LEVA-EU member, Mahle, has begun production of the X20 e-bike drive system at its assembly line in Slovenia. The site, located in Šempeter pri Gorici, currently employs around 20 workers and has already delivered its first engines after becoming operational this year.
The Mahle X20 drive system weighs less than 3.2 kilograms – including the battery and control unit. The motor delivers an impressive 23 Newton meters of power directly to the wheel, comparable to a mid-motor of 55Nm of torque, making the model suitable for gravel bikes, racing bikes, and urban e-bikes. Within the X20, a range of sensors monitor acceleration, speed, torque, temperature, and cadence. Artificial intelligence then works within the motor to continuously adjust drive power in line with cyclist behavior.
Dr. Armin Messerer, Vice President Mechatronics and responsible for the E-Bike Drive Systems division at Mahle shares, “We are pleased that the industrialization of the X20 went so smoothly and that we have already been able to deliver the first e-bike motors from Šempeter to our customers. With our X20 drive system, which can be installed almost invisibly in the frame and hub, we offer our customers a top-class product that sets new standards in terms of power-to-weight ratio.“
Parkstad Limburg claims that Velocity is the first European sharing system with e-bikes that can cross national borders.
Velocity, a new e-bike sharing system, currently operates 20 substations in Parkstad, Netherlands. Eight of the stations are in Heerlen, five in Kerkrade, two in both Beekdaelen and Voerendaal, and one each in Landgraaf, Brunssum and Simpelveld. With locations in places such as Heerlen and Kerkrade, cycling to Aachen in Germany is possible.
The e-bike sharing stations are all located next to public transport nodes, allowing a seamless switch between low-carbon travel options. Stations are also located at large-scale institutions that invite large footfall, such as the Zuyderland hospital, the Brightlands Smart Services Campus, and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. Further expansion will aim to place stations in the region’s business parks.
Velocity is co-financed by the Region Deal Parkstad Limburg investment program. The aim is to eventually scale up to the Heuvelland, the rest of South Limburg, and other parts of the Euregio, creating one e-bike sharing system with connections across national borders.
Comments Off on New mobility EU pilot project starts with SWOBBEE & URBAN DRIVESTYLE in Berlin
The e-bike manufacturer URBAN DRIVESTYLE and the Berlin GreenTech startup, LEVA-EU member SWOBBEE, announce a partnership and launch an innovative exchangeable battery subscription model for the utility e-bikes from URBAN DRIVESTYLE in Berlin.
The exclusive fat e-bikes in a casual signature look from the Berlin manufacturer URBAN DRIVESTYLE are ideal companions for long journeys in the urban environment – the perfect vehicle for fun, family, friends & work goes every mile. Both the UNI MK CLASSIC and the UNI SWING are developed and handcrafted in Berlin, Niederschöneweide, and are, therefore ‘Made in Germany’. With one charge, both e-bike models cover distances of up to 80 kilometers at a top speed of 25 km/h.
The extensive range of stations offered by the exchangeable battery network provider SWOBBEE is now expanding the UD Bike Community’s radius of use. The utility e-bikes UNI MK CLASSIC and UNI SWING from URBAN DRIVESTYLE are now being delivered with SWOBBEE-compatible AES batteries. If necessary, the battery can be exchanged for a full one at the SWOBBEE changing stations in just a few seconds – the range and operating times are therefore almost unlimited, a great plus in terms of flexibility for commercial customers. The new interchangeable app for iOS and Android and the operator dashboard offer easy access: Drive straight to the station, log in with the app, swap the battery and continue driving. Simple, convenient, and fast. The SWOBBEE station network will be rolled out in all major German cities by 2024.
The SWOBBEE test subscription in combination with the UD e-bikes was presented for the first time at the VELOBerlin – with test rides of over 1000km on the two days of the fair it was a complete success.
“The puristic fat e-bikes from URBAN DRIVESTYLE show that the turnaround in mobility can be really stylish. We are very happy to work together to make the URBAN DRIVESTYLE e-bikes even more attractive as a sustainable, city-friendly mobility alternative through innovative battery-as-a-service offers,” explains Tobias Breyer, Head of Marketing & Co-Founder, SWOBBEE.
“What connects us with SWOBBEE is above all the claim to promote the traffic turnaround through innovative concepts. The flexibility provided by the SWOBBEE exchangeable battery stations is a perfect benefit for our customers. The partnership is therefore an ideal, logical next step for us and we look forward to further cooperation,” says Tilmann Eberhard, URBAN DRIVESTYLE.
Together, the two partners are also implementing a pioneering pilot project that offers a glimpse of the future of urban mobility. The starting signal for the “Berlin Bike Booster” campaign will be given shortly, as part of which the SWOBBEE Sharing Points will be opened for b2c applications for the first time.
