. They offer an eco-friendly, inclusive and efficient mode of travel that help reduce congestion and make the air cleaner in our towns and cities. E-bikes encourage more active lifestyles, and make cycling with friends and family of mixed abilities possible.”
Through the launch of this campaign, ACT intends to highlight how misinformation around e-bike technology is playing a significant role in discouraging people from exploring active travel for themselves. The ACT aims to educate the general public to help them make informed purchasing decisions while avoiding risks, and enable them to enjoy the many benefits of e-bikes for transport or leisure.
Jonathan Harrison concluded:“We’re calling on all cycle shop owners and enthusiasts to be alert to such misrepresentations in their local press and to confidently request corrections when necessary. It’s vital that we don’t allow misunderstandings or sensationalism to hinder the adoption of e-bikes. We’re committed to ensuring that the public receives accurate information about e-bikes and their benefits.”
Anyone who spots potentially misleading reports on the topic of e-bikes can contact the ACT or visit the ACT website for information on addressing the issue and supporting positive messaging around e-bikes.
Campaign success
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Member profile
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