Municipalities in Germany are unable to issue their own maximum speed laws, impacting the success of liveable city initiatives.
In 2021, 7 German cities announced a new initiative, advocating for the right of municipalities to set their own speed limits. Since the founding cities of Aachen, Augsburg, Freiburg, Hanover, Leipzig, Münster, and Ulm sparked the conversation, 263 municipalities have declared their support.
The ‘Liveable cities through appropriate speeds’ initiative focuses on the central right to enact 30km/h low-speed zones. The basis for this rests on the idea that liveability and quality of life are closely associated with public spaces and the interaction between motor and pedestrian traffic in these areas. Low-speed zones have been shown to reduce noise pollution, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide pollution and decrease the risk of fatal injuries in the areas they are enacted.
The initiative’s four demands, signed off by mayors, city councilors responsible for mobility and urban development, and urban planning departments are:
A commitment to a turnaround in mobility (away from personal vehicles and towards other means of transportation) and quality of life measures in cities.
A 30km/h speed for motor vehicle traffic, including on main roads, is an integral part of a sustainable, city-wide mobility concept and a strategy for upgrading public spaces.
Petition the federal government to immediately create the legal prerequisites for municipalities to be able to order a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h where the municipalities deem necessary.
A funding model for research projects to determine the individual aspects, benefits, and effects of this regulation, to improve the application of this principle.
Comments Off on CAKE expands operations in Germany
Local team and Berlin storefront to further propel the Swedish electric motorbike brand in the German capital.
LEVA-EU member CAKE, the Swedish maker of premium lightweight electric motorcycles, today announced that they are expanding their presence on the German market. A local sales team is already up and running in Berlin and a full-service CAKEsite is expected to open later this year – with a CAKE Pop-Up Store already serving local customers out of Berlin’s central Mitte district.
“Our physical presence around the world is expanding in line with our multi-city strategy, where we treat key cities as proper markets of their own. Berlin continues to be at the forefront of things to come, with the electrification of vehicle fleets being top of mind with politicians and citizens alike. Change is happening fast, with more companies and commuters realizing every day how CAKE motorbikes can make business better – or just turn commuting into something pleasant”, said Stefan Ytterborn, Founder and CEO of CAKE.
New fossil fuel vehicles banned by 2030 Like many major cities in Europe, Berlin is moving ahead quickly to combat the use of combustion engine vehicles in its city center. A petition to effectively ban cars from Berlin’s city center gathered more than 50,000 signatures earlier this year and is currently being reviewed by the state constitutional court. With more than 6 million residents calling the greater Berlin area their “Zuhause”, CAKE sees huge potential in the area. Already marketing the entire family of premium electric motorcycles and mopeds through their online store, many Berliners are already familiar with the CAKE brand. Current clients include last-mile delivery companies as well as commuters conscious of both their time and the environment.
Berliners are already demanding city streets free of polluting and noisy cars that clog up what little is left of available space. “We have a compelling offering of clean, electric motorbikes that caters both to occasional riders all the way to professional power users. We are definitely looking forward to making a difference in Berlin,” commented Nicole Nehrke, General Sales Manager Berlin, CAKE.
The CAKE Pop Up Store Berlin is now open and is located on Torstraße 101, 10119 Berlin.
Starting June 27, six cities across south-western Germany are set to host commercial e-cargo bike testing opportunities, promoting uptake among local businesses.
Berlin transport change agency Cargobike.jetzt is behind the operation, offering a variety of LEVs for testing. These include various e-cargo bikes and trailers, supporting up to 200kg of cargo. The scheduled dates and locations are:
Monday, June 27: Ludwigsburg | Rathaushof | 1pm-6pm
Tuesday, June 28: Stuttgart | Karlsplatz | 11am-4pm
Wednesday, June 29: Karlsruhe | Old Slaughterhouse 35 | 12pm-7pm
Thursday, June 30: Darmstadt | HWK Frankfurt-Rhine-Main | 11am-4pm
Friday, July 1st: Mainz | Mewa Arena | 11am-4pm
Saturday, July 2: Wiesbaden | Palace Square | 9am-7pm
The nationwide German Bike Monitor 2021 survey, which occurs every two years, has highlighted shifting attitudes towards cargo bikes within the population
The definition for a cargo bike used in the survey is as follows: “The cargo bike is a bicycle that is used to transport loads or people. Depending on the intended use, the basket/box is in the rider’s field of vision or in the rear area of the bike. Depending on the design, these bikes are equipped with two or three wheels.”
