Tag Archive: ebike

  1. CityQ Joins eSync Alliance

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    Source: eSync

    LEVA-EU member and automotive innovator CityQ becomes one of the latest eSync Alliance members, allowing it to provide OTA updates and diagnostics for the first time

    On May 10, 2023, the eSync Alliance, a global automotive initiative for the standardization of over-the-air (OTA) updates and diagnostics, welcomed LEVA-EU member CityQ and Luxoft as new association members. The pair join a rapidly growing network of automakers, Tier-1 suppliers and digital software companies already enjoying the benefit of the eSync bi-directional data pipeline.  

    CityQ’s range of four-wheeled e-bikes aim to maximize comfort, capacity, efficiency, and safety by providing users with an attractive alternative to a car for urban personal transport. Manufactured in Germany, the bikes can travel at speeds of up to 25km/h and can be fitted with a modular storage compartment for last-mile logistics and deliveries.

    An example of CityQ’s four-wheeled electric bike

    Mike Gardner, Executive Director of the eSync Alliance, said: “The eSync Alliance is growing rapidly and the addition of CityQ and Luxoft – two companies working in diverse and important areas of the automotive sector – demonstrate how important a standardized OTA specification is to the industry’s future. We’re confident that both businesses will prove to be valuable partners and we look forward to their unique perspectives contributing to a stronger standard in the months to come.” 

    Morten Rynning, CEO at CityQ, said, “Working with the eSync Alliance will enable CityQ to add connectivity for OTA, and to remotely diagnose and upgrade the vehicles. As well as improving the service we can offer to CityQ owners, this will be particularly useful for fleet management, one of our major markets.” 

    Proven in millions of vehicles globally, eSync is a robust, repeatable solution for OTA deployment. The only universal bi-directional pipeline, eSync is currently used by more than 30 OEMs and Tier-1s, helping to simplify the development process and speed up the transition to SDVs. 

    About CityQ 

    CityQ is the first vehicle platform for city pods and 4-wheel e-bikes, with doors and full weather protection, as well as a cargo bed for luggage and rear seats for 2 children. The e-bikes feature connectivity and pedal by wire instead of mechanical chain or gears. CityQ is the new e-bike with car capabilities, making the shift from car to bicycling easier. See CityQ

    About the eSync™ Alliance
    The eSync™ Alliance is a non-profit trade association driving a multi-company solution for Over-the-Air (OTA) updates and diagnostics data in the automotive electronics space, potentially saving billions of dollars per year for automakers. By working together in the Alliance, companies benefit from a simplified development environment made possible by a standardized yet customizable platform. The Alliance is based around the eSync platform of cloud and embedded components, providing a secure data pipeline to devices within a vehicle. Further information is at https://www.esyncalliance.org/ 

  2. Speed pedelecs given towpath permission in Belgium

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    Source: HBvL

    Formerly off-limits to speed pedelecs, Flemish towpaths are now open to their use, as long as 30km/h speed limits are adhered to. The updated ruling is to coincide with new road signs dictating the information.

    Nearly 2,000 km of paved towpaths and dyke roads span the length of the waterways in Flanders. Traditionally used by those managing and maintaining the waterways, they are also popular with walkers and cyclists, with speed pedelecs omitted unless the route is part of a highway navigation.

    The Flemish Minister for Mobility Lydia Peeters (Open Vld) and De Vlaamse Waterweg have readdressed this, however. Wies Callens of the Fietsbond was delighted by the decision, commenting, “We have been asking for this since 2019, because towpaths invite people to travel long distances, for example for commuting. But also because it is absurd to make a distinction between bicycles with pedal assistance. In a 30 km/h zone it is not forbidden to drive a Ferrari because it can reach up to 300 km/h, as long as everyone uses their common sense and keeps to the permitted speed.”

    Due to take place from the summer, Aidan Reinquin, spokesman for Minister Peeters, added, “This does not require a change in the law, but new road signs. They will now be placed as soon as possible. We start in Ghent. The new rule, let it be clear, will only take effect when those new signs have been placed. These are signs with a P on them. Signs that are now there in some places and that indicate that speed pedelecs are prohibited will be removed.”

    To safeguard activities and pave the way for better towpath usage, Minister of Mobility Peeters has mapped out a new vision ‘Functional and recreational co-use of towpaths’ with De Vlaamse Waterweg. He announced that in addition to speed and safety restrictions, there is a recognition that the towpaths are in total darkness at night: “Proper maintenance is important and lighting can be installed in well-considered locations based on safety considerations.”

