Tag Archive: Industry

  1. E-bikes facilitated stability for the Dutch bicycle market in 2024

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    Source: Nieuwsfiets

    The Dutch cycle market experienced a stable year in 2024, with a slight decline in sales but consistent revenue, largely thanks to e-bikes which continue to dominate in popularity.

    A total of 868,126 new bicycles were sold, reflecting a 7% decrease compared to 2023. However, total industry turnover remained substantial at €1.55 billion, marking a 4% decrease, with an average price per bike of €1,809.

    According to research conducted by the Royal RAI Association and BOVAG, in collaboration with GFK, e-bikes continue to dominate the market and play a crucial role in maintaining sales levels. Over the past decade, the Dutch bicycle market has grown significantly, peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, sales have gradually declined due to initial supply chain disruptions and changing consumer behaviour post-pandemic.

    E-bikes account for 72% of total bicycle revenue

    Electric bicycles remain the leading segment within the Dutch market, with 48% of all new bicycles sold in 2024 being e-bikes, and accounting for 72% of total bicycle turnover. While the number of e-bikes sold declined slightly, the average price increased by 5% to €2,719. Fat bikes have also gained popularity, comprising 13% of new sales, with 111,033 units sold in 2024.

    Despite the growing variety of e-bikes, more traditional electric bicycles – commonly used for commuting and recreation – continue to be the foundation of the market in both sales volume and revenue. Additionally, conventional city bikes maintain a significant share, making up 20% of total new sales.

    Price trends and sales distribution

    The average price of a new bicycle rose by 3% in 2024 to €1,809. E-bikes and road bikes remain among the most expensive categories. Two-thirds of all new bicycles are purchased through specialty bike stores, where e-bikes now represent 63% of sales and contribute 82% of total revenue. Meanwhile, alternative distribution channels, such as direct-to-consumer sellers and online platforms, are becoming increasingly prominent. However, online sales of bicycles declined by 7% in 2024, totaling 165,625 units.

    These findings were presented at the 2025 Bicycle Awards, an event designed to highlight innovation within the Dutch bicycle industry.

  2. Freiburg SUV Parking fee overturned

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    Source: Saz Bike

    The Federal Administrative Court has reversed Freiburg residents’ parking fees that had been based upon the length of their car, deeming them invalid. The 13th June decision doesn’t influence the standard fee of 360 euros per year, however.

    Freiburg had charged residents 30 euros per annum to use residential parking spaces. On 1st April 2022 a tiered levy was introduced, dependent on the length of the vehicle; 240 euros (up to 4.20 meters), 360 euros (from 4.21 to 4.70 meters) or 480 euros (from 4.71 meters).

    Reduced fees were granted for residents receiving certain social benefits or those with disabilities, including individuals with an orange parking permit. These charges amounted to 60 euros, 90 euros and 210 euros. Those regarded as severely disabled with blue badges remained completely exempt.

    Car length charge disparity

    As an example of the resident’s park area charges, let’s assume a Freiburg resident applicant owns a motor vehicle that he or she already has a residential parking permit for. The resident’s first protest against the charges was to the Administrative Court of Baden- Württemberg and was unsuccessful. However, on appeal, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig deemed the charges worthless. Residential parking fees are regulated by federal law under the Road Traffic Act and cities need to abide by these laws. The car length charges were regarded as a violation of equality and unrepresentative of fairness, particularly as a 50cm difference in length could see a doubling of the fee in the most extreme cases.

    Yearly parking fee

    What was deemed as fair and effective by the Federal Administrative Court was the 360-euro annual parking fee. More information on the findings can be found here.

    Similar charges elsewhere

    Freiburg isn’t the only city to have had logistic charges imposed. In Tübingen, the resident’s parking fee is related to the weight of the car: For SUVs weighing 1.8 tons or more, the annual fee increases by 50 percent.

  3. SUMP Decision Makers Summary now available in Polish

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    Source: Eltis, H. Figg

    Urban Mobility Observatory, Eltis, has recently added a Polish-language version of its Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) (2nd edition). Global interest in developing and implementing a SUMP has increased following the publication of its Guidelines and Summaries. Local settings, governance, and transport conditions in cities around the world have all been considered as principles in the plan.

    In order to make the Guidelines for developing and implementing a SUMP (2nd edition) easier to use and more widespread, the interactive summary has been translated into 16 different languages to include Polish. The 10-page summary translates as an accessible user guide for governing figures wishing to utilise the SUMP Guidelines (2nd edition).