When we think of electric bicycles, we consider the forward-thinking technology behind this increasing market. A growing number of cyclists are choosing the electric range over more conventional bicycles, but with this choice comes a maintenance cost. However, the expenditure is perhaps not as daunting as we might expect.
The research
According to Multiscope’s E-bike Monitor study among 3,200 Dutch cyclists, the annual maintenance for electric city bicycles and speed pedelecs averages at a mere 41 euros. Only slightly more expensive are the maintenance costs for mountain bikes and hybrid bicycles, averaging at 44 euros. As one might expect, due to their more complex designs, electric folding bicycles, cargo bicycles and tricycles break the 50 euros quota, but only just. This category has a mean annual cost of 54 euros.
Bearing distinct similarities to brands in all markets, maintenance costs varied according to the manufacturers. Focusing on the five largest e-bike brands, Giant’s Electric City Bike range averaged at only 30 euros per annum. Most expensive were Sparta’s range at an average of 56 euros, with Batavus (35 euros), Gazelle (38 euros) and Stella (46 euros) filling the gap.
Good news for bike shops
Multiscope’s study also included data on where the aforementioned maintenance takes place. Nearly two-thirds (66 percent) chose bikes shops for upkeep duties on their electric bicycles, while 14 percent preferred to consult the manufacturers. Owners of electric bicycles and private individuals accounted for 9 percent of this study and in 7 percent of cases, no maintenance was required.
The research showcases the annual value of the Dutch electric bicycle maintenance market, now worth 200 million euros. With this increasingly-popular two-wheeled trend set to continue, bike shops are gearing up for busy schedules and accountable costs.
The ‘Cycling made e-asy’ scheme runs from 2022 into 2023, offering free e-bike loans to citizens in 5 pilot areas, beginning with Greater Manchester
The UK Department for Transport has provided £8 million of investment to the ‘cycling made e-asy’ scheme, which is run by Cycling UK. The primary goal is to make e-bikes accessible to those who do not have access to, or would not consider, cycling as a form of transport.
Confirmed ‘Cycling made e-asy’ partners, supporting the delivery of the initiative, include Evans Cycles, Raleigh Bikes, Specialized, Tier Mobility, Islabikes, Cycling Projects, Bikeworks, Fusion Media, Modeshift, Cyclescheme, Cycle Confident, Big Issue e-bikes, Bicycle Association, and Transport for Quality of Life.
The program delivers a part of the ‘Cycling and Walking Plan (Gear Change)’. The plan was created with the ambitious vision of half of all journeys in UK urban areas being walked or cycled by 2030.
Cycling UK is a well-established organization in the UK, holding extensive experience in engaging with underrepresented groups and breaking down societal barriers. Utilizing a network of over 400 community cycling organizations will allow the scheme to rapidly engage with non-regular cyclists who may be interested in e-bike commuting.
Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive said:
“The project is a unique opportunity for Cycling UK to offer free and easy loans of electric cycles to communities across England. Each of our chosen locations will have a variety of e-cycles available to suit a variety of participants’ needs. At Cycling UK, we understand that taking the first step to start cycling can be a difficult prospect for many people. This project will allow them to access an e-cycle without obstacles holding them back, to help them make real changes to their travel habits.”
Cycling minister Trudy Harrison said:
“The £8 million we have provided for this scheme will help make cycling the natural first choice for many journeys – a key Government commitment from the Prime Minister’s Walking and Cycling plan. I’m grateful to Cycling UK for delivering this scheme on our behalf, giving people across the UK the opportunity to try something new whilst doing good for the planet.”
Comments Off on All-new drive unit for SCOTT Addict eRIDE
The SCOTT Addict eRIDE now features the new MAHLE X20 system, released 20th April 2022- the world’s lightest e-road bike just got faster, more versatile, and even more powerful. LEVA-EU member SCOTT’s eRoad bike raises the bar yet again.
The SCOTT Addict eRIDE has been the cornerstone of the brand’s eROAD segment for a couple of years and this benchmark lightweight E-Bike just raised the bar again. Working with drive train partner Mahle, the bike now features a new lighter, more powerful system – the Mahle X20.
The result is a bike for the discerning rider, a truly lightweight package at 10.6kg. Full integration with an engine that can be tuned to provide custom levels of support and simply turned off when not needed.
E-Road bikes aren’t on this earth to make things easier. They’re here to make things more interesting, to help you climb higher, longer and steeper.
Discover the features and technologies behind the SCOTT Addict eRIDE below.
Visit the official SCOTT Addict eRIDE webpage here.
Design and Integration SCOTT’s DNA is ITD – Innovation, Technology, Design – and the Addict eRIDE featuring the Mahle X20 is an excellent example of this. Everything on the bike from components to drive train and drive unit works as a single system. The minimalist design of the drive unit allows SCOTT to keep the aesthetic and design of its premium road racing bike the Addict RC, and a fantastically low weight of 10.6 kg.
