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.
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.
Comments Off on AureusDrive expands partnerships and capacity
Swiss electric-bike manufacturer & retailer, AureusDrive, has confirmed exciting news for the last quarter of 2023. It has welcomed a new partner on board, and increased its own capacity.
New partner on board
The brand has greeted a new partner, Brunusbike, in Aardorf, Switzerland, an e-bike store that sells mountain bikes, gravel bikes, racing bikes, children’s bikes, city bikes, and scooters. The shop is now offering servicing for AureusDrive e-bikes, as well as test rides for the following AureusDrive electric models:
Power45 white, M
Comfort 25 black, S
Brunusbike store in Aardorf, Switzerland.
Company expansion
AureusDrive also confirmed it added an extra 130 square meters of additional space, by extending its existing e-bike workshop, and building a new servicing and test ride room. This exciting move gives more capacity to produce bikes and support new and existing customers.
The larger, extended workshop where AureusDrives’ e-bikes are now produced.
The new room that AureusDrive has built for test rides and service.
These latest developments are examples of promising news for the brand as it looks ahead to 2024. Learn more about AureusDrive.
Comments Off on Join LEVA-EU Meeting on the devastating anti-dumping measures against e-bikes
The anti-dumping measures against electric bicycles from China do not create the level playing field, that EBMA and the European Commission claim to aspire to. The measures prove to rather create a minefield, where many bomb craters threaten to appear soon.
On 2 May 2023, the European Commission has given notice that, unless a review is initiated, the anti-dumping measures against e-bike imports from China will expire on 19 January 2024. LEVA-EU considers it virtually impossible that EBMA will forego this opportunity for another five years of dumping measures. LEVA-EU fears that this will be the death sentence for many European companies. That is why the professional association is convening a meeting on 16 November in Brussels for all companies under attack.
Union producers had time until 19 October to submit a written request for a review. This request had to contain sufficient evidence that the expiry of the measures would be likely to result in a continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury. Should the Commission decide to review the measures, importers, exporters, representatives of the exporting country and Union producers will then have an opportunity to respond to the review request.
Today, there is no information (yet) as to whether EBMA has requested a review. Neither EBMA nor the Commission have communicated about this so far. The chance EBMA has not requested a review seems to be non-existent.
A possible revision of the dumping measures is the direct reason for LEVA-EU to convene a meeting on Thursday, 16 November in Brussels. A new period of 5 years of measures would continue to cause unprecedented damage to the electric bicycle sector in Europe. That is why LEVA-EU wants to discuss with the affected companies and their lawyers how the current immense problems can be tackled jointly and how a possible request for review can be jointly responded to.
The meeting is open to any company which is currently or has been affected by actions by customs and/or OLAF. Both LEVA-EU members and non-members are welcome. The companies and their lawyers can participate in the meeting free of charge, provided they first register with LEVA-EU manager, Annick Roetynck, annick@leva-eu.com, tel. +32 475 500 588. The companies are invited to submit a short report of their case to LEVA-EU, which will allow to organize the consultation around a few “cases“. That consultation will be aimed at achieving a possible joint approach to all customs/OLAF actions and to a possible review of the dumping measures. The meeting is also intended to offer lawyers the opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues about argumentation and defence in various cases.
The companies that LEVA-EU knows have been attacked will be invited directly. All other companies and/or their lawyers are urged to register with LEVA-EU as soon as possible, upon which they will receive a direct invitation. All companies involved are also requested to pass on the invitation for this meeting to other companies that are under attack.
Import statistics seem to give little reason to further restrict imports of electric bikes from China by extending the anti-dumping measures for another 5 years. Import numbers have decimated and, according to Bike Europe, in general the entry-level and mid-range market is doing particularly poorly. Between January and July 2023, imports from China shrank by more than a quarter to just 88,000 units. So, one could conclude that the measures are having an effect and could be lifted.
However, it is particularly unlikely that EBMA will stop here. There are currently so many actions against European companies accused of circumventing anti-dumping measures that EBMA may have little choice but to argue that systematic circumvention is taking place. Continuation of the measures would appear to be the logical way forward in the fight against that alleged circumvention.
Moreover, over the past 4 years and 9 months, EBMA has very systematically developed a discourse on bringing production back to Europe. In the recently published European Declaration on Cycling, the European Commission lists as an action point: “creating conditions to increase the European production of a broad range of bicycles (including e-bikes, speed pedelecs, and bikes for people with disabilities) and their components, including access to materials, equipment and maintenance of a global level playing field through existing EU trade defence instruments;” Herewith, the Commission itself is, as it were, already announcing the extension of the measures even before the investigation has actually taken place.