    The summary goes some way to explain the foundations of SUMP; its principles, planning processes and the four SUMP phases are all shared. Those accessing the summary are additionally given an insight into the benefits of SUMP and guidance on how to start the plan. In addition, it can also be used as an introduction to urban mobility planning.

    The original SUMP Summary for decision-makers can be downloaded in English here. All current and future translations are available on the translation page here.

  4. EIT Urban Mobility Open Innovation Call for Proposals

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    Source: EIT Urban Mobility

    Sustainable living in urban areas is high on the agenda around the world. EIT Urban Mobility has recognised this and is campaigning with local innovators who are developing solutions to the climate emergency. Concurrently, the quality of our city lifestyles and European mobility will be improved.

    EIT’s Innovation Programme for 2023- 2025 is based upon the support that they have been providing throughout Europe since 2020 to strengthen our ecosystem. In 2024, the focus will be on three main areas; Sustainable City Logistics, Energy and Mobility, and Future Mobility. EIT welcome any input from others wishing to support their quest to tackle the most difficult barriers to better living and promote urban mobility.

    The Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities addresses net zero targets through urban mobility improvements and is adhered to. Regarding Sustainable City Logistics, they also support the European Technology Platform – ALICE.

    Aims and Challenges

    By introducing innovations to the market, it is hoped that city lives will be improved. Challenges will be overcome, and commercial fluency will increase. The EIT Urban Mobility Business Plan 2023 – 2025 has identified three priority areas of mobility challenges, namely:

    Sustainable City Logistics
    Mobility and Energy
    Future Mobility.

    Participation with transport providers is encouraged with an aim to progress pan-European innovations and improve transport services and logistics. EIT also aligns with the objectives of the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, so any of the 112 cities committed to Net Zero climate neutrality by 2030 should apply. Transport and mobility are long-since recognised as negative climate influencers and this can be changed.

    Events-Webinars

    From 17th to 20th April, online information sessions will be hosted by EIT Urban Mobility, in which registration and submissions details will be shared alongside the ideas of the innovation quest. To register for the webinar, please visit Innovations Days.

    For administration information, the Program Management Office (PMO) can be contacted: pmo@eiturbanmobility.eu
    Content information and question can be answered by the Innovation Team: innovationcall2024@eiturban

  5. Q2 European Shared Mobility Index from Fluctuo

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    Source: Polis Network

    Fluctuo has released the latest European Shared Mobility Index, covering the second quarter of 2022. Against a backdrop of socioeconomic uncertainties, shared mobility is flourishing.

    The European Shared Mobility Index (ESMI) awards details of the shared mobility market across a diverse 22 locations and includes data on shared bikes, scooters, mopeds and cars. Ride-hailing services (eg. Uber), car-pooling (eg. BlaBlaCar) and long-term rental services (eg. Swapfiets) were not included in the report.

    With a focus upon city dwellers and travel restrictions caused by socio-economic pressures that include inflation and rising fuel costs, the index highlights that Europeans are increasingly turning to shared transport options, something seen as cost-effective and more suited to city life. The Fluctuo index revealed some interesting analytics:

    • There are over 380,000 shared vehicles in the 22 cities monitored.
    • In the 22 cities analysed, scooters represent 51% of all vehicles, docked bikes 20%, free-floating bikes 13%, mopeds 8%, and cars 8%.
    • Shared mobility ridership is up 49% from last year’s levels.

    Data on POLIS members also revealed data to include:

    • Berlin has the most shared vehicles (over 50,000 vehicles).
    • Paris now has over 7,000 free-floating bikes.
    • Brussels placed 3rd in this analysis. Brussels, however, saw the biggest growth in scooter trips.
    • Milan recorded the 3rd most bike and moped trips per capita, and also witnessed the 2nd biggest growth in moped trips between Q1 and Q2 2022.
    • Rome witnessed the largest growth in moped trips from Q1 to Q2 2022.
    • The growth in bike trips in Prague was larger than in any other city.

    More information can be found here.

  6. Minister of Transport, Clément Beaune, lays out French plan on scooters

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    Source: Le Journal du Dimanche. J. Droz, G. Idoux

    “The laxity has lasted too long” says French Minister, following a surge in accidents.

    Scooters in free circulation could be banned before the age of 14 or 16, according to a recent interview with Clément Beaune. The French Minister of Transport, compelled operators to, “act very quickly” to reduce road accidents, further commenting that legislations may be made if their reaction is lacking.

