Tag Archive: German Design Award

  1. Convoy wins German Innovation Award

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    Source: Convoy, German Innovation Award

    The LEVA-EU member is delighted about the jury’s recognition of the cargo bike trailer conversion system as a practical, sustainable solution which can replace the car for short everyday journeys.

    The German Innovation Awards has been running since 2017 as a platform for change, by shining a light on pioneering innovations that make a difference through smart technologies, meaningful impact and forward thinking.

    About its award win in the Excellence in Business to Consumer Transportation category, Convoy stated that it is fantastic recognition to all of its team, partners, testers, retailers, investors and supporters who have contributed to its mission in helping people to replace short car trips with cycling.

    For its mission, the brand innovated the CONVOY to transform any bicycle into a longtail e-bike with its practical and smart technology.

    “The future of family mobility shouldn’t require a bigger bike. It should require a smarter trailer.”

    The CONVOY’s electric drive system, active steering technology and patented in-line architecture were popular features highlighted by the jury in the following statement:

    “The increasing strain on urban mobility requires flexible and sustainable alternatives to cars for short distances. CONVOY transforms any adult bicycle into a family-friendly utility vehicle, impressing with an innovative combination of electric drive and active steering technology. The patented inline architecture ensures an exceptionally stable and natural riding experience that combines safety and comfort. With quick assembly and a load capacity of up to 50 kilograms, CONVOY offers a versatile solution for transporting children, luggage, or pets. This development thus enables simple, safe, and practical everyday mobility that sustainably enriches urban lifestyles.”

  2. Dynamic Drives Giessen wins German Design Award 2026

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    Sources: Dynamic Drives Giessen, German Design Award

    The LEVA-EU member’s INTELECTRA has been announced as the bicycles and e-bike product design category winner at the prestigious German Design Award show.

    The German brand has stated that the award is an acknowledgement of its efforts in consistently combining innovative technology, design and social relevance for its cutting-edge cargo e-bike.

    The INTELECTRA is a heavy-duty pedelec designed as a sustainable, practical solution to replace the need for cars and trucks in urban areas. As a highly efficient, space-saving, and powerful cargo bike, it delivers stability and versatility to assist municipalities, logistics companies, and various other businesses with their operations.

    Key specifications

    Its intuitive controls, plug-and-play system, and width of less than one metre ensure easy operation and maintenance in urban environments. On its website, the German Design Award described the INTELECTRA as setting “a new benchmark as a future-proof alternative to the car”, highlighting its 400 kg load capacity, flexible configurations and low-maintenance hybrid drive.

    The German Design Award published the following Jury Statement:

    “A powerful combination of stability and modularity defines the »INTELECTRA Cargobike«. Its striking design language and well-considered structure provide a flexible solution for diverse urban transport needs. The consistently sustainable execution, paired with low-maintenance technology and especially user-friendly ergonomics, makes this project a benchmark of outstanding product design in its field.”

    More information about the INTELECTRA can be accessed on the Dynamic Drives Giessen website.

  3. Bafang’s award-winning H730 motor in detail

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    Source: Bafang

    The LEVA-EU member’s innovation recently won the German Design Award 2026 for Excellent Product Design in its bike and e-bike category. Equipped with its integrated Gear Variable Transmission (GVT) technology and a 3-speed automatic shifting hub, it’s an e-bike drive system that’s designed to bring optimised comfort, reliability and ease of use for urban riders.

    The Bafang H730 e-bike drive system has been named a 2026 German Design Award winner, which marks a significant milestone for the brand in supplying the growing demand for advanced, low-maintenance mobility solutions across Europe.

    According to Bafang, the H730 shifts automatically between three closely spaced gear ratios – 0.76, 1.0, and 1.31, which allows riders to maintain a natural cadence during acceleration, steady cruising, and higher-speed travel. The system is designed to eliminate both “ghost pedalling” and overly strenuous pedalling, delivering smooth transitions without manual input.

    The motor’s acoustic profile was also a key focus of development, with Bafang reporting that the unit’s electromagnetic structure, composite materials, and precision balancing techniques contribute to a notably quiet operation, enabling a more peaceful riding experience. In addition, the fully enclosed transmission removes the need for external derailleurs, gear cables, and shifters, protecting the mechanism from weather and road contaminants while reducing regular service requirements.

    Engineering challenges and breakthroughs

    The H730 builds on the company’s earlier H700 2-speed GVT platform, however, developing a 3-speed successor for it presented engineering constraints, particularly regarding hub width. Early iterations required a 160 mm rear-fork spacing, raising concerns around frame compatibility and overall design. To resolve the constraint, Bafang’s engineering team reworked the internal layout and manufacturing approach, to reduce the unit to 148 mm without compromising on performance.

    In its evaluation, the German Design Award jury highlighted the product’s seamless user experience, citing it as the following:

    “Automatic gear shifting that integrates seamlessly into everyday riding distinguishes the ‘H730 Automatic Gear Hub Motor’. The clear, low-maintenance construction and consistent integration of technology ensure a distinctive, timeless user experience. The elegant combination of comfort and functionality is particularly impressive, making this product exemplary for outstanding technical design in this field.”

    Ecosystem integration

    To support the H730 system, Bafang recommends pairing it with its DP C400.CB display and the BT F361.B360.C battery . The display features a slim, stem-mounted design with a 2.3-inch TFT interface, offering six riding modes, customizable themes, and six language options. The integrated 36 V, 10 Ah (360 Wh) battery is designed to provide extended range while maintaining a clean aesthetic.

    Together, the components form a unified system aimed at improving everyday riding experiences for urban commuters. Bafang positions the H730 as part of a broader effort to advance e-bike technology through seamless integration, user-friendly design, and long-term sustainability.