In February this year, the European Parliament had called for that Declaration in a resolution, which also states: “(The Parliament) calls on the Commission and the Member States to support the production of ‘Made in Europe’ bicycles and components, thereby stimulating the competitiveness of EU industry, by bridging the investment gap, maintaining a global level playing field and stimulating supply chain reshoring and security, and by encouraging high-quality jobs, creating cycling clusters and enhancing industry-related vocational training;”
The European Parliament even jubilantly announced that the current workforce in the “EU cycling ecosystem” could grow from 1 million to 2 million by 2030. Although dumping measures are not legally meant to create jobs, EBMA will obviously not fail to argue that dumping measures are still needed for at least another five years to “bring back” production here and to get people here to work. The fact that things are not quite flourishing for among others the Accell Group, one of EBMA’s major/leading members, may well only strengthen the argument for protecting European industry from the so-called great Chinese danger.
Reality, however, is somewhat different. In EBMA’s story of threats from the Far East, protection of union producers, reshoring production, job creation, … an essential element is missing. While EBMA works so hard to protect and to make some European companies prosper, the survival of innumerable other European companies is under serious threat. They are under attack and being accused of circumvention, fraud, even crimes that can lead to prison sentences. If all the fines and penalties hanging over their heads are to be collected and enforced, these companies will perish. The jobs they have created will disappear. They will no longer pay taxes and social security. Their European suppliers and distributors will suffer as well. Overall supply will shrink, prices will go up and electric bikes will become less attractive to the European citizen.
The past 4 years and 9 months have led to anything but a level playing field. The production of ‘Made in Europe’ bicycles and components is anything but at a level that could meet demand. The very, very worst thing is that a company in Europe cannot legally start the production of electric bicycles and/or components without first having to pay dumping duties for months, if not years, and then being hit with unfair guarantees. As long as the European Commission and Parliament continue to ignore this deplorable disorder, any reference from the Commission or Parliament to a level playing field sounds particularly false. Both Commission and Parliament speak with such ease about a level playing field and about 1 million jobs that will double in 6 years. Who will measure the playing field during that time to check whether it is level? Who will count the number of jobs in the “EU Cycling ecosystem” in that period? And who will be held accountable if the goals are not achieved?
In a 2020-report on Trade Defence Instruments (TDI), the European Court of Auditors (ECA) found that the TDI had “a clearly positive impact for the e-bike sector. Without the measures, production in Europe would probably have ceased. Furthermore, TDI measures on normal bikes and bike parts have been vital in enabling EU bike producers to invest in and develop their e-bike production.” This ECA-conclusion was not based on any research but “on publicly available information and interviews with stakeholders.” With that the ECA made an explicit reference to an EBMA-study, not exactly an objective source. LEVA-EU herewith invites the ECA to do its homework again, this time based on proper research instead of interviews with biased stakeholders. LEVA-EU is confident that the ECA will no longer be able to find that the TDI had a clearly positive impact for the e-bike sector. As for the Commission, LEVA-EU hopes that, in case of a review, they will conduct a very thorough investigation and they will think very carefully about a new five-year term.
Comments Off on AureusDrive visits partners in Belgium and Switzerland
Swiss electric bike and e-bike drive systems brand AureusDrive has shared updates from recent workshop and repair and test centre visits in nearby regions.
AureusDrive develops, designs, conceptualizes, configures and assembles e-bike systems with a focus on the commuter. Last week, the company’s two founders and managing directors, Sergio Tresch and Gabriel Barroso, embarked on a visit to seven partner workshops in Belgium. During this excursion, they not only explored picturesque landscapes and cities but also gained valuable insights into their partner market.
The trip provided AureusDrive with an opportunity to strengthen relationships with esteemed partner workshops and collaborate on future improvements and innovations. This collaboration proved to be invaluable, enabling them to implement various optimizations and ensure that the brand’s high-quality Power45 S-Pedelec fully aligns with the needs and requirements of the Belgian market.
In addition, AureusDrive is pleased to introduce new partners, bikesLab and Vélochouché in French-speaking Switzerland. They are currently available for service and repairs, and soon they will also offer test drives.
The team eagerly anticipates reaping the rewards of this journey and further fortifying partnerships.
About
AureusDrive, founded by Sergio and Gabriel in 2017, envisions ecological mobility for everyone. The startup specializes in developing, designing, conceptualizing, configuring, and assembling e-bike systems, with a particular focus on the commuter. The brand’s affordable, sturdy, and stylish e-bikes aim to encourage commuters to make the switch from cars to e-bikes. Currently, AureusDrive boasts a team of 12 employees and is experiencing rapid growth. Its e-bike community is approaching four digits, collectively covering an impressive seven-figure mileage. As a result, AureusDrive has already reduced CO2 emissions by 150,000 kg.