    There is ongoing conflict over the introduction of scooters, and France’s latest national plan proposes strong measures to regulate their use with all of those involved, namely elected officials, associations and operators. Supportive comments from politicians and parents of children who had been involved in accidents were shared, to encourage changes from city officials who regulate in accordance with the 2019 law on mobility.

    Some local authorities have struggled to impose regulations on operators, so a national structure is suggested. The state will take control of agendas and agree them with operators and communities alike. The tightening of two-person traffic controls is just one example.

    Beaune finished his interview, commenting that if more regulation is needed, it will be enforced.

  7. Location and date confirmed for EUROBIKE 2024

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    EUROBIKE 2024, the show’s 32nd edition, will take place between 3 – 7 July, at Messe Frankfurt.

    The 32nd edition of the leading trade fair for bike and mobility products, EUROBIKE, takes place at Messe Frankfurt from 3 to 7 July 2024. The BIKE BIZ REVOLUTION will take place the day before the show, and will look to the future when the industry meets to discuss forthcoming trends and their risks and opportunities for the mobility market.

    In line with previous iterations, the platform for the bike and mobility world will be dedicated to trade visitors for three days from Wednesday to Friday before opening its doors to all bike fans at the weekend with a programme of events, races, tests and other opportunities. “As the new Eurobike in Frankfurt grows and gathers momentum, we see it as our mission to provide the bike and light electric vehicle sectors with guidance and planning security,” says fairnamic Managing Director and Head of EUROBIKE Stefan Reisinger explaining the reasons for the early scheduling.

  8. Amazon outlines plans to double European ‘micromobility hub’ presence by 2025

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    Source: Zag Daily, B. Hubbard

    Currently utilizing micromobility hubs in 20 cities across Europe including London, Munich and Paris, Amazon plans to significantly expand its offering, to the delight of the micromobility industry.

    The smaller, central delivery hubs represent a more sustainable last-mile delivery option, allowing packages to be transported via cargo-bike and on foot. In the city center, this allows many issues typical of last-mile logistics to be reduced or negated, including traffic, parking, and fuel costs.

    The hubs are one part of a wider €1 billion investment by Amazon to electrify and decarbonize its transport network across the European continent over the next five years.

    In relation to the story, Zag Daily discussed the investment with representatives from Zedify, Beryl, and EAV, all of which specialize in the micromobility or cargo-bike sector.

    Speaking about Amazon’s move, Rob King, Zedify’s CEO and Co-Founder, told Zag Daily: “Zedify have been utilising microhubs for cargo bike deliveries for many years and it’s hugely exciting to see some of the biggest names in logistics endorsing this model.”
    “Urban deliveries need to be done better and it is change at this scale that’s going to meet those multiple challenges head on – whether that’s efficiency on cost, cutting emissions or meeting consumer demands.”

    Beryl’s CEO Philip Ellis told Zag: “For last mile deliveries or short journeys, the bikes are by far the best and offer the most time efficient way to move large or heavy items, so hopefully Amazon’s expansion will raise their profile even further as a fundamental transport necessity.”

    The bikes are operated by a variety of partner businesses, not directly by Amazon. One approved bike supplier is EAV Solutions. “EAV is supporting the adoption of innovative new micromobility based logistics by enabling the change away from legacy operation practices with its ecosystem of urban specific transport solutions,” said Adam Barmby, CEO and Founder of EAV.

  9. Veolia deploys fleet of street cleaning e-bikes across Westminster, London

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    Source: Future Transport News, T. May

    Launched in partnership with Westminster’s City Council, the e-bikes join the area’s expanding electric service fleet.

    The 14 new e-bikes are to be used for the fly-tip collection process, the delivery of commercial waste bags, and for monitoring hot spot littering areas. They join over 60 electric cleaning and collection vehicles that are already operating in the area in the council’s bid to reduce the number of diesel vehicles used in the sector.

    Helder Branco, General Manager for Veolia Westminster shared, “We’re very pleased to be operating with such a large electric fleet in Westminster. The new electric bikes not only lower emissions and contribute toward Westminster City Council’s target of net-zero emissions by 2040, but also allow us to offer a further improved and streamlined service for Westminster residents. We hope that our innovative approach to our operations across the borough will continue to set the standards for the future of sustainable operations.“

    Of course, replacing diesel vehicles has extensive environmental benefits, including a significant reduction in noise pollution and a 100% reduction in operational nitrogen oxide emissions. Additionally, the bikes’ higher level of operational flexibility allows waste collection to continue during road closures and for services to be extended into pedestrianized areas. The e-bikes will contribute to the council’s 2040 net-zero commitment.

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