  3. E-bikes might improve accessibility for rural residents

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    Source: Fietsberaad CROW

    A report by the Dutch Kennisinstituut voor Mobiliteitsbeleid (Knowledge Institute for Mobility Policy) contains assessments and insights on the role of the electric bicycle in improving the lives of those who live in rural areas

    According to a recent report by the Knowledge Institute for Mobility Policy, residents of urban and rural areas experience no difference in the accessibility of jobs, education and shopping. Both in the city and in the countryside, the bicycle can play a role in improving accessibility.

    The Knowledge Institute for Mobility Policy recently published the report The development of mobility and accessibility in the urban and rural Netherlands. The report is based on a study into the development of mobility and accessibility from 2018 to 2040 in four types of areas: urban areas experiencing growth, urban areas experiencing decline, rural areas experiencing growth, and rural areas experiencing decline.

    The accessibility of destinations such as jobs, educational institutions and shops differs between these areas, but the researchers do not see this reflected in the perception of accessibility. Although the number of facilities in rural areas is lower and the distance to them is greater, residents of these areas do not experience less accessibility to these facilities than residents of the city. Possibly car ownership, sufficient income to use the car and internet access to smartly plan or replace activities play a role here, as does the conscious choice of a residential location in relation to desired activities. The most important message of the report is therefore to include the perception of the inhabitants when looking for solutions for accessibility, in order to check whether they actually experience objectively identified problems or bottlenecks as such.

    According to KiM, the car will remain the most important mode of transport in rural areas. Regular public transport is under pressure due to shrinking population numbers and can be replaced by small-scale public transport for people who depend on it, but also partly by e-bikes for distances of up to 20 kilometres. Cycle routes and fast cycle routes should improve the connection with urban areas.
    In the city, because of the quality of the living environment, the reduction of the car is central in favor of public transport, cycling and walking.

  4. Allowing speed pedelecs on cycle paths does not appear to be less safe

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    Source: News Fietsberaad

    Speed Pedelec owners have been given a choice of riding on roads or cycle paths in a pilot scheme in the Netherlands

    Current laws in the Netherlands stipulate that Speed Pedelecs are not allowed to use cycle paths. However, riders may prefer to use these routes instead of joining a busy or fast road network, or when the cycle path gives a shorter route, or if parents are cycling with their children on the school commute, before continuing to their workplace. The main concern of such use however, would be safety.

    Data on Speed Pedelec speeds was compiled by DTV Consultants, commissioned by Tour de Force. The report was published in February this year and included information on Amersfoort and Rotterdam pilot schemes. Owners were able to apply for an exemption, allowing them to use the cycle paths in dense urban areas. The schemes were simple to create and didn’t cause any confrontation. Although faster than regular bikes, early data also showed no greater number of crashes than with regular cyclists. However, there was not enough data to make any conclusions on whether the cycle path option affects road safety for these users.

    Allowing Speed Pedelec riders to use roadways and cycle paths seems sensible. The high speed of such bikes means they can compete with vehicles on road networks, and appeal over long distances, in hopes of encouraging new users and aiding health and the environment. National agreements and regulations on road use by the Speed Pedelec are advocated for by Tour de Force. Until wider research is completed, they suggest that users in those pilot regions should be given the opportunity to ride on local cycle paths.

    Following completion of the aforementioned pilot schemes, a new, much larger trial is planned in Utrecht.

  5. E-bike manufacturer QWIC opens brand new Experience center in Amsterdam North

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    The QWIC Experience center is open once more. Since the beginning of this year, QWIC has moved into a brand new building in Amsterdam North. After the move from Amstelveen and the construction of the new location, the doors of the Experience center are now open to consumers.

    The new Experience center has an area of over 500m2. Consumers can view the entire QWIC collection there and enjoy test rides on all available models. In addition, QWIC’s e-bike experts are ready to inform visitors about the technical aspects of e-bikes.

    Visit by appointment

    Visitors to the QWIC Experience center can take advantage of extensive tailor-made advice. In order to help customers in the best possible way and for them to enjoy focused attention, it is possible to reserve a time slot for the visit. This can be done via the QWIC website: https://qwic.nl/qwic-showroom/.