AureusDrive’s mission is to provide affordable, sturdy, and stylish electric vehicles for all. In addition to this core mission, AureusDrive offers services in Lucerne and extends its support to partners throughout Switzerland. AureusDrive provides delivery and collection services for e-bikes (free of charge for warranty cases) and offers cost-effective replacement rental e-bikes.
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.
LEVA-EU member Eskuta is expanding its UK premises in Nuneaton, with the strategic installation of a new mezzanine.
This step will enable the manufacturer to double its stock capacity, and is expected to be completed by early September 2023.
To be installed in both units of Eskuta’s facilities, the mezzanine will provide an additional 160 sq m of space, allowing Eskuta to both serve a larger customer base, and reduce waiting times for their moped-style e-bikes, which are assembled on-site by the company’s team of technicians. New job opportunities are expected to be generated by this step.
Eskuta managing director Ian O’Connor, who founded the company in 2015, said: “The expansion marks an exciting time for Eskuta, the new mezzanine installation is the first stage of our expansion plans, and the additional capacity will allow us to reduce lead times and enter new developing markets.
“We are passionate as ever about shaping the future of e-mobility and championing the importance electric bikes and Light Electric Vehicles will play in the future, as we head towards net zero and aim to reduce congestion in our towns and cities.
“Coventry, Birmingham, and the surrounding areas have been the birthplace of many leading motorcycle and cycle manufacturers over the years, and we are proud to be continuing that legacy as we all transition to a sustainable and electric future.”
Eskuta has received several recent accolades, included winning Reach Media’s BusinessLIVE’s ‘Small Business of the Year 2022’, and the SX-250 e-bike being recognised in a recent article as ‘Best Moped Style e-bike 2023’ by Expert Reviews.
Comments Off on Pivot Cycles reveals new Shuttle AM eMTB
LEVA-EU member Pivot Cycles’ new Shuttle AM promises “Unmatched Performance, Endless Possibilities”: crafted to be the ultimate all-mountain machine, it comes equipped with everything you need to conquer any trail on the mountain.
Shuttle AM doesn’t shy away from touting itself as an all-mountain masterpiece that dominates the realm of e-mountain performance. This awe-inspiring e-bike strikes the perfect chord, delivering an unmatched blend of lightweight agility and long-travel prowess that hits the all-mountain sweet spot. So, brace yourself as Pivot introduces the Shuttle AM, an e-bike that conquers every type of terrain with ease, from fast-flowing singletracks to breathtaking back country descents.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Shuttle AM to the world,” says Chris Cocalis, founder, and CEO of Pivot. “The Shuttle AM is our first project partnering with Bosch and showcases our commitment to pushing the limits of innovation and design. This bike embodies the perfect fusion of versatility and performance. It’s an eMTB that every rider will enjoy. The Shuttle AM hits that all-mountain sweet spot.”
Completing Pivot’s all-star lineup of e-bikes, the Shuttle AM shines as a crown jewel. Powered by the latest Bosch Performance drive systems, all Shuttle AM models deliver class leading performance. The range-topping Team build features Bosch’s all new, limited-edition Performance CX Race motor, 750Wh battery with Bosch PowerMore range extender capability. Designed with 148mm of rear travel, a 160mm Fox fork and purpose-built all-mountain geometry, the Shuttle AM inspires total confidence on any trail.
Pricing, Specifications, and Availability: The Shuttle AM will be available in Blue Neptune and Mojave Willow Green colors and can be purchased in three different complete build options priced from $8,999 to $13,999. Available now, in sizes S through XL, at key Pivot dealers worldwide. For more information visit: https://global.pivotcycles.com/products/shuttle-am. For immediate download of complete technical details on the Pivot Shuttle AM, as well as photos, video, Instagram edit, specifications and more, please follow this link.
Comments Off on AureusDrive bikes covering kilometers worldwide
LEVA-EU member AureusDrive shares riders’ photos from around the globe
The Switzerland-based e-bike manufacturer AureusDrive recently shared customers’ photos of their bikes in multiple locations, along with the accompanying stories.
Swiss design meets Candian city life
One customer took her AureusDrive Comfort to Vancouver, where she uses it for everyday life.
Arriving in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône
Another customer, along with a colleague, undertook an extended ride along the Rhône from Gletsch in Valais, to the Mediterranean coast at Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, France. The two covered more than 900 km in just seven days!
Portugal views
A world-record attempt at cycling 20,000 km in one go was started two years ago by Reto Steimer, using an AureusDrive Classic 25. Unfortunately, a knee injury forced an early stop to the attempt, but many kilometers were covered trouble-free to that point!
AureusDrive is working towards ecological mobility for all, and develops, designs, configures and assembles e-bike systems with a focus on the commuter. To date, the company estimates that its e-bike community has collectively achieved a total mileage in seven figures, and reduced CO2 emissions by 150,000 kg. Find out more here.
Campaign success
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Member profile
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