The LEVA-EU member has posted a festive themed promotion with Father Christmas riding around town on its latest model, the Xcite, drawing a lot of smiles from passers by, capping off a fantastic year for the company.
Boasting up to 80Nm of torque, the Xcite, launched in November 2025, is equipped with a weld-free frame, a discreet and powerful Nexus belt drive alongside other crowd-pleasing features.
Vyber has had a fantastic 2025, from launching its Xcite e-bike, to winning the FD Gazelle 2025 Award that celebrates the performance, stability and entrepreneurship of businesses.
At the beginning of December, China introduced strengthened and stricter regulations on domestically produced electric bikes, which will also enhance the safety of Chinese-manufactured products entering international markets. The new rules follow a mandate earlier this year on EV battery fire prevention measures.
A new regulation, GB 17761-2024, means that every Chinese e-bike sold within China must have a valid China Compulsory Certificate (CCC), which supercedes any previous standards applicable to such products.
The rules include obligatory safety testing for battery issues such as thermal runaway, as well as a stipulation that there must now be digital communication between the battery and charger before the charging process can begin.
Batteries and chargers will be subject to separate CCC certification, meaning that all electrical components of e-bikes are subject to the same standards, including components that are made available independently from complete bikes.
Detail of new regulations
Certification: Mandatory CCC marking indicating compliance with GB 17761-2024 regulations.
Battery safety: Lithium-ion batteries and their respective chargers must be CCC compliant. Batteries need to pass a set of set safety tests, which will ensure that a single defective cell does not cause a fire or explosion. The battery and charger must communicate before charging commences, to ensure proper compatibility. Abnormal temperature detection must trigger an alarm.
Materials: The e-bike’s construction must contain no more than 5.5% non-fire resistant plastics.
Defence against tampering: Battery, controller and charging components must be interoperable, and designed with a level of security that makes tamper attempts harder. All newly produced e-bikes must make it impossible to have their speed limits adjusted.
GPS: The new rules encourage features such as GPS integration, real-time communication and dynamic safety monitoring. This is to help end-users track their e-bikes and to enable safety alerts. Electric bikes built for commercial use must be equipped with Beidou positioning chips.
According to figures revealed by market research company NielsenIQ at a recent event, the Belgian bicycle market has seen a healthy uptick in overall sales in 2025, with e-bikes accounting for 66.1% of this figure.
The figures were presented at an event for the Belgian bicycle industry hosted by mobility organisation TRAXIO. The sales data is taken from cash-register figures from both individual retailers and large chains, but excludes direct sellers and suppliers such as Decathlon. Kristof Scheys of NielsenIQ said that this sales data represents 60-65% of the Belgian bike sales market.
Following a fall in in 2024, where sales of new bicycles dropped by 6.8%, in 2025 sales are up 13.6%. E-bikes account for 66.1% of the market in 2025, with cargo bikes having a 7.8% share and longtail bikes a 6.4% share. The average purchase price of an e-bike is €4,000; regular bikes have an average price of €1,700.
Further topics during the event included the latest developments in Europe’s e-bike battery regulations, and a discussion on circular e-bike leasing, alongside the potential for a repair index and sustainability index for bicycles.
A bicycle shop in Enschede, the Netherlands, has introduced a leasing scheme for custom and adapted bicycles, providing greater access to mobility for customers with additional needs due to age or illness, who may be hesitant about investing in a suitable model.
Landewé Fietsen, which has two branches in the town of Enschede, stocks various specially adapted bicycles including models from LEVA-EU member Van Raam, alongside more traditional bikes, e-bikes and cargo bikes.
Owner Wim Landewé has created the scheme, Noaberlease, which enables customers to lease a custom bicycle for €200-€300 per month, with maintenance, insurance and roadside assistance included in the cost. Landewé says, “A tricycle costs €7,000 to €8,000, and a tandem costs around €10,000 if it’s electrically assisted.” He acknowledges that this upfront cost can be a deterrent for many people, particularly if they are apprehensive about their ongoing ability to use a bicycle. He continues, “We think that’s a shame because we want everyone to have access to bicycle mobility. If only because people who are not mobile often end up socially isolated.”