A major enabler of this is the new X20 system from Mahle. This hub-driven motor allows for a minimalist silhouette so it’s truly indistinguishable from a traditional road bike. Hidden in the downtube is a 250Wh battery with the possibility of replacing a water bottle with a Range booster to further extend your horizons.
As the drive unit is located in the hub, the new X20 hub features an innovative plug system and a standard thru-axle making the removal of the rear wheel as easy as on a regular bike. Integration extends to the controls: a simple button on the top tube showing power and mode through color and optional shifters under the grip tape.
Performance The new Mahle X20 sees power increase to 60Nm which means a smoother and more powerful acceleration for the rider with more power on tap. The Mahle unit is hub-driven which leads to a very smooth experience for the rider in terms of power delivery.
The system has evolved across the board from weight to performance and integration. The new rear hub weighs in at 1.399kg, shedding over 500g from the system with better integration and control. The hub also switches to a standard 142×12 thru-axle and can take a full range of freewheels from SHIMANO, SRAM and N3W.
It’s a true smart system that can make adjustments through a range of sensors including a new torque and cadence sensor in the bottom bracket. These allow the E-Bike to accurately read each watt of power you apply, giving the user the appropriate response thanks to AI and Machine Learning. The system learns from you and adapts to your needs and the environment at every moment leading to a better riding experience.
Smart Riding A key benefit of the new X20 system is the ability to customize the system to the rider’s preference. Do you want maximum support when the road gets steep or simply minimal support and to be pushed hard physically? Only have two hours for a ride but want to cover more ground? This is also possible. The Mahle ONE app allows the rider to set their own limitations, not the road.
In short, the system can adapt to you and to your needs. A simple Sunday spin in January can be just as pleasurable as a long day up the Stelvio Pass in Europe. Your bike, your way.
Customization is simple using the new Mahle ONE app. Riders can personally configure the level of power and response from the system at each of the three power modes.
As an additional benefit, the drive unit is dragless. This allows the rider to turn the system off to conserve battery on a descent or on the flat. Your battery is no longer a limit.
Light Weight The lightest electric-assist road bike frame on the market just got even lighter. With a frame weight of just 1.04kg, a drive unit total system weight of 3.2kg and a complete bike weight of 10.6kg, the Addict eRIDE is a milestone in the electric road assist category. More than a number, the Addict eRIDE has been developed in close collaboration between our dedicated eRIDE and road engineers to perfectly balance the needs of a drive unit with the superior carbon layering of a World Tour-proven road bike.
For eROAD bikes which seek to replicate the feeling of a traditional bike, the low weight of the Mahle X20 system is really a game-changer that contributes to low overall bike weight.
SCOTT and MAHLE SCOTT and Mahle first worked together on the Addict eRIDE models released in 2020. With a shared philosophy of seamless integration and uncompromised riding performance, the two brands have reached the perfect synergy with the integration of the new Mahle X20 system into SCOTT’s Addict eRIDE models, rider-focused innovations that result in a better riding experience.
The Addict eRIDE Range The Addict eRIDE is available in 5 different models including a dedicated Contessa version as part of SCOTT’s Contessa Signature Collection: Addict eRIDE Ultimate (9.999,00 €), Addict eRIDE 10 (7.499,00 €), Addict eRIDE 20 (6.999,00 €), Addict eRIDE 30 (5.999,00 €). Contessa Addict eRIDE (6.999,00 €). Pricing may vary according to market.
Comments Off on Amy Paillot new Marketing Lead at QWIC
E-bike brand QWIC appointed Amy Paillot as their new Marketing Lead. With the appointment of Paillot, QWIC shifts even more from a retail-oriented brand to a consumer-oriented brand. QWIC aims to increase brand awareness and to become a preferred brand for consumers. With previous positions in marketing and business development in various industries, Paillot brings a lot of experience to the QWIC marketing team.
Amy has her roots in France but has also worked in South America, the US and she is now based in Amsterdam. At her most recent job, she was leading the Regional Marketing team of stroller company Joolz in Amsterdam. At Joolz she was leading the team in charge of all the marketing activations in 40 countries.
Within QWIC the focus will be on strengthening the QWIC brand and sharing its stories and products across all channels together with the team. QWIC wants to develop a stronger connection to their consumers, putting them at the center of everything they do from product development, to services but also in all communications.
Amy Paillot: “We know it can be overwhelming when someone is trying to find and buy an e-bike. We are there to help smoothen the process, provide the information and the inspiration the consumers need to make the right choice and find the perfect e-bike for them. In that way they are already well informed when they enter the bicycle shop.”
