Tag Archive: E-Bikes

  1. Positive signs for e-biking: Key findings from German urban mobility study

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    Source: Velobiz

    Recently, the Technical University of Dresden published findings from the 2023 “Mobility in Cities” study (SrV), offering in-depth insights into the everyday mobility patterns of urban residents across Germany.

    In the research, nearly 900,000 daily travel routes were analyzed across 134 study areas, including around 500 cities and towns, plus 12 broader regions.

    Overview of mobility trends

    • Compared to 2013 and 2018, mobility among older age groups has increased, while it has decreased among younger and middle-aged individuals.
    • Cycling is making gains, increasing its share in the modal split.
    • The more frequently people work from home, the less they rely on their cars.

    E-bikes: A game changer in rural areas

    A standout insight from the study is the growing impact of electric bicycles (e-bikes), especially in rural areas:

    • E-bike availability is higher in rural regions: up to 24% in flat areas and 28% in hilly areas of respondents always have access to an e-bike.
    • E-bike users travel significantly longer distances than conventional cyclists:
      • Urban areas (metropolitan, regional centers): 5.5 km (vs. 3.4 km for regular bikes)
      • Medium-sized cities: 7.4 km (vs. 2.8 km)
      • Rural/small-town areas: 11.5 km (vs. 3.1 km)
    • Older adults are especially likely to use e-bikes.

    These findings confirm that e-bikes are expanding the practical reach of cycling, particularly where distances are greater and traditional cycling is less convenient.

    Conclusion

    The study reaffirms the importance of cycling in Germany’s transport landscape. Many of the elevated usage levels observed during the unusually favorable weather of 2018 were matched or even exceeded in 2023, indicating sustained interest and growth in bike use, including e-bikes.

  2. E-bike ownership and commuting use expanding across demographics in the Netherlands

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    Source: Fietsberaad

    Electric bicycle use for commuting is increasing across a broader segment of the Dutch population, with differences among age, gender, education, and income groups gradually narrowing.

    This trend is supported by research conducted by Eindhoven University of Technology, based on national travel data collected between 2014 and 2021. While electric bike usage is observed throughout the Netherlands, it is particularly prevalent in rural areas.

    The study analyzed data from the “Survey of Travel in the Netherlands” (OViN) and “Underway in the Netherlands” (ODiN), focusing specifically on commuting trips made with various transport modes, including privately owned pedal-assist electric bicycles.

    Trends in ownership

    The proportion of Dutch households owning an electric bicycle increased steadily between 2014 and 2021, with a noticeable acceleration during the COVID-19 pandemic. E-bike ownership has historically been associated with certain socio-economic characteristics, such as higher income levels and households that also own a car, but these associations have become less pronounced over time. Smaller households continue to show higher rates of e-bike ownership compared to larger households, although this gap is also narrowing.

    Geographic location plays a role in ownership patterns. Residents in rural areas are more likely to own electric bicycles compared to those in urban settings. Factors such as the availability of alternative transport options and greater accessibility in cities may influence this difference. Nonetheless, ownership is on the rise across both urban and rural regions.

    Commuting patterns

    Commuting by e-bike has increased among all age groups. Although the highest usage remains among individuals aged 60 and older, growth is evident among people under 40. This shift may reflect changing perceptions of e-bikes as a suitable commuting option, possibly influenced by the pandemic, which positioned the e-bike as a viable alternative to public transportation.

    Differences in usage based on gender and education persist; women and individuals with higher education levels continue to use e-bikes more frequently, but these disparities are also diminishing. Most commuting trips by e-bike cover distances up to 10 kilometers. Usage is less common for routes with high accessibility, though this is becoming a less significant factor over time.

    Policy implications

    The findings provide insights into the evolving dynamics of e-bike ownership and commuting use, which may support the development of targeted transportation and environmental policies. As e-bikes gain popularity across a wider range of demographic groups, infrastructure developments, such as expanded charging facilities at homes and workplaces, may become increasingly necessary.

