After being a big player in the e-bike market for years, VanMoof abruptly announced its bankruptcy last summer, leaving 200,000 users uncertain about the future of their e-bikes, with the possibility of no component or service centers being able to assist them. Since then it has been purchased by urban mobility manufacturer, Lavoie, who have implemented new management to outline plans for its future.
Two of its three new leaders, Elliot Wertheimer and Nick Fry, were recently interviewed by technology news outlet, The Verve, about VanMoof’s relaunch plans and the broadening of its product range. They strongly expressed their enthusiasm to keep existing VanMoof riders on the road, and described their schemes to revitalise the company and expand into new e-mobility areas.
Van Moof 2.0
For the European market, VanMoof’s 2024 relaunch will prioritise current riders by rolling out replacement parts to retailers with in-house repair shops, then it will resume e-bike sales from its existing catalogue, and follow with the launch of a new VanMoof branded e-scooter.
Wertheimer and Fry stated that like before, pre-bankruptcy, VanMoof’s product engineering, product design and technology development will still be fully in-house, with the company rehiring many of its previous staff based in Amsterdam.
The Verge article delves into more detail about the brand’s plans, the expertise of its new management and how they plan to turn things around and make VanMoof successful again. Click here to read the interview in full.
Comments Off on Swobbee and Motovolt join forces to launch 200 battery swapping stations in India
This collaboration mainly focuses on addressing challenges with battery life, charging time and cost, helping to improve overall user experience for two-wheeled EV’s in India.
German battery-tech company Swobbee has entered into a strategic partnership with Motovolt Mobility to revolutionize battery charging and enhance the efficiency and lifespan of electric vehicle (EV) batteries in India. The collaboration aims to deploy 200 battery-swapping stations across the country within the next two years, kickstarting with the inauguration of two stations in Delhi and Kolkata.
Motovolt Mobility’s Founder & CEO, Tushar Choudhary, highlighted the challenges faced by the electric two-wheeler sector in India, such as high upfront battery costs, limited range, battery performance issues, and concerns about end-of-life battery use and safety. The collaboration seeks to address these challenges by introducing Swobbee’s battery-swapping services, allowing customers to subscribe to a swapping solution provider, to eliminate the need to purchase batteries upfront. This ensures optimal battery performance, safe and efficient charging, and proper disposal of end-of-life batteries.
Choudhary emphasized Motovolt’s commitment to understanding customer pain points and overcoming them through unique services, product innovations, and industry collaborations. Swobbee’s battery-swapping services will initially target business customers, including delivery and transport services, before gradually becoming available to private customers.
Thomas Duscha, CEO & Co-Founder of Swobbee, stressed the significance of removing access barriers to clean mobility solutions in India. The partnership aims to improve LEV usage for businesses and private consumers. Swobbee stations are designed to be a universal infrastructure solution capable of accommodating various LEV battery types from different manufacturers.
The collaboration’s future plans include onboarding other EV manufacturers and establishing a comprehensive battery-swapping network for various vehicle makes and types across India. Swobbee, with existing stations in Europe and collaborations with major entities like Volkswagen, Total Energies, and NIU 2 Wheelers, has also undertaken pilot projects in Indonesia and is part of the Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC) alongside Honda, Piaggio, and Yamaha.
Comments Off on Research assesses physical activity levels of bike, e-bike and e-scooter trips
A study published in the Journal of Transport and Health reveals micromobility patterns in the city of Barcelona, Spain, by assessing physical activity levels associated with bike, e-bike and e-scooter usage.
Conventional bikes and e-bikes are the most active transport mode for health benefits.
To examine the physical activity and health benefits for each travel mode, researchers Bretones, Miralles-Guasch, and Marquet, measured the amount of energy used by riders as METs (Metabolic Equivalents of Tasks). Findings showed that energy conversion with all micromobility modes was 2.47 and 2.65 METs (under specified real time and traffic related conditions, respectively).