    Location & opening times

    Disketteweg 53, 1033 NW Amsterdam
    Open from Wednesday to Friday from 09:30 to 17:00 (excluding public holidays).

    Parking

    There are plenty of free parking spaces next to the building, and electric charging stations are also available. Of course there is also ample parking for bicycles.

    Experience center to support QWIC dealers

    It is not possible to purchase an e-bike in the QWIC Experience center. QWIC e-bikes are sold through a network of 750 QWIC sales outlets. This means that there is always a QWIC dealer nearby who can provide service if necessary.

    Sustainability

    In addition to a convenient location, good accessibility and sufficient space, sustainability was an important aspect for QWIC in choosing the right location. The new location is an energy-efficient and sustainable building, with solar panels and constructed using circular materials.

    About QWIC

    QWIC is a fast-growing manufacturer of premium design e-bikes. The producer is active in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. QWIC’s ambition is to reduce current mobility problems and environmental pollution by developing innovative electric bicycles. With a modern design and the use of the best components, QWIC takes its electric bicycles to a higher level every year. This is proven by the many e-bike awards that QWIC has recently won, such as the AD Bike Test 2021, the ElektroRad Test 2022 and internationally recognised design awards like the German Design Award 2022.
    www.qwic.nl

  6. Marc Burkhardt joins QWIC as Sales Representative Germany

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    E-bike manufacturer and LEVA-EU member QWIC is excited to announce the addition of a new team member, Marc Burkhardt. As of April 3rd, Marc starts as the new Sales Representative for the Western part of Germany

    Marc is a highly experienced sales professional with over 30 years of sales experience, including over 20 years of experience in the specialist retail sector in the mobile phone industry. With his track record, he brings a wealth of experience to the QWIC team.

    Marc Burkhardt: “I am excited to join the QWIC family and promote the brand’s e-bikes to existing and new dealers. QWIC is an exciting and innovative company, and I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues to drive the growth of the brand.”

    His focus will be on continuing the good cooperation with the existing dealers and also expanding the dealer network, and on securing and expanding the brand positioning in his sales territory.

    More vacancies available
    QWIC is constantly looking for enthusiasts who want to contribute to the growth of QWIC. Do you want to be part of QWIC’s success? Check out all vacancies here.

  7. Amsterdam to measure the speed of e-bikes

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    Source: Tweewieler, H. Hoitink

    The municipality of Amsterdam is in consultation with the Dutch government about reducing the speed of e-bikes to 20 km/h to improve road safety. In preparation, they are counting the numbers and speed of e-bikes being ridden.

    The counts and measurements will take place at nine locations in the city, recording the types of bicycles being ridden and their speed. In addition, from Thursday 23 March, cameras have been installed to register near accidents. In order to gain insight into the effect on road safety of the many fast bicycles driving around in the capital, the municipality is starting a trial together with the ambulance service. They will also study the first-aid data of bicycle accidents in collaboration with Amsterdam’s hospitals.

    Speeding, tuned-up e-bikes and other electric vehicles have long been a thorn in the side of the city authorities, causing a lot of accidents and irritation. In addition, the municipality sees that traffic is changing: it is becoming busier on the cycle paths and the speed differences between cyclists are increasing. According to the municipality, this means that new agreements and rules are needed.

    In the eyes of the municipality of Amsterdam, one of the most obvious measures to make traffic safer is to limit the maximum speed. Alderman Melanie van der Horst mentioned a maximum speed of 20 km/h for e-bikes in an article in Het Parool . But reducing the speed on the cycle path is not as easy as it may seem. A maximum speed of 30 km/h will be introduced in many places in the city at the end of this year. According to the law, a lower maximum speed may not be used on a cycle path next to such a carriageway. Amsterdam is now in talks with the government to see if there is a way to make this possible.

  8. Plans for UK-wide e-bike battery collection and recycling service

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    Source: MMB, D. Blackham

    E-Bike battery collection and recycling service to trial in the UK later this year

    In line with the anticipation for significant growth for electric bike sales in the UK, the Bicycle Association (BA) announced plans to set up UK wide collection and recycling for bike batteries.

    The service plans to run in partnership with the European Recycling Platform (ERP), who the BA has appointed to deliver this programme. In other European markets there is already a single collection programme running, with manufacturers participating alongside retailers who act as collection points. The perceived benefits of the scheme are simplicity at retail level, reducing the costs and complexity for bike companies, and a clear and convenient way for customers to return batteries.