The Netherlands’ leasing landscape
The launch of Noaberlease is not Landewé’s first foray into bicycle leasing. He was a co-founder in 2001 of the pioneering Twentse Samenwerkende Rijwielhandelaars (TSR), a collective of bicycle dealers which helped ensure that employees could purchase bicycles through tax-friendly plans.
Now, employees are more likely to lease through a company bike leasing scheme following their introduction in 2020. It was recently reported that a quarter of new electric bicycles in the Netherlands are leased through employers. Anouk Hiensch, Director of Lease a Bike, which provides both traditional and adapted models, says, “People appreciate not having to pay a large sum all at once for a good bike, making e-bikes accessible to all working Dutch people. Bicycles are becoming one of the most sought-after secondary employment benefits.” Heinsch goes on to observe: “An e-bike could replace a car for many people. We’re also seeing increased cycling thanks to company bicycles. There are advantages for employers too. Implementing the scheme is free of charge. And employees stay more energetic. Some employers consider this so important that they cover all the leasing costs.”
For Landewé’s private customers through Noaberlease, Wim Landewé sees clear advantages, with affordable costs and the ability to cancel after a year free of charge with no buyout agreement. “You can lease your customized bicycle. No large upfront investment, no setbacks, cancel anytime, free testing beforehand, and all-inclusive service and repairs. If you no longer need the bicycle, we’ll pick it up and you won’t have any further costs. If all goes well, you can take over the bicycle after three years.”
The LEVA-EU member announced that the partnership with Circuit Zandvoort will involve the company’s e-bikes being available for corporate cycling tours.
The Dutch Formula 1 circuit at Zandvoort is now offering a unique option for companies renting the venue. Corporate groups can enhance their F1 experience with a guided cycling tour by testing high-quality Dutch-manufactured e-bikes on the official Formula 1 track. This initiative combines the excitement of the circuit with a focus on mobility, wellness, and team engagement.
This latest initiative enables Circuit Zandvoort to integrate corporate social responsibility and sustainability into a distinctive and memorable experience, and comes after its CEO, Robert van Overdijk, visited the Opmaet Fietsen site last month.
For the e-bike manufacturer, the collaboration with Circuit Zandvoort represents an opportunity to promote vitality, mobility, and enjoyment at one of the Netherlands’ most renowned racing locations.
The LEVA-EU member was among brands taking part in “The Power of Styles” two-day event, bringing together over 400 dealers and industry professionals to witness a spectacle of innovative design showcases in Amersfoort in the Netherlands.
The premium e-bike manufacturer joined forces with AGU and Brekr for the prestigious show hosted at the historic Prodent Factory in Amersfoort.
QWIC leading with innovation and identity
First on stage was QWIC’s Commercial Director, Rens Evers, who outlined QWIC’s impressive progress since 2024. “Since then, we’ve made great strides and laid the foundations upon which we will build our future. Last year, we had a dealer show in Amsterdam, to which we were able to invite 150 dealers; now we’ve invited a whopping 400 over two days. So that speaks volumes. We’re seeing our market share increase month after month, and that means we’re on the right track,”
Evers emphasized that style is not merely about aesthetics but about identity and emotional connection. “The Power of Styles is today’s theme. Style isn’t just about appearance. For us, style is about expressing your identity, your creativity, and your experience. Power of Styles shows that choices, form, colour, tone, and presentation not only define your statement but also evoke emotions. And by evoking emotions, we try to make an impact.” he explained.
Introducing the QWIC Elan and Signal
Head of Product Development, Jos Schutte, also presented the latest additions to QWIC’s lineup, beginning with the Elan, a new all-round e-bike featuring a Bosch drivetrain, a first for QWIC. Starting at €2,999, the Elan is available in three variants and offers users a choice between motor options, a chain or belt drive, and a range of stylish color choices.