From this, participants were quizzed on various aspects of the cargo bike market. The representative survey now estimates over eight million potential cargo bike buyers in Germany alone, with double that figure showing interest in cargo bike-sharing services.
Awareness of cargo models has risen from 38% in 2017 to 63% in 2021, clearly indicating the growing market. Additionally, 2% of the population now use a cargo bike in their lives (1.2 million individuals).
An interesting question, newly added this year, regarded second-hand bikes. The cargo bike garnered the most interest of all bike models in this case. 35% of those interested in a cargo bike would prefer to buy pre-owned; for comparison, this figure falls to 14% when averaged between all bike types.
The final and particularly insightful section of the data explores the arguments against interest in cargo bikes; the reasoning for such disinterest was found to cover a range of issues. At 61 percent, having your own car will remain the most important argument against buying a cargo bike in 2021, this was followed by the bikes being ‘too bulky and unwieldy’ (36%), lack of parking/storage space (29%), skepticism about effectiveness (27%), and finally, the high price tag at 24%.
Berlin’s Chief of Police, Dr. Barbara Slowik, unveiled 70 service bicycles and 11 cargo bicycles for road safety advisors at the five local police departments.
Rather than be transported in a radio truck, ‘Road Safety Tips’ documents are now transported on cargo bikes. The 70 service bikes include a lock, first aid kit, multitool, and waterproof luggage bag. Additionally, all riding officers were provided with new, custom uniforms.
A ‘pandemic bike boom’ has catapulted the German and wider European cargo-bike market towards an estimated growth of 40-50% in 2021
As European cities continue to grow in size and density, road space has become increasingly scarce. In tandem, online shopping has become the new norm, so it is unsurprising that in locations such as the UK, van traffic has seen a 71% increase over the last 20 years; for comparison, car traffic saw a 13% growth in the same period. More vans equate to more congestion, more pollution, and slower delivery times. In Germany, the cargo-bike is powering onto the scene with such ferocity that leading magazine Bike Europe stated that the bikes have quickly “[changed] the look of streets” in many cities.
Six years ago, in 2016, annual German cargo-bike sales stood at 15,000, in 2020 sales reached 100,000; today, the pandemic induced ‘bike boom’ has led to manufacturers estimating they experienced growth of 40-50% in 2021. When discussing modern city planning Walther Ploos van Amstel, a professor of city logistics at Amsterdam University, argues that “trucks… need to become smarter, cleaner, quieter, smaller and safer.” to remain viable – electric cargo-bikes already fulfill all of these criteria.
This spike in interest correlates to businesses begining to identify the range of benefits that electric cargo-bikes may bring to their operations in urban areas. In many cities, trips made by cargo-bikes are often more efficient during both travel and delivery procedure (parking, unloading, etc.). Consequently, policymakers are further accelerating the electric cargo-bike trend on a local and national scale, offering subsidies, trial schemes, and rebates. Cargo-bikes make up a crucial step in the marathon that is transforming European cities into climate-neutral locations.
Over 2021, a total 386 funding applications were submitted in Saxony by clubs, companies, municipal and special-purpose associations.
Since March 2021, Saxony has offered a subsidy of up to 500 euros for bicycles and up to 1500 euros for pedelecs. Organizations can apply to have up to five companions sponsored each year, with a further 700,000 euros available in 2022 to continue building on the scheme’s success. Economics Minister Martin Dulig (SPD) shared, “The continuously high number of applications shows that there is a great need for such means of transport. Especially in urban areas, the cargo bike has great potential as an agile and environmentally friendly means of transport.”
While there has been minor criticism of the program as it finds its feet, there is no denying the transformative effect it is having on communities in Saxony. Highlighting the massive potential of green transport methods.
Comments Off on Electric bike enthusiasm in Germany increases by 24 percent
As reported in numerous publications, a survey by Shimano has examined the consequences of the corona pandemic for the pedelec market and found that 24% of Germans now ride electric bikes more often than before the pandemic, or are more inclined to buy an e-bike.
The study was carried out in Germany with a sample size of 2,000 people who were interviewed for the Shimano brand as part of a larger group of 14,000 people in twelve European countries. German subjects showed a greater willingness to use or buy an e-bike than was the case before the corona pandemic. Those with the highest probability of buying or using e-bikes were aged between 25 and 34 years of age, at 30%, while the likeliness was only 21% for participants over 55 years of age.