    Researchers emphasise that e-bikes should no longer be considered a niche form of transport limited to older adults, higher-income households, or specific education levels. Instead, they are becoming a mainstream commuting option. The study also suggests that initiatives to promote e-bike use may yield more impact in rural areas, where both ownership and usage are currently more prevalent.

    Read the full study here.

  3. Bafang to open new office in the Netherlands

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    Source: NieuwsFiets

    Bafang, an LEVA-EU member which specialises in the development and manufacture of drive systems for e-bikes, has revealed its plans to move its European HQ to Cuijk in the Netherlands.

    The brand was at China Cycle showcasing its newest products when its Chairman and General Manager, Wang Qinghoa, shared that the European HQ will be moving in the near future from its current location in Wijchen to Cuijk, and outlined the European layout, with reference to its factory in Wroclaw, Poland. “Assembly will also take place in the Netherlands, but that will not affect the location in Poland for the time being. Because the production costs are lower there and because this is Bafang’s service center for Europe.”

    Bafang’s new H730 drive system

    At the China Cycle trade show, Bafang exhibited its new H730, a whole system that consists of an auto-shifting 3-speed hub motor featuring Bafang’s GVT technology, a display, controller, both pedal and torque sensors, and battery. With this system that’s intended for city e-bikes, Bafang offers a smooth, intuitive riding experience, with enhanced ease of use and minimised maintenance. The colour display has the option of being integrated into the handlebars.

  4. Lacros bikes to feature at exclusive dealer event

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    Source: Lacros

    Visitors will be able to test LEVA-EU member Lacros’s latest models at Bosoutdoor’s special demo days to kickstart the new cycling season.

    Outdoor activities retailer Bosoutdoor is offering exclusive testing days for Lacros folding e-bikes from 22-24 May at its IJsselmuiden premises in the Netherlands, with visitors having the opportunity to receive expert advice from its staff. New purchasers of bikes during the event will be in with a chance of winning a free weekend with one of Bosoutdoor’s rental campers.

    Offering expert customer advice for cycling enthusiasts

    A longtime dealer of Lacros since 2015, Bosoutdoor employees pride themselves on helping every customer finding the perfect bike for their lifestyle with expert advice, “You don’t buy a bike every day. That’s why we think it’s important to not only offer a quality product, but also good and personal advice,” says Bosoutdoor.

    On Bosoutdoor’s Lacros demo days, showroom visitors can look forward to extensive explanations, honest advice and opportunities to try out a range of models.

    Special promotion for Lacros bicycle purchasers

    Anyone that purchases a Lacros bike during the demo days will have the chance to win a weekend holiday in one of Bosoutdoor’s comfortable rental campers.

    Demo day timings

    The demo days will take place at the Bosoutdoor showroom at Kleiland 11 in IJsselmuiden on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May from 09.00 to 17:00, and Saturday 24 May from 09:00 to 15:00. More information about the event can be accessed on www.bosoutdoor.nl or www.bostools.nl.

  5. MAHLE announces its return to Giro-E 2025

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    Source: MAHLE , Giro-E

    LEVA-EU member MAHLE SmartBike Systems has confirmed plans to renew its collaboration with Team Sara Assicurazioni and Orbea for the Italian e-mobility event, taking place across the country from 10 May to 1 June 2025.

    Giro-E ENEL, organised by RCS Sport, is a cycling event where e-bike riding enthusiasts exclusively participate on the same route as the prestigious Giro d’Italia racing event of approximately 1,091 km. Participants in the Giro-E ride most stages together, apart from a few stages where teams will take on regularity and special tests, as well as a sprint race in the final part of the event.

    Revisiting a winning partnership

    MAHLE’s partnership with Orbea and Team Sara Assicurazioni proved very successful in 2024 with the team proving victorious in last years race. For the 2025 edition, they will aim to defend this title, with Orbea’s Gain e-bikes being powered by the MAHLE X20 System.

    MAHLE Strava competition

    MAHLE is also inviting e-bike riders from 12 May until 1 June to join its very own Strava e-bike challenge that mirrors the Giro-E challenge, with the top 10 riders being in with the chance to win a MAHLE × GOBIK Maillot. More information about the exclusive competition can be found on the MAHLE website.