The Elan offers carefully thought out design details such as a one-hand removable battery, textile carrying loop, and color-matched accessories, which represent QWIC’s commitment to merging practicality with individuality.
Schutte also unveiled the Signal, the lightest QWIC model to date at just 20.6 kg. This single-speed, belt-driven e-bike is also an introduction to the company’s new Essential segment — minimalist, refined, and accessible. “Essential bikes are simple and uncomplicated. You could say they’re minimalistic and no-nonsense,” Schutte said.
With its expanding lineup and renewed focus on individuality, The Power of Style event was a great opportunity for QWIC to reaffirm its reputation as a leading innovator in the e-bike industry by shaping the future of urban mobility through technology, design, and emotional connection.
QWIC recently published a video about The Power of Style event on its YouTube channel.
Cities around the world are increasingly plagued by traffic congestion and air pollution caused by traditional urban freight systems. As the need to rethink logistics grows urgent, a new UK-based organisation has emerged: the Sustainable Urban Freight Association, has been established to challenge outdated logistics systems, showcase the commercial viability of green delivery, and advocate for decarbonised freight solutions nationwide.
Why SUFA was founded
The freight industry has long depended on polluting diesel fleets. While alternatives like electric vans and e-cargo bikes exist, their wider adoption has been held back by policy gaps, lack of visibility, and fragmented efforts.
SUFA brings together 18 founding members—from local operators like Delivery Mates to global names like DHL—to build a united front. Their goal is to share knowledge, raise the industry’s collective voice, and embed sustainability at the core of urban logistics.
Funding comes from Impact on Urban Health, a London-based nonprofit. Portfolio Manager Amandeep Kellay explains the need for SUFA:
“Freight is the backbone of our economy. But our systems of freight are broken and in urgent need of modernisation, in urban areas, air pollution disproportionately affects groups including racialised communities, people in lower income areas and children. We believe SUFA’s work to modernise freight will make our towns and cities safer and healthier places to live, work, and grow.”
Strategic support will be provided by Purpose Union, with Associate Director Tom Hunt noting SUFA’s mission is to promote clean, reliable freight systems that integrate seamlessly into urban life.
Giving sustainable freight a voice in policy
Kevin Savage, COO of Delivery Mates, sees SUFA as a powerful way to push sustainable logistics into the mainstream:
“Large organisations with large infrastructure are not catching up at the speed that they should be. In comparison, there’s a lot of small and medium sized operators out there that have learned how to cleanly deliver in cities right across the UK, not just in London.”
While smaller firms were forced to evolve quickly under ULEZ and Clean Air Zones, they often lack representation in national policymaking.
“Delivery Mates doesn’t have much of a seat at the table with the Department for Transport because we’re a smaller operator. But DHL does, and so do the other larger operators. By joining together as part of SUFA, we’ll have a louder voice at the policy table when it comes to lobbying for sustainable logistics.” says Savage.
Collaboration over competition
SUFA brings together companies of all sizes, with the diversity fostering cross-learning and mutual growth.
Savage explains, “Smaller operators can take the best practices from these larger players to scale, whilst larger companies can go even further by learning directly from long-standing zero emission operators”.
Collaboration could also lower barriers with insurers, where understanding of cargo bike operations remains limited.
“Cargo bikes and cycling is not very understood by insurers and underwriters. Together, we can make a better representation to underwriters than we could individually.” adds Savage.
Sustainability and profitability: Not a trade-off
One of SUFA’s key goals is to prove that green logistics is commercially viable. SUFA member Delivery Mates delivered nearly 3 million parcels in 2024, increasing volume by 36% while cutting total mileage by 45%—optimising routes and reducing costs.
“We want to change the narrative around sustainable urban deliveries, proving that it’s a model that can be both commercially and environmentally sustainable.” concludes Savage.
