Tag Archive: E-Bikes

  1. Varied regulations impact speed pedelec usage across Europe

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    Source: Fietsberaad

    A recent study conducted by Mobycon on behalf of the German bicycle industry association Zweirad-Industrie-Verband (ZIV) sheds light on the diverse regulations governing speed pedelecs in Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The findings reveal significant disparities, with Switzerland and Denmark permitting speed pedelecs on almost all cycle paths, while in Germany, they are restricted to roadways.

    Mobycon conducted this research to compare the slow growth of speed pedelec usage in Germany to other countries. More than 22,000 speed pedelecs were sold in Switzerland in 2022, which accounted for approximately 10 percent of the total number of e-bikes sold. Meanwhile, in Germany 11,000 pedelecs were sold, despite it being a country with a population ten times bigger than Switzerland’s. According to the report by ZIV and Mobycon, these differences are related to the quality of the cycling infrastructure and clear enforceable regulations.

    According to Mobycon, based on current accident data, it cannot be objectively determined whether it is safer for speed pedelecs to be used on roads or on cycle paths. However, the report notes that accidents involving speed pedelecs tend to result in more severe consequences than those with regular bicycles.

    In Denmark and Switzerland the speed pedelec is treated as a bicycle, whereas in the Netherlands the speed pedelec is only allowed on cycle paths if mopeds are also permitted there. Notably, the Netherlands is the sole country among the five studied to have an adjusted speed limit for speed pedelecs on cycle paths.

    In Germany, the prohibition of speed pedelecs on cycle paths is thought to be due to limitations in existing cycling infrastructure, with cycle paths often being too narrow to accommodate speed pedelecs or cargo bikes, and may need to be shared with pedestrians. Unlike the Netherlands, Germany lacks a consistent provision of separate cycling infrastructure; in the Netherlands, cycle paths are mandatory on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h.

    The most lenient stance towards speed pedelecs is observed in Switzerland, where authorities are considering widening cycle paths rather than imposing bans. This nuanced approach highlights the complex interplay between regulations, infrastructure, and the adoption of speed pedelecs across European countries.

  2. Two-seater shared e-bikes could debut in Brussels in 2024

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    Source: The Mayor.eu

    It is possible that the world’s first two-seater shared e-bike will arrive in Brussels early in 2024, following an announcement by French operator Pony that they are included as part of its proposals in response to a recent call for tenders by Brussels Mobility.

    If the contract is awarded, the two-seater Double Pony models would be available outside of France for the first time. It can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h, and has a range of up to 100 km when fully charged. They have been designed to cover a distance of 20,000 km over their lifetimes and to withstand harsh weather. Additionally, parts can be interchanged and used to extend the lifespan of other Pony bikes.

    Pony has already been operating in Brussels since 2021 with an offering of one-seater shared e-bikes.

    Guillem Leroux, Pony’s spokesperson, spoke to The Brussels Times about the Double Pony: “This e-bike has been successful in France, where approximately 70% of our users have already experienced it as a passenger.” 

    Pony has also introduced an innovative scheme for the shared soft mobility sector, with its unique “Adopt a Pony” programme. This allows users to buy a bike from the company and then lease it to other users using the corporate platform, and share the profit made with the enterprise. Guillem Leroux explained that, through this scheme, the company aims to redistribute income back into communities.

  3. Dutch research forecasts substantial increase in e-bike travel by 2028

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    Source: CROW-Fietsberaad

    Figures published in the biennial Mobility Assessment, drawn up by the Knowledge Institute for Mobility Policy (KiM) in the Netherlands, indicate a significant rise in e-bike kilometers travelled

    In the Mobility Assessment 2023, published on November 14th, KiM analyzes the Netherlands’ mobility figures over the past ten years, and forecasts the development of mobility in the next five years. The bicycle – both traditional and electric – is one of the mobility types assessed in the passenger mobility section. The report categorises the data into several groups, with key findings summarised below.

    Kilometers travelled
    The number of bicycle kilometers recorded for 2022 is 17.9 billion, representing travel of approximately 1,050 km per person by bicycle, of which approximately 400 km was by e-bike. The distance travelled on regular bicycles has increased by 4 percent since 2021 and on e-bikes by 29 percent.