  6. Henk Doombas retires from AZ-Import

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    Source: Nieuwsfiets

    The departing account manager passed the torch to successor Serwin van Dijk at LEVA-EU member AZ-Import.

    Henk Doornbos said his goodbyes to the Trenergy team recently to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. Doornbos has been with AZ Import for almost a decade and has been an active member of the industry for over 25 years.

    Starting out at the warehouse racks of AGU, Doombas has enojoyed a long and successful career in the cycling industry, including work with The Dutch Bicycle Corporation, Multicycle and BSP. Doornbos joined AZ-Import in February 2017 and represented the growing Trenergy brand until April 2025. Doornbos says. “I’ve always felt like a fish in water here, because it’s a very friendly company, with a nice Trenergy collection, with which you can easily ride around the country. You just walk in to dealers with nice bikes. That’s how I was able to build up a dealer network in those eight years, which is now being taken over by Serwin.“

    In the period that Doornbos started selling Trenergy, the brand was less prominent than it is today, but the Northern account manager never had any problems with that. “Because I had a lot of experience with dealers, as a result of my previous work, I had built up a reputation with many entrepreneurs. When I go somewhere, I always keep my appointments. That is much more important than being a smooth salesman,” says Doornbos. “Those entrepreneurs in the bicycle industry have a memory like an elephant, you don’t want to know that. If you have a good reputation, you can really sell something with a good bike and a good story.“

    Doornbos is planning to cycle more in his retirement. “My current bike, a Trenergy Jetset, is four years old and has about 17,000 kilometers on it. I live in the Groningen countryside, where you can find exceptionally beautiful nature. I enjoy it every day, if the weather is nice of course. That gives me a satisfied feeling. And if you can stay a little healthy, it’s all good.“

    In his last two weeks, Doornbos took his successor Serwin van Dijk into his Trenergy dealer network. Van Dijk joined the Trenergy team in March, previously owning a Fietserz Hardenberg for almost 9.5 years and dealing Multicycles. “I’ve seen quite a few sides of the industry, but what I really enjoy is being on the shop floor with dealers and working with products to build customer relationships,” says Van Dijk. “I know what our role is, from Trenergy, to ensure that a dealer can work well with this and that you also provide it at home, if necessary.”

    The transfer from Doornbos to Van Dijk was completed a few weeks ago. Van Dijk is looking forward to helping AZ-Import and the Trenengy brand grow.

    “Henk of course had a lot of baggage on the road. I certainly have a background in the bicycle industry, but not his baggage. I do feel that with the experience I have had as an entrepreneur myself, I can easily connect with the dealer. You just have to do what you say and say what you do. That is the basis. In addition, we have beautiful electric bicycles with a good price-quality ratio and various systems. There is a beautiful e-bike for everyone. Enough opportunity.“

  7. New data highlights ongoing safety challenges for cyclists in Germany

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    Source: Velo Biz

    The 2024 road accident statistics for Germany released by Destatis offer insights into current traffic safety trends, particularly concerning cyclists. One notable observation is the continued high number of bicycle accidents resulting in injuries, suggesting there may still be areas for improvement in cycling infrastructure.

    Cycling in Germany has grown considerably over the past decade, partly due to the increased use of e-bikes. As a result, both the number of cyclists and the total distance traveled by bicycle have increased. This has corresponded with a rise in the absolute number of accidents, including those resulting in fatalities. In 2024, 441 cyclists died in traffic accidents – a slight decline from 474 in 2022, yet still an 11.4% increase compared to 2014. As total road traffic fatalities have decreased over time, cyclists now account for a larger share of overall fatalities, reaching 16%.

    Contributing factors have been identified, including inadequate or poorly maintained cycling infrastructure, narrow paths, and intersections where cyclists must navigate alongside turning vehicles.

    In collisions between cyclists and motorists, which account for 70.7% of all bicycle-related accidents, official records indicate that motorists were primarily at fault in the majority of cases. Cyclists were found to be the main cause in only 24.7% of such accidents. In incidents involving trucks or commercial vehicles, cyclists were primarily responsible in 20.9% of cases.

