Tag Archive: LEVA-EU member news

  1. CityQ Joins eSync Alliance

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    Source: eSync

    LEVA-EU member and automotive innovator CityQ becomes one of the latest eSync Alliance members, allowing it to provide OTA updates and diagnostics for the first time

    On May 10, 2023, the eSync Alliance, a global automotive initiative for the standardization of over-the-air (OTA) updates and diagnostics, welcomed LEVA-EU member CityQ and Luxoft as new association members. The pair join a rapidly growing network of automakers, Tier-1 suppliers and digital software companies already enjoying the benefit of the eSync bi-directional data pipeline.  

    CityQ’s range of four-wheeled e-bikes aim to maximize comfort, capacity, efficiency, and safety by providing users with an attractive alternative to a car for urban personal transport. Manufactured in Germany, the bikes can travel at speeds of up to 25km/h and can be fitted with a modular storage compartment for last-mile logistics and deliveries.

    An example of CityQ’s four-wheeled electric bike

    Mike Gardner, Executive Director of the eSync Alliance, said: “The eSync Alliance is growing rapidly and the addition of CityQ and Luxoft – two companies working in diverse and important areas of the automotive sector – demonstrate how important a standardized OTA specification is to the industry’s future. We’re confident that both businesses will prove to be valuable partners and we look forward to their unique perspectives contributing to a stronger standard in the months to come.” 

    Morten Rynning, CEO at CityQ, said, “Working with the eSync Alliance will enable CityQ to add connectivity for OTA, and to remotely diagnose and upgrade the vehicles. As well as improving the service we can offer to CityQ owners, this will be particularly useful for fleet management, one of our major markets.” 

    Proven in millions of vehicles globally, eSync is a robust, repeatable solution for OTA deployment. The only universal bi-directional pipeline, eSync is currently used by more than 30 OEMs and Tier-1s, helping to simplify the development process and speed up the transition to SDVs. 

    About CityQ 

    CityQ is the first vehicle platform for city pods and 4-wheel e-bikes, with doors and full weather protection, as well as a cargo bed for luggage and rear seats for 2 children. The e-bikes feature connectivity and pedal by wire instead of mechanical chain or gears. CityQ is the new e-bike with car capabilities, making the shift from car to bicycling easier. See CityQ

    About the eSync™ Alliance
    The eSync™ Alliance is a non-profit trade association driving a multi-company solution for Over-the-Air (OTA) updates and diagnostics data in the automotive electronics space, potentially saving billions of dollars per year for automakers. By working together in the Alliance, companies benefit from a simplified development environment made possible by a standardized yet customizable platform. The Alliance is based around the eSync platform of cloud and embedded components, providing a secure data pipeline to devices within a vehicle. Further information is at https://www.esyncalliance.org/ 

  2. The ingeniously simple S4 & X4 e-bike from VanMoof

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    Source: VanMoof, 9th May 2023

    VanMoof distills 13 years of in-house innovation into its most accessible and reliable ride yet. The S4 & X4 come equipped with iconic tech and in four vibrant new colors.

    The very best of VanMoof, ingeniously simplified

    The latest release from the city e-bike pioneers distills 13 years of in-house innovation, expertise, and rider feedback. The new VanMoof S4 & X4 share the iconic frame shapes of the best-selling VanMoof S3 & X3, but have been entirely rebuilt to offer the very best of the brand’s technological innovation in its most simple, accessible, and reliable models to date.

    “One of the hardest things in life is to make things more simple. With the S4 & X4, we’ve mastered the art of simplification to make our e-bikes more accessible and reliable than ever.”

    Taco Carlier, Co-founder of VanMoof

    Signature VanMoof tech, streamlined design, and all-new parts

    Optimized for fast, frequent rides, the S4 & X4 feature automatic 2-speed gear shifting and an integrated Gen 4 Kick Lock that secures the rear wheel with a tap. VanMoof’s signature anti-theft tech including onboard alarms and location tracking is built-in for worry-free riding. The rider-favorite Turbo Boost provides on-demand acceleration, and dynamic motor support creates an effortlessly intuitive ride. A built-in phone mount allows the VanMoof app to be used as a dashboard, tracking every ride’s speed, duration, and distance. The S4 & X4 come in four vibrant colors: Evergreen, Sunbeam Yellow, Purple Fog, and Foam Green.

    “We spend a lot of time listening to prospective riders. And what we heard clearly was the desire for our key features and iconic VanMoof design – in an e-bike that was even more simple, more accessible, and more reliable. We designed the S4 & X4 specifically to meet their needs”

    Ties Carlier, Co-founder of VanMoof

    The VanMoof S4 & X4 launches worldwide via vanmoof.com from May 9 for $2,498 / £2,198 / €2,198. In the EU, Evergreen will be on sale from May 9. Purple Fog will be on sale in late May, Sunbeam Yellow in late June, and Foam Green in late July. In the US, Evergreen will be on sale in late May, Purple Fog in June, Sunbeam Yellow in July, and Foam Green in late July. In the UK, Evergreen will be on sale in early June, Purple Fog in late June, Sunbeam Yellow in July, and Foam Green in August. Riders can join the waitlist to be notified before each color goes on sale.