    Numbers of trips
    Since 2012, the total share of bicycles in the number of trips has remained the same at 27 percent, but the share of e-bikes has grown from 1 to 7 percent, while that of regular bicycles has fallen from 26 to 20. There were fewer individual trips in 2022 than in 2019, but the distance per trip is greater. The data shows that in 2022, an average e-bike ride was 5.6 kilometers long, and 3.2 kilometers on a regular bicycle. An average ride to education with an e-bike was 7.4 km compared to 2.9 km for the regular bicycle.

    Younger e-bike riders
    The increase in e-bike riders to education is reflected in the age demographic data. In the 12-24-year-old age bracket, e-bike riders have almost tripled since 2019. Older people also contribute to the cycling-kilometer count; those 60 and over cover more than half of their distance on e-bikes.

    Leisure time
    Overall, Dutch cyclists cover the most distance for leisure activities. The e-bike is used relatively more often for commuting, shopping and other journeys.

    Forecasts for the future
    For 2023, KiM expects the data to show that the total number of bicycle kilometers will be 7.5 percent higher than in 2019, and will be twenty percent higher in 2028. The growth is mainly due to e-bikes: the number of bicycle kilometers is expected to more than double by 132 percent compared to 2019. The use of the regular bicycle is expected to decrease by 15 percent and, thanks to the increased uptake of the e-bike, KiM expects that the use of regular bicycles will never again exceed the level of 2019.

  4. Wisper and BackPedal join forces to combat bike theft

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    Source: BikeBiz

    Wisper Electric Bikes has taken a significant step in enhancing bike security with its latest partnership with BackPedal. Effective immediately, Wisper Bikes will provide tracking, recovery, and insurance services integrated into its electric bike range.

    What sets Wisper Bikes apart is the incorporation of BackPedal’s cutting-edge tracker and alarm directly into the bike’s electric system. The tracker enables real-time monitoring of the bike’s location through a dedicated app. Additionally, riders can lock the bike via the app, triggering an alarm on their phone if the bike is tampered with.

    The tracker and alarm, seamlessly integrated into the bike’s battery, have a built-in battery backup. Even if the main battery is removed or the bike is turned off, the tracker continues to function for 21 days, automatically recharging when the bike is powered on again.

    In the unfortunate event of a theft, BackPedal’s trained recovery agents, boasting an impressive 85% retrieval rate and an average recovery time of 17 hours, utilize the tracker and Bluetooth beacon to locate and retrieve the stolen bike. Should recovery take longer than two weeks, the third component of this comprehensive system comes into play—insurance. BackPedal, in coordination with its insurance partner, ensures a brand-new Wisper bike is delivered to the user’s doorstep.

    David Miall, CEO of Wisper Bikes, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We have been working on offering an affordable, comprehensive bike theft prevention system to our customers since 2020. Working with BackPedal, we believe we have at last found the perfect solution.” This collaboration not only reinforces Wisper Bikes’ commitment to customer security but also sets a new standard in the fight against bike theft.

  5. Santos Bikes reveals E-Patrol emergency services e-bike

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    Dutch custom e-bike maker will release the specially developed electric bike next year

    Scheduled for release in mid-2024, the Santos E-Patrol is an innovative model meticulously tailored to cater to the specific demands of government agencies, ambulance services, rescue teams, and nature conservation organizations. It incorporates advanced technologies aimed at enhancing surveillance and defense operations, meeting the rigorous criteria expected by organizations, with a profound understanding of performance.

    The Santos E-Patrol is driven by a 4th generation programmable full-option Performance CX Smart Bosch motor, ensuring efficient operation during extended surveillance missions. Its 750-watt removable intube battery guarantees reliable performance even under demanding circumstances.

    Safety and convenience are paramount in the design of the E-Patrol. Standard features include track and trace functionality, allowing for real-time vehicle location tracking. An optional electronic shifting upgrade is available for enhanced control and precision during operations. With the brand’s track record spanning more than two decades of meeting riders’ requirements, the Santos E-Patrol offers both durability and excellent riding characteristics.

    The expert team behind this design is well-prepared to assist organizations in acquiring the premium E-Patrol. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to explore the possibilities presented by this model, providing a dependable solution for mission-critical needs.

    Santos is a small and independent bicycle brand with a passion for cycling and a great love for quality. What started in a shed in Lisse has now grown into a bicycle specialist where a team of around 20 cycling enthusiasts work daily on the cycling dreams of Santos customers.

