Production capacity will almost double from 1,200 units per month to 2,200. This can be attributed to the installment of a second production line and the creation of additional storage spaces.
After establishing a production facility in Genas in mid-2020, foldable electric bicycle manufacturer, and LEVA-EU member, Eovolt has ridden the two-wheeled wave. In the first year, sales saw an increase from 3,800 units, to 9,500. As growth shows no sign of slowing down into 2022, it is unsurprising that the company continues to upscale its manufacturing presence.
An investment of €500,000 has secured the additional production capacity. Baptiste Fullen, Eovolt co-founder, shares, “The expansion of our production unit is part of a global company development project. We want to accentuate our local approach in order to lock our production chain and to be more responsive and more flexible.”
Comments Off on Podbike nominated for the Eurobike Innovators Prize 2022
The Podbike FRIKAR by LEVA-EU member Podbike AS has been nominated for the Eurobike Innovators Prize 2022 in a competitive and inventive bicycles category.
An online audience will select which nominees in the category reach the final round by casting their votes, so participation by all visitors to the Eurobike website is encouraged. The Podbike FRIKAR e-bike is up against established giants with large followings, so the competition is tough. All votes will be considered and a panel of experts will then decide the winner.
The Podbike® Frikar is helping fight the climate crisis by offering an alternative to motor vehicles for short journeys and daily commutes. Practical, efficient, attractive, and suitable for riding in comfort 365 days per year, this innovative design puts the fun factor back into daily life whilst not disregarding those elements of safe travel that we’ve become accustomed to. Comprehensive braking systems, independent suspension, and fully-enclosed all-weather protection for rider and child/cargo mean this street-worthy design is a certified contender and one to be celebrated.
Comments Off on Pendix at Eurobike: serial hybrid you can touch
The drive specialist, and LEVA-EU member, Pendix is also represented at the Eurobike trade fair this year, which this time is primarily dedicated to future mobility. In line with this, the Zwickau-based company is presenting its innovative Pendix eDrive IN hub drive, which was specially designed as a B2B product for the bicycle and micro-mobility sector. Visitors can try out the drive at the fair and take test drives.
The basis is the brushless drive technology of the previous eDrive models. In order to keep the number of components, wear and tear, and maintenance costs to a minimum, there is also a serial hybrid variant. This version of the drive does not require a mechanical drive train, but an electric chain. The energy generated by the driver is sent to the rear motors via a generator. The European Commission recently decided to put bicycles with this drive technology on the same legal footing as conventional bicycles.
The Pendix eDrive IN is already being used in various model projects. For example the logistics company Postnord has added eight cargo bikes including Pendix eDrive IN to its fleet. The new serial hybrid technology is also already being tested on the Stadtaffe model from cargo bike manufacturer Vowag. Series production of the Pendix eDrive IN is scheduled to begin at the end of 2022.
Pendix Managing Director Thomas Herzog is looking forward to the reactions of the specialist audience: “Our entire team put a lot of heart and soul into the development of the Pendix eDrive IN. And I think a really innovative and future-proof drive has emerged with which we want to help drive the turnaround in traffic. In any case, the first reactions from our customers are consistently positive, and I’m looking forward to hearing what the Eurobike visitors think after they’ve done a lap.”
The Eurobike will take place from July 13th to 17th, 2022 in Frankfurt am Main. In Hall 8, where Pendix is represented at booth F19, everything revolves around “Future Mobility” over 30,000 square meters. In addition to bicycles, the focus is primarily on e-mobility, climate protection, digitization and sustainability, light electric vehicles, or cargo bikes. Topics such as microhubs, the last mile, or connections to public transport are also part of the program.
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.“
Previous studies have shown that e-bike owners cycle more and drive less than they would without access to an e-bike. Support schemes for e-bikes exist in a number of countries, but knowledge about the effect of subsidies on active transport is limited. A new study into an Oslo-based e-bike subvention scheme reports on the uptake and use and the accompanying benefits.
To boost the uptake of e-bikes, Oslo City Council introduced a subvention program (€500) for e-bike purchasers in 2016. Applicants disclosed a travel diary, answered a web survey on usage, and downloaded an app to support their activities. The survey results from the trial group were compared with two control groups; an outside sample of individuals and subvention receivers who had not yet purchased the e-bike. Compared to the control groups, the trial group increased cycling activities by 17–22% after subsidized e-bike purchase and a range of 11.6–19.3 km. The subvention led to more cycling activity and it concluded that financial incentives may contribute to a boost in active transport, even when the subvention is of a simplistic kind that does not target specific population segments.