    About VanMoof

    VanMoof was founded in 2009 by Taco and Ties Carlier, two Dutch brothers who dreamt up the perfect city bike. Today, its sleek, multi-award winning e-bikes offer a high-tech and feature-rich experience for a global community of riders. As the world’s fastest growing e-bike brand, VanMoof is on course to redefine the future of urban mobility and get the next billion on bikes. VanMoof sells its e-bikes directly to riders online, with hubs in over 50 cities worldwide, from Paris and New York, to San Francisco and Tokyo.

  3. Bernhard Ponitka new QWIC Sales Representative West-Germany

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    E-bike manufacturer QWIC is pleased to announce the appointment of Bernhard Ponitka, as the company’s newest Sales Representative in West-Germany. With over 30 years of experience in retail, Ponitka brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the QWIC team.

    Throughout Bernhard’s career, he has worked in the sports fashion industry and held various positions in sales and leadership. At QWIC, his focus will be on building and maintaining strong relationships with QWIC-dealers, while seeking out new geographic opportunities to expand QWIC’s customer network.

    Rasched Abu-Isbeih will focus on the role of overall sales manager for QWIC Germany from May and will transfer the North Rhine-Westphalia region to Bernhard Ponitka.

    “I am thrilled to join the QWIC team and work with such a passionate group of individuals,” said Ponitka. “My goal is to build strong partnerships with our existing partners while seeking out new opportunities for growth. I believe that e-bikes are the future of transportation, and I am excited to be a part of a company that is making it easier for people to make the switch.”

    “My first ride on a QWIC e-bike was an unforgettable experience,” added Bernhard. “I want to share this feeling with as many people as possible and encourage them to ride our e-bikes. The passion of the QWIC family for the product and every detail inspires me and fits my attitude perfectly.”

    More vacancies available
    QWIC is constantly looking for enthusiasts who want to contribute to the growth of QWIC. Do you want to be part of QWIC’s success? Check out all vacancies here.


    About QWIC

    QWIC is a fast-growing manufacturer of premium design e-bikes. The producer is active in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. QWIC’s ambition is to reduce current mobility problems and environmental pollution by developing innovative electric bicycles. With a modern design and the use of the best components, QWIC takes its electric bicycles to a higher level every year. This is proven by the many e-bike awards that QWIC has recently won, such as the AD Bike Test 2021, the ElektroRad Test 2023 and internationally recognised design awards like the German Design Award 2022.

    www.qwic.eu


    Contact QWIC

    Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information, questions or comments:

    Janne van den Tweel | Marketing QWIC | +31 (0)6 44 900 569 | marketing@qwic.nl | www.qwic.eu

  4. THOR AVAS to take part in the international exhibition of Micromobility

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    Micromobility Europe is returning to Amsterdam on June 8-9 for a two-day overview of the micro electric transport market and presenting solutions to revolutionize future cities.

    THOR AVAS will harmoniously join this electric vibe with the participation of the world’s leading manufacturers, people involved in innovation, and leaders in the field of micromobility. THOR will present its AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System) project for LEVs with an electric scooter as a sample.

    This sound branding & safety solution for EVs is based on the patented principle of sound transmission – both recorded from real engines of cool supercars, and artificially created by our team of acoustic and sound designers. Silent scooters often lead to accidents, and a harmonious sound will help all road users to notice the approach of a high-speed e-vehicle in advance.

    Guests will be able to come to booth #610 near the registration desk and talk with company representatives, listen to the Thor AVAS sound on an e-scooter, and also ride it at the test track.

    The capital of narrow streets and canals, bicycles, fields of tulips and cheese factories, creative freedom and opportunities will host more than 100 speakers from all over the world, 500+ brands, and more than 1500 guests under one roof of the large De Kromhouthal exhibition center. An unforgettable atmosphere and constant movement are the core values that attract visitors to Micromobility Europe, the world’s fastest-growing mobile conference, which will be held in the capital of the Netherlands. The participants will enjoy a rich program of speakers and fruitful networking, communication with industry founders, journalists, investors, observers, technologists, politicians, and startups from more than 500 cities.

    During the exhibition, all exhibitors and guests will have a unique opportunity to ride the most innovative electric scooters, bicycles, boards and buggies.

    Webinars will cover the key issues that are redefining urban mobility: the energy crisis, profitability of scooters, post-coronavirus street space, e-bike boom, last-mile delivery, WFH trends, MaaS systems, supply chain disruptions, 15-minute cities, fast trading, road safety, urban sustainability and more.