According to the study, a key motivation for this increased uptake was a possible improvement in general fitness, with 29% of the German participants citing it. 30% stated that they would mainly use an e-bike as an alternative to public transport, as this is one way to avoid the risk of contact with Covid-19. Cars are often preferred, and can outperform, over long distances, but shorter distances in towns and cities it can be faster and more efficient to take an ebike, especially during peak hours. Correspondingly, 16% of those surveyed named the main reason that they would save more time with an e-bike than with another means of transport. When it came to the reason for the increased likelihood of buying or using an e-bike, 33% of respondents felt that an e-bike is a good alternative to motorized vehicles. A large amount of younger respondents (34% of 18-24 year olds) were attracted by the possibility of reducing their carbon footprint with an e-bike.
The numbers do not tell the whole story. Even though the industry has enjoyed the benefits of a “bicycle boom” worldwide, the interest from the public must be matched by government initiatives and investments at local and national level, such as safe cycle routes, or financial incentives. These factors would help to meet the concerns of the 17% of those surveyed who felt the lack of a sense of security while riding, or the 54% of the participants who cited the high purchase price as one of the biggest obstacles to buying an ebike.
Comments Off on Podbike starts selling four-wheeled pedelecs in Germany with Frikar model
Podbike® and STORCK Bicycle partner to revolutionize micro-mobility with an innovative new e-bike, the Frikar®, a pedelec providing sleek design & full weather protection
Stavanger, 17.10.2021 – Norway-based startup Podbike is revealing its innovative new e-bike, the Frikar (pronounced “FREE-car”) this month, a four-wheeled, fully-enclosed pedelec, suitable for everyday use. The launch will be carried out in cooperation with Germany’s premium bicycle manufacturer, STORCK Bicycle as part of a new strategic partnership between the two companies.
The Frikar offers an innovative, environmentally-friendly means of transportation in the form of a stylish, safe, human-powered vehicle that is permitted to travel on both roads and cycle paths. It combines rider-created pedal-power with electrical assistance like any other e-bike.
“The combination of attractiveness, comfort, safety, and sustainability has been central in Podbike´s quest to develop a personal mobility platform”, says Per Hassel Sørensen, Podbike co-founder and Chief Technology Officer. “Our ambition is to develop a personal transportation solution that offers a safe and sustainable alternative for the daily commute to work. When you consider that 60 percent of all car journeys are less than eight kilometers long, they could be easily replaced in many circumstances by the Frikar”, Hassel Sørensen adds.
STORCK Bicycle and Podbike – a Partnership Bringing Micro-Mobility to Europe
STORCK and Podbike are starting their cooperation agreement by jointly staging the Frikar’s global launch. The Frikar Launch Week will begin Monday October 18 at STORCK’s corporate headquarters in Idstein, Germany.
This coming together by STORCK and Podbike will create a network of dealerships and offer Podbike customers retail locations to buy and service their Frikars. In further steps, Podbike and STORCK aim to expand the close strategic partnership in pursuit of joint synergies.
“We are excited to announce this strategic partnership with STORCK because STORCK and Podbike both share a deep desire to innovate and to create superior products and services,” says Anne-Lise Heggland, co-founder and CEO of Podbike, and continues: “STORCK has set a high standard for bike manufacture and sales for more than 25 years. They are an important partner for us because they embody the same entrepreneurial spirit and green ambitions that we harbour.”
Just a few weeks ago, German premium bicycle manufacturer STORCK Bicycle positioned itself in a new, digital business segment with its new joint brand Cyklær and the smart connected e-bike. Now STORCK in cooperation with Podbike is establishing itself in the market with innovative micro-mobility solutions.
Frikar’s Design is Dynamic, Stylish and Engineered for Rider Satisfaction
The Frikar e-bike’s design and styling is aesthetically appealing, but also highly functional. It has roll-over protection and crush zones, while the four wheels and their suspension provide stability and enhanced rider comfort.
Since its home is Norway where winters are cold and harsh, the Frikar has full weather protection. It features a wraparound windshield (with optional windshield wipers) that fully encloses the rider. Yet the Frikar is so aerodynamic that it offers drag at the same coefficient level as a racing bike.