E-bikes have increased in popularity worldwide during the last few decades and represent the fastest-growing segment of the transport system (MacArthur et al., 2014). One aspect of e-bikes that is attracting more and more research interest is their effect on mobility patterns (Peterman et al., 2016). The e-bike has notable results regarding the impact on daily transport modes compared to regular cycling and walking. Distances are increased and even those only considered to be accessible by active transport are considered; traditional cycling barriers are reduced (de Geus and Hendriksen, 2015). The e-bike may also reach population segments that are not prone to regular cycling or walking and particularly important for countries with current low bicycle use. However, the most rapid uptake has occurred in countries with high existing bicycling shares.
A scoping review by Bourne et al. (2020) highlighted that the impact of the e-bike on travel behavior is largely influenced by the primary mode of travel prior to the introduction of the e-bike, largely a shift from traditional bicycles or cars. Physical activity has obvious health benefits and due to the electrical motor assistance, barriers such as long distances and hills become easier to overcome (de Geus and Hendriksen, 2015), and hence facilitate more physical activity in everyday life (Oja et al., 2011). The potential downside of the motor assistance is that it requires less self-generated power (i.e. energy expenditure) for a given time and distance, compared to a non-assisted bicycle. However, the e-bike is found to require physical activity of at least moderate intensity (Bourne et al., 2018)
To boost e-bike sales, various forms of support schemes or incentives have been introduced, driven by a concern for the environment and for public health. Learning about the mode-share effects and changes in the overall cycling of such schemes is of particular interest, as it is an open question whether the motivation to use the e-bike after purchase is the same among subvention receivers as among “normal” e-bike purchasers. This recent study assesses the effect of subsidizing the purchase of e-bikes on users’ daily mobility patterns, and overall bicycle usage. Bicycle usage was measured by two items; how far (in kilometers) were ridden and whether the use was for transport or exercise. The trial group was also asked if (and when) they had bought the e-bike and first put it to use. To match the control group to the trial group they were also posed the question: “If you were to buy a bike today, would you consider an electric bike?” Possible answers were: “Yes, absolutely”; “Yes, maybe”; “I don’t think so”; “Don’t know” and “No, certainly not”.
The app data was collected over a period of two months and the total number of trips recorded was 219,105. The largest difference in car use was between prospective buyers and those who had purchased an e-bike, and some of the higher cycling mode share was due to decreased use of public transport. The study was only designed to look at the relatively short-term effects of the subvention program and some participants had owned their e-bikes for five months. The data indicated that the earliest adopters cycled more than the latecomers, but this could just as well be a result of stronger motivation as of length of ownership. Typically, many people will cycle less or stop cycling completely in the winter months.
The study concluded that financial incentives can contribute to a boost in active transport even when the subvention is simplistic and doesn’t target specific population segments. For subvention receivers participating in the study, the increase in cycling was significant so promoting e-bikes with fiscal incentives seems to work as intended in a Nordic country with relatively low cycling levels.
LEVA-EU Member Klever has introduced its latest e-bike model, the N Rogue 45
The new launch reveals a brand-new frame design and is equipped as standard with an 850 Wh battery (a 1200 Wh battery is optionally available) and a 600W Biactron 2.0 rear wheel motor, which can be secured by means of the motor lock. The motor offers four different assistance options: N, Eco, Tour and Max.
N Rogue 45 is capable of carrying riders of up to 150 kg, and the XL version is suitable for taller riders up to 205 cm.
The e-bike is built primarily with own-brand Klever components, more and more of which are made in-house. This gives Klever greater control over all aspects of the bike to ensure all parts work together efficiently and reliably. Klever says it allows them to innovate regardless of the industry’s shortcomings.
The N Rogue 45 is Klever’s first speed pedelec under € 5000, with the brand aiming to make this segment accessible to a wider audience. Klever says they’ve put everything they’ve learned over the past decade into the N Rogue, making it practical, drivable and comfortable, as well as capable of carrying heavy loads.
As with other Klever products, dual sensor technology is in use; the N Rogue 45 is equipped with both a rotation and force sensor. This provides a natural and fluid support, without having to shoot forward with a single kick.
Regarding lighting, the N Rogue 45 is fitted with a powerful headlight of 730 Watt and 1350 Watt with high beam and a flashing light function.