  6. NEOMOUV gets inspiration for its e-bikes from the world of fashion

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    La Flèche, France, October 2023 – In a booming e-bike market, NEOMOUV stands out. Known for its cheerful, bubbly colors, the Sarthe-based brand now is taking things one step further by creating the position of an art director. Olivier Schaack, art director of TV5 Monde and a former member of the Canal + group, has been entrusted with this mission: to draw further inspiration from the world of fashion and contemporary trends for the bicycle as everyday object. NEOMOUV thus reinforces its uniqueness. To celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, the French brand has also unveiled two new artistic collaborations, with STOUL Peintresse and XKuz.

    In a booming e-bike market, it’s hard for new converts to two wheels to choose a bike and recognize a brand. NEOMOUV’s aim has always been to draw inspiration from fashion trends to make its bikes unique and recognizable at first glance.

    Continuing with this philosophy, the electric-assist bike specialist, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, has taken a new step by creating the position of an art director, entrusted with Olivier Schaack, who brings extensive experience in the audiovisual and digital sectors to the job. Olivier Schaack spent nearly 20 years as art director for the Canal + group. He is currently artistic director of TV5 Monde. His mission is to structure NEOMOUV’s approach with rigor and consistency across all media, from bike frames to communication tools, campaigns and social networks. “A brand needs to be unique and stand out thanks to visual elements that create preference. When they succeed in doing so, some brands no longer need their name to be recognized. How can we do this for a brand of e-bikes, with its technical requirements and a public that is discovering or rediscovering cycling for environmental or economic reasons?” asks Olivier Schaack.

    The response is summed perfectly in NEOMOUV’s tagline: “The hardest thing is choosing the color” – color to stand out in a sector where dark tones, from grey to black, still dominate. “Some bicycle brands are recognizable by the design of their models and offer one or two iconic models. That’s not our market. We offer a wide range of twenty-six bicycle models (urban, folding, hybrid and MTB) for a broad public. From the outset, color, inspiring joy and pleasure, was part of NEOMOUV’s DNA,” comments Sophie Guieysse, NEOMOUV’s Managing Director. In the soft mobility segment, the brand aims to offer bicycles that are easy to use, reliable, affordable, and colorful.

    At the beginning of 2023, NEOMOUV presented its new, minimalist, but colorful logo: three strokes revealing an N, an M and a V in green, yellow and orange. For the bicycles, the color range has been reviewed and reduced to 16. “We have 12 permanent colors that are in harmony with the logo, and 4 colors that will change each year according to trends,” explains Olivier Schaack. The new colors will be in line with the latest collections from fashion houses and lifestyle labels.

    To realize its design vision, the company can rely on its own industrial facilities. In June, NEOMOUV acquired its Portuguese partner, UNIBIKE, a specialist in assembling and painting. This acquisition enables NEOMOUV to control part of its supply chain and deliver customized models in small series. “We already deliver bikes to local authorities in their own colors,” explains Sophie Guieysse.

    NEOMOUV, the e-bike purist, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with two artistic collaborations: contemporary urban art movement artist STOUL Peintresse and painter/plastician XKuz (Fabien Mazé). The two artists were able to express themselves on the ELAIA 2 urban model. The result: two unique bikes with artsy, urban designs to showcase the UNIBIKE’s experience in paintings.
    For more information on NEOMOUV, visit www.neomouv.com or on Social Media : https://www.facebook.com/neomouv and instagram.com/neomouv

  7. Car trips cut by shared e-scooters and e-bikes according to Dott research

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    New data reveals the impact of shared micromobility services for EU Mobility Week

    Images available here.

    Dott, a responsible European micromobility operator, today unveils new research highlighting the impact of its shared e-scooter and e-bike services in cities across Europe. More than one quarter (26%) of Dott trips replaced motorised alternatives such as the car, taxi or motorbike, equal to removing over 8 million polluting journeys last year.  

    Nearly two thirds of Dott users (62%) that previously travelled by car, said that they are using that mode less since starting to use Dott.3 And riders are travelling for longer, with the average ride distance up by 9% to 2.36km in the first half of 2023. 

    Dott’s shared vehicles have become a frequent, everyday solution for its users, with 63% of its trips used for commuting. By combining public transport with shared e-scooters and e-bikes, Dott’s riders benefit from a compelling alternative to cars across longer distances. 58% of riders combine Dott with public transport and 50% use a public transport pass. The figures demonstrate that shared e-scooters and e-bike services support, rather than replace, public transport.  