Paillot is excited about her new role:“QWIC is an amazing brand, with passionate employees, strong values and an inspiring vision to pioneer and accelerate the mobility revolution. I am so proud to be part of this adventure, and very excited to share who we are, what we stand for and of course I want to see thousands of QWIC e-bikes in the streets of Amsterdam, Berlin, Hamburg, Antwerp, and many more cities & countries in the future!”
Klever injects everything it’s learned over the past ten years into the N. It’s rideable, strong, practical, comfortable, and can carry heavy payloads. Plus, the N Rogue 45 is made mostly with an ever-increasing amount of in-house Klever components.
The N Rogue 45 stands out for its value in the Klever Mobility range, being the first-speed pedelec retailing under €5,000. The brand new model features a fresh Klever frame design and is equipped with a 1200Wh battery and 600W rear wheel motor. This model is capable of carrying a payloads up to 150 kg, and the XL model is designed for riders up to 205 cm.
As more and more Klever Mobility parts are made in-house, the brand gains the ability to control all aspects of the bike, ensuring all parts work more efficiently and reliably together. It also allows designers to innovate regardless of industry shortfalls.
The new Y Muse 45 is the speed pedelec variant of the previous Y Muse 25 e-bike. The Y Muse 45 gives the rider unexpected high power, a fashionable design, and practical comfort. The model includes relevant safety features, a 600w rear wheel motor and is standard equipped with an 850Wh battery at a €5.299 price point. “If you are looking for everyday excitement, to outsmart the city traffic, or just to enjoy the controlled speed, the Y Muse 45 is your perfect fit.“
Comments Off on VanMoof reveals its next-gen e-bikes including the long-awaited step-in frame
A brand new angled frame with lowered step-in is VanMoof’s most accessible to ride e-bike yet, and comes with multiple cargo options.
On April 5th, VanMoof announced its latest generation of e-bikes, the VanMoof S5 & A5. Fully re-engineered features include an ultra-silent powerful motor, long-range battery, powerful boost, and the latest VanMoof anti-theft tech. The new handlebar interface made up of LED Halo Rings communicate real-time feedback on speed, battery levels, unlocking, and more. The long-awaited lowered step-in A5 frame opens the opportunity for more riders worldwide to have their first e-bike experience. Check out the promo video here.
New step-in frame
Both new 5-Series frames offer riders the most easy and accessible way to ride VanMoof e-bikes yet. The S5 is a refresh of the unmistakable VanMoof straight frame with slightly smaller wheels. The high riding position remains the top pick for controlled cruising. The brand new A5 angled frame is designed for wider accessibility and keeps riders feeling closer to the road. The lowered step-in makes it easy to jump on and off and heightens comfort and confidence for people new to biking. In addition, the A5 comes with multiple cargo options making it the perfect ride for city errands. It is designed to transport the near equivalent to a small city car.
Easy and intuitive use
Usability was paramount in the design process, a requirement being that even first-time e-bike riders feel confident using the bike. The industry-first Halo Ring Interface, integrated into the e-bikes’ handlebars, is a new signature feature designed to give riders immediate and intuitive feedback. It shows speed, battery levels, and connectedness.
The famed VanMoof anti-theft technology has been honed with a revamped in-wheel kick lock, bigger pin, and new auto retract function. The bike secures itself with a tap, and is able to unlock automatically upon the rider’s return. A new optional phone mount and USB-C charging port turn every rider’s phone into a dashboard. This makes navigation and on-the-go charging easy, whilst also offering a data-rich ride thanks to the updated VanMoof app.
Ultra smooth riding experience
A series of detailed improvements elevate the bike’s stability, usability, and overall riding experience amounting to the smoothest one yet. The ultra silent Gen 5 motor, long-range battery, and powerful boost make up the connected ‘power system’ at the heart of the bikes. This complex network of intelligent sensors and responsive parts is engineered to work together giving riders an ultrasmooth, second-to-none riding experience. The VanMoof S5 and A5 respond to the rider’s own distinct pace and movement thanks to upgraded electronics, rebooted torque sensor and Gen 5 E-shifter. The remastered design and integrated tech mark a revolutionary leap forward, and have been honored with the prestigious Red Dot ‘Best of the Best’ design award.
“Only a handful of parts remain from our previous models, the S3 and X3. Every last detail from the frame down to the chip sets and sensors has been engineered for the smoothest, most powerful ride ever.” Ties Carlier, VanMoof Co-founder.
On sale
The VanMoof S5 & A5 come in gray and are on sale worldwide from April 5 for $2998. Deliveries start from July. A range of accessories, including an optional click-on external battery, become available early Summer 2022. To manage demand and delivery times, riders get access to purchase via waitlist. Sign up to the waitlist at vanmoof.com.
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