Comments Off on QWIC strengthens sales position in Germany
Dutch LEVA-EU member e-bike brand QWIC is strengthening its sales position in Germany by entering into a partnership with the E-motion E-bike Expert Group. Dealers in the dealer network of the E-motion Group are specialized in electric bicycles and only carry e-bike types and brands of the highest quality and reliability. QWIC is known for its qualitatively and innovatively designed e-bikes.
The collaboration between E-motion and QWIC started in April. The quality of the QWIC e-bikes was decisive for E-motion to enter into the partnership. The good availability of QWIC e-bikes and the fact that only QWIC employees are the point of contact for service have also contributed to this.
In addition, a convincing argument was that the dealer can always respond to the wishes of the customer and reorder e-bikes according to individual needs via the QWIC Dealer portal and without shipping costs. The high quality and durable components of the bicycles, as well as the design and the very comfortable riding characteristics, convinced E-motion.
“I am very pleased that we have again secured an important strategic partner with the E-motion E-bike Expert Group and its e-bike experts to make the QWIC brand accessible to customers throughout Germany and to strengthen the specialized trade”, says Rasched Abu-Isbeih, Sales Manager, QWIC Germany.
Since 2009, the E-motion E-bike Expert Group has been an independent association of economically independent specialist dealers specializing in electric bicycles. The network currently consists of 75 e-bike expert shops in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Any Italian company or business activity that invested in the purchase of a cargo bike for its daily activities in 2021 will now be able to receive up to 30% of the total expense. According to a decree published in the Italian Official Gazette, the incentive will be “in the form of a tax credit” and is up to a maximum of €2,000.
The Italian government has allocated €2million to the scheme, which applies to the purchase of cargo bikes and power-assisted bikes. An online registration is soon to be created with a deadline for submissions to obtain the credit set at 20th June 2022.
Cargo bikes are being championed by manufacturers around Europe and their numbers are set to expand. Companies are using cargo bikes for first- and last-kilometres deliveries, while families are encouraged to replace their second cars with cargo bikes and similar modes of transport. The subsidies do only apply to businesses and not personal use, however.
Elisa Gallo, the president of the FIAB Torino Bike Pride – the Italian Association of Cycling Friends (which recently organised a cargo bike day), and newly elected national councillor of the Italian Environment and Bicycle Federation, commented on the news to RivistaBC: “It is certainly useful to invest in cargo bikes. Italians are beginning to be interested in cargo bikes, however, much more needs to be done. Delivery companies are also more sensitive to their environmental impact. It is certainly desirable for the incentive to be renewed also for 2022.”
The National Association for Cycle and Motorcycle Accessories (ANCMA) remarked that the incentive is still far away from contributing to reach the environmental objectives or the ecological transition and that more are needed to encourage cycling. However, considering the current energy crisis, this could potentially favour a radical change in the way people and goods move, particularly inurban areas.
For more information check the Italian Ministry of Ecological Transition (MiTE) Gazzetta Ufficiale
Comments Off on Podbike updates on manufacturing progress
LEVA-EU Member Podbike reports on an intensely busy time at headquarters as they focus on delivering their first run of bikes to pre-order customers.
During some last-minute design checks, Podbike staff discovered that the rivets used on the FRIKAR’s base plate did not match the manufacturer’s claimed technical specifications. To fully ensure reliability, Podbike are undertaking additional fatigue-testing to check the rivets’ durability.
With the testing ongoing, Podbike hope that no changes will be needed. However, if the rivets are found to be not strong enough, new base plates will be built. These are due to arrive in July.
Podbike have reiterated that first FRIKAR deliveries will go to customers in Norway and then to customers in Germany. Starting in 2023, Podbike will launch in other countries, one at a time.
Podbike also report on engineering tweaks to the FRIKAR’s design, which have been integrated following insightful comments during last year’s test ride tour of Norway and northern Germany.
One issue which has challenged Podbike’s engineers is unwanted noise inside the cabin. The electric motor, plus the sound of the driver pedalling, was a bit too loud for some.
Podbike are working to optimize the solution while also avoiding adding too much weight, and report that solving the noise issue will take time. They acknowledge that this is a common issue for every velomobile where the drivetrain and moving parts are inside the rider cabin, rather than hidden in a separate, heavy and soundproofed engine compartment.
Finally, Podbike have shared details and a short video of their new Dynamometer Jig for dyno testing the FRIKAR.
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