“One of the most important objectives in the development process of the Frikar e-bike was creating a functional vehicle that was also stylish, aerodynamic, and appealing to look at from a design point of view,” says Heggland. “Our design is top of the line and a unique selling proposition when compared to similar e-bike products on the market.”
Next Level Technology: Over the Air Updates to the Frikar’s Operating System
Podbike engineers in Norway will continue to update Frikar’s control systems and wirelessly transmit these firmware updates to customer’s vehicles ‘over the air’ as they become available. An app is also available to monitor the Frikar’s electronic systems in real time.
The Frikar is classified as an e-bike, so no driver’s license or license plate is required to operate it. It can be used on both bike lanes and on the road. The vehicle is 84 centimetres wide, the same as a standard bike trailer, which makes it agile and easy to handle.
The Frikar has two motors that provide electrical assistance up to 25 km/h because of European regulations. Faster speeds can be achieved, but the vehicle will automatically start braking at 50 km/h, a special safety feature that prevents the Frikar from reaching unsafe speeds beyond its design capacity.
The Frikar’s battery range is impressive. Depending on the outside temperature, weather, gradient, and riding behavior, the Frikar e-bike’s assist-motors offer a range of 50 to 80 kilometers on a full battery charge. Spare batteries can also be carried in the vehicle. Sophisticated technology, such as a belt drive instead of a chain, reduces wear and tear, and therefore maintenance.
“The desire for mobility is an essential part of human history,” says STORCK general manager Dr. Todor Lohwasser. “With this cooperation between Podbike and STORCK, we continue to write this history. Podbike and STORCK are united by our desire to look to the future and find creative, environmentally-friendly ways to get people from point A to point B.”
STORCK founder Markus Storck adds: “The innovative Frikar with its sporty design takes everyday micro-mobility, especially for environmentally conscious commuters, to a whole new level. In my opinion, Frikar is one of the most innovative e-bikes in the world.”
Interested participants and customers who have already pre-ordered the e-bike will have an opportunity to see the Frikar for the first time at various STORCK and SENGER|NEO locations on a multi-day test ride tour of Germany and Norway in October and November, 2021. SENGER | NEO is the youngest subsidiary of the Senger Group and is already a sales partner of STORCK Bicycles.
Advance reservations were required to book a test ride and were snapped up in September by Podbike enthusiasts within hours of their release. All 2021 test ride appointments currently planned in Germany and Norway are booked. Further Frikar test ride tours are being planned for European locations and will be communicated shortly.
Detailed information about the Frikar e-bike can be found on the Podbike website: http://www.podbike.com/de/
STORCK Bicycle has been a market-leading German bicycle manufacturer since its creation in 1995. The Idstein-based manufacturer of premium bikes has four flagship stores in Düsseldorf, Idstein, Munich, and Wertheim. Its bikes are also offered by numerous other dealers in Germany and abroad. STORCK bikes can also be bought through its online store: www.storck-bikes.com. Various types of bikes from the premium segment meet the highest demands for sporty riding performance and modern mobility. With prestigious mobility funding projects, STORCK has already demonstrated the company’s innovative power over the years and can look back on a long experience.
Podbike® is a Norwegian startup with a global perspective. It has the ambitious goal of redefining urban mobility by creating stylish, highly engineered, sustainable e-bikes that can replace cars over shorter distances. Podbike was founded in 2016 and raised more than three million Euros from investors in 2021.
The name of Podbike’s first product, the Frikar® (“FREE-car”) is symbolic because the Frikar offers a way for people to release themselves from quotidian tasks and the drudgery of life by hitting the road in a sleek, dynamic, comfortable, safe, and environmentally sustainable, freedom-fulfilling vehicle.
Senger Neo is the youngest subsidiary of the Senger Group and is dedicated to the distribution of bicycles and accessories to private and business customers. Senger Neo’s range includes not only conventional bikes, but also e-bikes, cargo bikes and innovative concepts for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. With the launch of Senger Neo the Rheine-based automotive experts are expanding their portfolio of mobility solutions. The Senger Group is one of the largest automotive trading groups in Germany. As a representative for the brands Mercedes-Benz, smart, Volkswagen, Audi, ŠKODA, SEAT / Cupra, Porsche and DAF, the family-run company has shown a growing trend for years. The Senger Group employs around 3,000 people in 50 branches at 37 locations and generates annual revenue of 1.433 billion euros.
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