    Persistent high fuel costs are continuing to influence people’s travel decisions. Over one in four (28%) say that they are using shared e-bikes and e-scooters more, as a result of the energy crisis. Shared micromobility services save users from vehicle purchase and maintenance costs, providing a reliable and efficient alternative to ownership. 

    Henri Moissinac, Co-Founder and CEO, Dott, said: “As we approach the end of our peak season, European Mobility Week provides an opportunity to explore how our riders are using our service. With the majority of trips now coming from an everyday solution to commuting, we’re having a real impact in reducing car use. We are focused on providing a safe, reliable service at scale to help more people choose sustainable transport when travelling across their city.”


    Inside Dott’ 

    To mark European Mobility Week, Dott has opened up the doors to its Operations Centres across Europe. Visitors have been able to see how Dott’s unique in-house model, and commitment to delivering its service responsibly, provide a high quality and reliable service for its users.

    The environment and social impact are at the heart of every business decision at Dott. The micromobility company has set out its goals and progress at ridedott.com/sustainability

    -ENDS-

    Notes to editors

    1 Based on Dott research targeting 6,930 Dott users who had ridden within the last 30 days, conducted between 27 July and 14 August 2023. 

    2 Based on Dott’s total number of rides in 2022 (33,603,491)

    3 Respondents who said they used personal cars, taxis or ride-hailing services less.

    About Dott

    Dott is a European micromobility operator founded by Henri Moissinac and Maxim Romain, with the mission to free our cities with clean rides for everyone. Dott currently operates over 40,000 e-scooters and 10,000 e-bikes in top cities in Belgium, France, Israel, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK. Dott has a staff of over 600, with its main teams located in Amsterdam, London and Paris.

  8. 25th International Bicycle Design Competition calls for entries

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    Applications are open until November 15 2023, with plenty of e-bike designs awarded in past years. With a focus on intelligence and sustainability as recent industrial trends, the 25th IBDC’s theme is “Intelligence.Sustainability.Cool Lifestyle,” aiming to inspire innovative, intelligent, and sustainable bicycle designs.

    The International Bicycle Design Competition (IBDC), established in 1996, is organized by the Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center (CHC) with support from the Department of Industrial Technology, Ministry of Economic Affairs of R.O.C. (DOIT, MOEA). IBDC serves as a global platform for creative bicycle concepts and designs, fostering international collaboration among designers to elevate the standard of cycling design worldwide.

    The award ceremony takes place at the Taipei Int’l Cycle Show, Asia’s largest cycling event, attracting thousands of visitors and industry professionals from over 30 countries. Winners receive cash prizes, and certificates, and their designs are showcased in print and digital formats during the show, providing valuable publicity. Additionally, winning entries may connect with bicycle manufacturers for potential production opportunities. Authorized use of the IBDC logo for promotion is granted to awardees, and they can also apply for the Golden Pin Concept Design Award 2024 with an automatic entry qualification if they receive a gold, silver, or bronze award in the 25th IBDC.

    For more information and for entry, follow this link.

  9. Trenergy e-bike patrols for Belgian police force

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    Source: Nieuwsfiets.nu

    In Denderleeuw, Belgium, the local police department will now see its staff going on patrol on new Trenergy e-bikes, after a batch were recently delivered.

    Needing to replace its existing fleet, the Denderleeuw Police Department put out a public tender with a view to purchasing more modern models. Those entering the tender had to ensure specific requirements were met, including the e-bikes’ colour (white), weight, carrier weight, service, price and battery.

    The chosen dealer was Fietsen ‘t Sjepapke in Denderleeuw., who felt that the Trenergy Performance 2.3 with belt drive and Enviolo hub best met all the requirements. The dealer also offers a service whereby the bicycles can be repaired on-site at the police department, for greater convenience.

    Pascal Chow has responsibility for Trenergy’s Belgian market, and was in charge of handing over the first bicycles to the Police Department. He said, “We are very happy with this collaboration and see it as a first step for a long-term relationship. The bicycles are regular models that are available to everyone. We didn’t make any special adjustments, like bulletproof tires or anything like that.”

    After a short test drive by one of the police officers, the first impression was that the Trenergy e-bikes also ride smoothly without power-assisted support, which had not been the case with previous models.

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