    Stephen Holt, BA retail trade manager said “With millions of electric bike sales ahead of us, this is an exciting initiative that will make it easy for retailers to safely store faulty and expired batteries in one fireproof rated drum – with one phone call when full to get it swapped out. With the support of electric bike producers, we hope to provide a national network of hundreds of collection points convenient for customers. We are looking forward to working closely with ERP, who are experts in the construction and implementation of such initiatives.”

    The BA and ERP plan to begin a trial, which will contribute to a proposed national rollout later this year.

    This follows an update on the scheme to members at the BA annual conference in Birmingham where 150 delegates representing more than 90 UK bike businesses attended.

    John Redmayne, managing director of ERP UK, said: “ERP UK are delighted to have been chosen by the Bicycle Association as their partner in developing a battery collection service for the sector. With growing numbers of e-bikes in use, the need for the sector to safely and responsibly deal with end of life batteries has been highlighted. We are looking forward to working with the association and using our experience in engineering circular economy solutions to develop a sector-specific service.”

    Read the article here.

  9. National Cycling Congress and Eurobike to coincide for the first time in 2023

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    Source: Eurobike

    With the recognition of sustainable living and a healthy lifestyle, bicycle uptake continues to increase, yet work remains to make it even more appealing. The National Cycling Congress, organised by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport and the Hessian Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport and Housing, Germany’s flagship cycling trade congress, takes place in Hesse on June 20 and 21, a month that stages another key bicycle event, the 31st Eurobike, which runs from June 21 to 25.

    The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport and the Hessian Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport and Housing have endeavoured to make two June events work in tandem. Federal Minister Volker Wissing states: “Next year we are going to combine two major dates for the cycling community in Germany and therefore create more and better opportunities for an exchange between professionals, cycling enthusiasts and policymakers. My goal is to have us all pulling together at our National Cycling Congress to make it easier for people to choose sustainable modes of transport. This includes systematically closing gaps in the cycling network and improving the relationship between bicycles and other vehicles. Since Eurobike follows right after, I’m hoping for plenty of input for digital and innovative solutions. I’m looking forward to a successful event in Frankfurt.”

    Hessian Minister of Transport Tarek Al-Wazir adds: “We’re delighted that in June 2023 Hesse will be a focal point for cycling thanks to the National Cycling Congress and Eurobike. For years, we’ve been working not only on making cycling safer. We’ve also been bolstering the role of the bicycle as an everyday means of transport and improving the overall cycle infrastructure. We’ve been investing record sums of money every year to make this happen. The trade events next year will give us the opportunity to showcase Hesse as the perfect place for cycling and to learn from each other by sharing ideas with experts, cyclists, associations, companies in the bicycle industry and policymakers.”

    The National Cycling Congress in Messe, Frankfurt, will feature insights from industry experts and clubs and associations. Planning, policy, business, challenges and visions for the future of cycling will be debated, allowing federal government, state governments and municipalities to share ideas on innovative solutions that make cycling more appealing. Last year, over 2,800 experts attended the virtual events, so 2023 is set to be particularly encompassing.

    Following the event, bicycle industry enthusiasts and organisations will attend the Eurobike trade fair. Stefan Reisinger, fairnamic managing director and head of Eurobike commented, “We’re delighted that Eurobike’s new Frankfurt edition will continue to live up to the fair’s claim of strengthening political positioning as it is scheduled to coincide with the National Cycling Congress both in terms of time and location,” further adding, “The bicycle industry brings together policymakers and scientists at Eurobike, the epicentre of innovation and development of the bicycle sector. The good thing is that Eurobike will now take place well before the main holiday season in most countries, which puts it in an even better position to establish itself as the leading international meeting place for the bicycle and future mobility industry.”

    The 8th National Cycling Congress is organised by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), in cooperation with the Hessian Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport and Housing. Originally founded in 2009 by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, the congress is a biennial event, and is attended by government agencies, private companies, and associations, as well as individuals involved with cycling, transport and mobility or in issues associated closely with cycling.

    More information on the 8th National Cycling Congress and the Eurobike is available from:

    www.nationaler-radverkehrskongress.de/en

    www.eurobike.com/en/

    www.facebook.com/EUROBIKE.tradeshow

    www.instagram.com/eurobike_show/

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