Out of all vehicle modes, E-scooters received the lowest energy conversion, with 2.20 METs on average, with researchers recognising the physical activity level required for it as being similar to that of automobile trips. Results also revealed that a minute of riding a conventional bike achieves 28% more physical activity than that of riding an e-scooter, with a difference of only 1.4% between electric scooters and e-bikes.
In terms of distribution for physical activity, the study states that e-scooter usage patterns showed intermittent peaks of physical activity with extended sedentary periods, while e-bikes and bicycles had a more even distribution, with more intense bursts of exercises during these trips.
The results revealed non-electric, conventional bikes as having the highest energy expenditure, with researchers highlighting both conventional and electric bikes as being key transport modes to help improve public health benefits through physical activity.
Vehicle usage in distance and location context
E-scooter trips covered shorter distances (1.96 km) compared to the mean distance covered by other modes of micromobility (2.28 km). The article does acknowledge that e-scooters can be a great transport replacement for more sedentary travel, such as private vehicles, and recognises that in the context of dense and compact cities like Barcelona, the short journeys that e-scooters tend to cover are often already undertaken by walking or biking.
The researchers indicate that this study can be a useful source to help improve public health policy, and suggests that e-scooter and bike sharing should be further promoted to replace car usage, thus helping to maximize health benefits for citizens.
Comments Off on AureusDrive announces new partner plus service discount for end users
Swiss e-bike manufacturer and retailer, AureusDrive has announced a new store partnership and servicing offer for consumers in select locations.
New partner
The brand has stated its new partner Velo-center is based in Biel, Switzerland, and is offering in-store test rides and servicing.
Available e-bike models for testing are:
Power45 in White, Size M
Comfort 25 in Black, Size S
Interested riders can book a test ride with this link.
E-bike servicing discount
AureusDrive is also offering a 15% discount on e-bike servicing in its Lucerne and Lausanne stores, where its team will be on hand to inspect and help customers prepare their rides for the winter season.
Riders can take advantage of this special offer until December 15th by scheduling an appointment through AureusDrive’s website.
Name selection for upcoming electric bike model
More exciting news to come out from the company is its request for users to vote on a name for the successor of its Classic/Comfort models online. The new e-bike will be a successor of the Classic and Comfort e-bikes, with customers being able to select whether they’d like a high top tube, or no top tube with their electric ride.
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.
Speed pedelec manufacturer, Stromer has applauded its riders for riding a milestone of 100 million kilometers in 2023, averaging more than 300,000 kilometers per day since January 1st.
The brand has put the milestone into perspective, by describing it as the equivalent of circumnavigating the Earth around 2,500 times, demonstrating the commitment of its riders to sustainable, electric mobility.
Stromer states its e-bikes as a powerful and eco-friendly alternative to the car, and with this also posted its riders have managed to save 19,100 tons of CO2 by using its rides.
Stromer announced this milestone as another testament to its successful 2023, with the Swiss organization looking forward to another year of providing electric bikes to customers through its 140 employees, and distribution in Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania.
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.
Wisper Electric Bikes has taken a significant step in enhancing bike security with its latest partnership with BackPedal. Effective immediately, Wisper Bikes will provide tracking, recovery, and insurance services integrated into its electric bike range.
What sets Wisper Bikes apart is the incorporation of BackPedal’s cutting-edge tracker and alarm directly into the bike’s electric system. The tracker enables real-time monitoring of the bike’s location through a dedicated app. Additionally, riders can lock the bike via the app, triggering an alarm on their phone if the bike is tampered with.
The tracker and alarm, seamlessly integrated into the bike’s battery, have a built-in battery backup. Even if the main battery is removed or the bike is turned off, the tracker continues to function for 21 days, automatically recharging when the bike is powered on again.