    Older adults appear to be particularly vulnerable. Of those who died while cycling in 2024, 63.5% were aged 65 or older. Among non-motorized bicycle fatalities, 59.4% were seniors. This proportion increased to 68.8% among pedelec riders.

    Policy measures have been called for, including the expansion of physically separated cycling infrastructure, improved intersection design, reduced urban speed limits (with 30 km/h as the standard), and greater government commitment to road safety.

  8. Oslo achieves Maas integration with MOVE21

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    Source: Zag Daily

    Oslo achieves an EU first in the Mobility as a Service (Maas) sector, integrating bike sharing into its official public transport app as part of the MOVE21 project.

    The Norwegian capital’s achievement comes thanks to a unique collaboration between Oslo’s public transport authority Ruter and global micromobility software platform Urban Sharing. With the Ruter app you are now able to locate your nearest bike share station in real time, check bike availability, hire with in-app payment, and unlock and start riding immediately.

    How was integration achieved?

    Urban Sharing onboarded the Oslo City Bike scheme onto its platform back in 2018. During a three-year development period, Ruter managed the front-end design of the app whilst Urban Sharing developed the unique Application Programming Interface (API) with all the necessary endpoints to make the app run smoothly. In 2023, the first of three roll-out phases began, with Ruter first testing the app to see if the integrated bike share offering worked for 500 users, eventually rolling out to 10,000 users, before updating the public transport app for its entire customer base.

    What is MOVE21?

    MOVE21 is an EU-funded innovation project that aims for participating cities to achieve a 30% reduction in transport-related emissions by 2030. The project supports cities to become zero-emission nodes for mobility and logistics through 15 unique initiatives. These initiatives are tried and tested on the ground in three Living Labs that are central to the project: Oslo, Gothenburg, and Hamburg. Three replicator cities – Munich, Rome, and Bologna – then copy the concepts before further ‘cascading cities’ review the findings in the context of their own streets. The initiatives span a huge range of innovations that look beyond transport as an individual sector.

    The results?

    Since the first pilot phase began in 2023, more than 11,000 people have hired out an Oslo City Bike through the Ruter app, tapping into a unique demographic of riders separate to those that hire through the long established Oslo City Bike app. Urban Sharing CEO Kristian Brink cites the potential of the service to grow in Oslo, with these recorded trips making up less than 1% of the 1.1 million journeys that Oslo City Bike recorded in 2024.  

    “It’s no easy feat integrating a brand new mode of transportation into a public transport app,” Brink told Zag Daily. “They can book the train. They can book the bike. They can pay, receive their ticket, unlock the bike all on one app. This is pure, seamless, European integration.”

    MOVE21 hope to use the success of Maas intergration in Oslo as a case study and blueprint for the rest of Europe. Brink concludes: “Slowly but steadily, we are rewriting the travel experience for commuters. And this is something that Europe has achieved on its own.”

  9. Nijland Cycling reveals Singly Air upgrade

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    Source: Nijland Cycling

    Dutch adaptive bike manufacturer and LEVA-EU member Nijland Cycling has announced an upgrade to their Singly Air model.

    LEVA-EU member Nijland Cycling has announced a completely renewed seat for their adult electric tricycle, the Singly Air. The Dutch company designs and manufactures custom-made cycles for people with limited mobility, creating products that are not only functional, but also offer freedom and independence.

    The Singly Air tricycle offers a safe and comfortable ride with adjustable air suspension, a low step-in and adjustable seat and handlebars. This new chair offers extensive adjustment options, allowing each user to adopt an ergonomic and comfortable sitting position, tailored to their personal preference. In addition, both the seat cushion and the backrest have been improved, with an eye for support and comfort. The new materials and design ensure a more pleasant driving experience, even on longer journeys.

    The new chair will be the standard for the Singly Air tricycle as of April 1 2025. In addition, the chair can be ordered separately, so that users of the old variant can easily replace it.