Looking ahead: SUFA’s next steps
In its first year, SUFA is free to join, and the organisation is already working with policymakers on policy reforms, with efforts including:
Proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street in London
Contributions to Transport for London’s Sustainable Freight Strategy
Engagement around insurance reform and congestion charge exemptions for EVs
“Our aims for the first year are small but mighty, we want to deliver quick policy wins, such as making sure the impending congestion charge on EVs in London doesn’t reverse progress on decarbonising transport.” says Hunt.
Looking further ahead, SUFA may introduce a subscription model, but its immediate focus is on action, inclusion, and visibility, giving many clean freight operators the platform they’ve long lacked.
As cities increasingly call for faster, cleaner, and more responsible delivery solutions, SUFA has the potential to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of freight transport by driving progress toward a more sustainable and efficient urban logistics system.
E-cargo bikes are increasingly being recognised as a practical alternative to cars for everyday family transport, according to new research from the UK and Canada. The findings indicate that when e-cargo bikes are more financially accessible and culturally familiar, families are more likely to adopt them, resulting in a measurable reduction in short car trips for school runs, errands, and local commuting.
In the UK, a recent trial found that when families were given access to e-cargo bikes, many started using them in place of their cars – particularly for short, routine trips. Meanwhile, a study from the University of British Columbia in Canada found that rebates helped households reduce driving and increase cycling significantly. Together, the findings suggest that by making family cycling more normal and affordable, people will cycle more and drive less.
UK trial shows shift in family travel habits
The UK research, published in academic publication Geoforum, included 108 interviews with 49 households. Participants used the e-cargo bikes for a month for school drop-offs, supermarket runs and multi-stop errands – replacing trips previously thought to be car-only.
The families that participated described the experience as a blend of car-like convenience with the sociability and neighbourhood connection of cycling. This shift in perspective, researchers say, represents a new form of “e-cargo bike citizenship” – where utility cycling becomes a normal, desirable part of daily life.
For many, initial anxieties about safety, infrastructure, or looking different faded with use. Over time, the practicality of e-cargo bikes outweighed concerns, especially when combined with the convenience of avoiding parking issues, combining errands, and discovering more local routes.
Canadian study on rebate effects
Meanwhile, with affordability being frequently reported as a barrier for e-bikes, the University of British Columbia in Canada conducted an evaluation of British Columbia’s 2023–24 e-bike rebate programme by tracking over 1,000 participants after three months and twelve months. The results revealed that:
Car use dropped by around 20%
Weekly e-bike use increased by 40 km
Car mileage dropped by 17 km
CO2 emissions fell by 17–22%
Travel costs reduced by almost 12%
The programme saw the highest uptake among lower-income households, underlining the impact of targeted support. In short, the study indicates that lowering the cost of access can directly accelerate behavioural change, a finding that echoes the UK trial, which focused on cultural acceptance through experience.
Increasing e-cargo bike use
Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), stated that the market is increasingly offering a wider range of e-cargo bike models designed to enhance practicality and accessibility for families. This, she believes, is enabling more households to replace short car trips with cycling, delivering benefits in terms of inclusion, reduced emissions, and lower congestion—while also encouraging more women and children to adopt cycling as part of their daily lives.
Professor Ian Philips, lead researcher on the UK trial, added that the ELEVATE team is analysing who benefits from e-cargo bikes, and under what conditions, with this type of granular data being useful for councils and transport planners trying to shift short-trip habits.
Encouraging usage through cost and culture
When placed side-by-side, the UK and Canadian findings indicate how e-cargo bike usage can be increased:
Cultural shift through lived experience (e.g. loan schemes through schools or employers)
Affordability through targeted support (e.g. rebates, vouchers, or finance)
With many daily journeys such as school runs and local trips being short, shifting even a small portion of shorter distance trips to e-bikes can help to free up road space, reduce emissions, and make streets safer.
What’s needed next
To build on this momentum, researchers and advocates point to three clear priorities to make e-cargo bike accessibility easier and more affordable:
Safe, connected cycling routes, especially to schools and town centres
Secure parking for cargo bikes at key destinations
Time-limited, try-before-you-buy schemes, supported by inclusive finance options
According to the latest AMBE Bicycle Sector Barometer, presented at Sea Otter Europe, Spain’s bicycle industry is entering the second half of 2025 with cautious optimism.