In the unfortunate event of a theft, BackPedal’s trained recovery agents, boasting an impressive 85% retrieval rate and an average recovery time of 17 hours, utilize the tracker and Bluetooth beacon to locate and retrieve the stolen bike. Should recovery take longer than two weeks, the third component of this comprehensive system comes into play—insurance. BackPedal, in coordination with its insurance partner, ensures a brand-new Wisper bike is delivered to the user’s doorstep.
David Miall, CEO of Wisper Bikes, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We have been working on offering an affordable, comprehensive bike theft prevention system to our customers since 2020. Working with BackPedal, we believe we have at last found the perfect solution.” This collaboration not only reinforces Wisper Bikes’ commitment to customer security but also sets a new standard in the fight against bike theft.
Comments Off on Interview: ten years of Pendix – e-bike drives from Zwickau
At the end of 2013, five founders launched a concept for retrofittable e-bike drives. Pendix GmbH was born. Today the company has developed into an internationally known manufacturer in its field. In an interview, CEO Thomas Herzog talks about unforgettable moments, milestones and new opportunities.
Mr. Herzog, ten years ago Pendix started with its idea for retrofittable electric bicycle drives. Is there anything from the early days that you remember as if it were yesterday?
Yes, the entry in the commercial register on November 18, 2013 is a day for our founding team that we will probably never forget. The product idea for Pendix was already there at the time. In January 2014 we had a workshop in the ADAC Tower at Sachsenring with all employees and investors. This meeting from the early days is still very present in my mind today: We approved a strong roadmap there and had the first prototype on the test bench three months later. Sales then started almost a year and a half later, in August 2015.
What has changed in the company since the early days; What, on the other hand, has remained completely the same?
At the beginning we started with strong and promising ideas. We were brimming with entrepreneurial spirit and energy. The strength and creativity remain to this day. In addition, we have also greatly professionalized our structure in recent years. You ask me what hasn’t changed for us? All I can say is: the people, the atmosphere and the togetherness. The topics at the lunch table have remained the same. (smiles)
What were the two biggest milestones of the stage so far?
By taking over VSC.BIKE in 2019, we were able to merge our expertise in drivetrain construction with the skills of a frame builder. Since then, we have been offering a unique combination of skills from a manufacturer in our industry. This benefits customers, among other things, in the development and coordination of cargo bike solutions. The next big milestone was Johnson Electric joining us in 2022. By working with the world’s leading industrial engine manufacturer, we have, so to speak, put the turbo in place for our future. We can rely on our partner when it comes to issues such as sustainability, scalability of our product range and securing our supply chain.
What has shaped your company more than anything else – are there people or circumstances that you are particularly grateful for today?
Everyone who has walked the journey with us to this point or who has accompanied our company for a while has helped to shape us. Above all, of course, are our employees, who remain loyal to us to this day. I am and we are all very grateful to you. I would also like to mention two other names that were and are very important for our development: Firstly, there is Mr. Stier from the TGFS in Leipzig. That was our first investor back then. A big thank you also goes to Stephen Dowling from Kator PTY, our investor from Australia. Without these people, Pendix wouldn’t be what it is today.
How would you summarize in one sentence the characteristics that have carried your company throughout its history?
It’s not just strength and speed that have led to our success so far, but also inner strength.
What are you currently focusing on, what goals will you pursue with Pendix in the next few months?
What we are all really excited about right now is the introduction of the Pendix gDrive. This is the first mid-engine with gearbox permanently installed on the bike in our company history. We built a first sample with which we carried out driving tests. The software and hardware came together for the first time – such a test is always a big moment for our team. We developed the new gDrive specifically for city and trekking bikes. Because: A mid-engine position on the bike is ideal when it comes to a natural riding experience. The start of production is planned for early 2025.
Thought experiment: We’ll do this interview again in a decade; Where do you see your company then?
I like to look into the crystal ball. What I see is: We have become one of the top five European manufacturers of electric drives for bicycles. I can also see that we are still based in Zwickau, here in Saxony.
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