The findings also highlight strong growth potential in the e-bike sector, with over 95% of businesses now offering e-bikes, alongside news of a €20 million government subsidy.
Data-driven growth
Spain’s bicycle industry association, AMBE, has been admired for its commitment to data collection and analysis as a tool for strategic business planning. Javier López, recently appointed Head of Data at AMBE, emphasised the barometer’s importance:
“The AMBE Barometer is not just a report: it is a reflection of how our sector is evolving, The participation of stores and companies is what gives it meaning and value, because each piece of data collected helps to draw a more complete and useful picture for everyone. In an environment where trends are changing rapidly, having up-to-date information throughout the year is essential to guide strategies and anticipate challenges.”
E-bike sales gaining ground
Although Spain traditionally leans toward non-electric bicycles, e-bike sales are showing promise, with the barometer revealing that 95% of participating businesses now offer e-bikes.
López added:
“In retail stores, e-bikes are now almost universal and already account for a significant share of income. This gap highlights the development potential of the category, which will remain a key driver of the sector in the coming years. For example, in the wholesale channel (sell-in), 31% of companies report that e-bikes already account for more than half of their turnover, confirming their growing weight in the business.”
Government support fuels momentum
President Pedro Sánchez’s government has announced a €40 million mobility initiative aimed at encouraging e-bike use and expanding bike-sharing systems. The funding includes:
€20 million for personal e-bike subsidies.
€20 million for upgrading bike-sharing platforms like Bicimad and Bicing.
Jesús Freire, AMBE’s Secretary General, noted that the consumer subsidies are expected to roll out by the end of 2025.
Sell-in vs Sell-out trends
The second edition of the barometer saw 81% of AMBE member companies participate, responding to eight qualitative questions. For the first time, insights gathered a joint perspective from across manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, revealing a significant divergence:
Sell-in (brands & distributors): reporting stable or growing figures.
Sell-out (retailers): facing more pronounced sales declines.
Additional findings included:
Lower inventory levels.
Increasing e-bike availability in stores.
Modest but rising online and second-hand sales activity.
Recovery after three challenging years
Despite declining sales since 2021, the Spanish bike sector still maintained turnover above pre-COVID levels in 2024. However, revenue dipped 6.5% to €2.3 billion (including parts and accessories).
Outlook for the remainder of 2025: stabilisation and cautious hope
Looking ahead, 53% of surveyed businesses expect stable turnover compared to 2024. Brands and distributors remain cautious following a strong start to the year, while retailers are slightly more optimistic—likely due to the time lag between production and final consumer sales. AMBE suggests businesses remain prudent but ready to capitalise on a potential recovery in the latter half of 2025.
Inventory and profitability pressures
Stock levels are gradually normalising, with 56% of brands and distributors reporting reductions relative to turnover, thanks to promotions and better stock control. However, half of retailers report maintaining stock at 2024 levels.
Profit margins remain under pressure:
Suppliers have adjusted margins to clear inventory.
Retailerssaw a slight margin recovery during the first half of 2025.
AMBE’s growing role
AMBE now counts 60 full members and 45 associate members. Freire commented on the association’s evolving influence:
“We are experiencing healthy growth, not that we are hunting growth, but we are seen as becoming more relevant. We have a very united membership, with everybody contributing to pushing the sector forward together.”
AMBE’s key priorities include:
Enhanced data reporting.
Policy and fiscal advocacy.
Promoting vocational training.
Freire concluded:
“Vocational training is so important, as to support the needs of a growing industry, you need training for the sustainability of the industry. So I think it is very important that the Ministry of Education recognises this and supports it fiscally.”
Sea Otter Europe: a key industry touchpoint
AMBE presented its findings at the event held in Girona, Spain. With nearly 74,000 visitors, over 500 exhibiting brands and a strong B2B presence via Sea Otter Connect and the Euro Mobility Festival, this year’s ninth edition was the biggest yet.