    Venue: Kromhouthal, Gedempt Hamerkanaal 231, 1021 KP Amsterdam, Netherlands

    About THOR (Car Systems LLC):

    The THOR manufacturing company was founded in 2017 and the first successful project was a revolutionary electronic exhaust system for petrol and diesel vehicles. The THOR team of engineers and acoustics is engaged in the development of software and hardware, the design of acoustic elements, and has patents for technologies in the field of recording and reproducing the sounds of real supercar engines. THOR sound engineers have created the largest library of sounds that is transmitted through an electronic module to the speaker, controlled through the application, synchronizing with every cycle of movement of any type of vehicle. Since 2020, the Thor AVAS project has been launched – encompassing the sound accompaniment of electric vehicles, based on the patented principle of reproducing sound samples and operating within the framework of the established UNECE regulation on noise and sound No. 138.

    https://thor-avas.com/ | E-mail: info@thor-avas.com

  5. Batterty swapping company Swobbee raises further 2 million Euro of investment

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    Berlin-based Swobbee, a leading provider of rental batteries and battery swapping stations for urban mobility, has raised another 2 million Euro in an extended Series A round. Polish fund SpeedUp Energy Innovation and Dutch Stichting Clean Future Dividend Fund joined the group of earlier investors. The company will use the raised capital to intensify its efforts to scale the solution in additional European and non- European markets.

    Founded in 2017 as GreenPack and pivoted to Swobbee in 2020, the climate tech startup developed a solution based on integrated hardware and software to offer battery swapping stations for electric vehicles. Thus reducing the barrier of adoption of innovations from the electric mobility sector by building charging infrastructure. The company aims at increasing the profitability of most of the shared micromobility players by leveraging the usability of light electric vehicles, resulting in the reduction of the vehicle’s downtime due to the need to charge the batteries.

    The company’s battery swapping infrastructure takes the responsibility for the physical process of recharging batteries off the hands of light electric vehicle owners or suppliers operating under the so-called last-mile delivery model. Each of our stations is equipped with 8 to 30 battery slots. We currently offer charging infrastructure for 8 (soon 10) types of batteries, which, in Europe, allows us to be compatible with about 70% of current light electric vehicles, or so-called LEVs, used by players in the shared micromobility as well as last-mile-delivery sectors. – describes the solution to Thomas Duscha, CEO and co-founder of Swobbee. Using our device, the owner or manager of the vehicle swaps an empty battery with a full one in a few minutes and can continue using the vehicle, without unnecessary downtime. – Duscha adds.

    Co-founder & CEO Thomas Duscha built his business experience working for brands such as Lidl, Adidas, and the Azoty Group, as well as creating the GreenPack project, which laid the foundation for today’s Swobbee. Stephan von Wolff (COO) and Ludwig Speidel (CFO) complement the executive positions with their profound expertise in the hardware-industry and finance.

    A key part of Swobbee’s product is the software installed in the charging stations and the application that enables smooth and efficient use of the stations. The software, created from

    scratch by the company’s team, is an end-to-end solution, meaning that it controls the entire battery charging and management process within the station.

    With its activities, the company supports the fight against pollution, which is in line with the regulatory objectives indicated by EU bodies. With an infrastructure that supports urban electric vehicles, offering easy access and extending the possible range of routes taken by users, Swobbee allows operators of fleets of light electric vehicles, such as bicycles and scooters, to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 87%.

    The company operates in the urban micromobility market, whose global market potential, according to a McKinsey report, is estimated at around €500 billion in 2030. Swobbee’s product is already used by companies such as Tier, Onomotion, Bolt, and Galp. The urban micromobility market is estimated to grow at a CAGR rate of about 17.5% over the next seven years. Of which the largest segment of this market, as much as 73%, involves electric- powered devices.

    Our cities are polluted and overcrowded. It is impossible to fit more cars on streets that were sometimes built hundreds of years ago. That’s why it’s so important to make the use of LEVs economically viable and useful at the same time – comments Bartłomiej Gola, General Partner of SpeedUp Energy Innovation which is part of SpeedUp Group. When the micromobility trend began, technology was not ready for the use of replaceable batteries in LEVs, which significantly minimize vehicle downtime, thereby improving their unit economics. Swobbee, in our opinion, is likely to become one of the key beneficiaries of technological advances in this area. What’s more, we predict that the use of micromobility devices will amount to up to 15% of all short-distance trips, with a range of up to 8 kilometers. This is just one of the market figures that leads us to believe in the enormous potential facing the Swobbee team. – Gola adds.

    “We are thrilled to invest in Swobbee, which is at the forefront of sustainable micro-mobility solutions,” said Dagmar Parizkova, Director of Clean Future Dividend Fund foundation (stichting). “Swobbee’s battery-as-a-service and charging-as-a-service model is not only environmentally friendly but also highly practical, enabling seamless mobility through their industry-leading software and hardware. Having spent many years in the energy storage space, Clean Future Dividend Fund is equipped to assist Swobbee in all facets of its business.” We are proud to co-invest alongside EIT InnoEnergy, one of the largest investors of sustainable energy, to support this exciting sector.”

    “Having spent many hours engaging with the management team of Swobbee, we are confident that their leadership will guide them to success,” noted Devin Sebok from Richfox Capital, fund manager of Clean Future Dividend Fund. “With the boom in the e-mobility sector, companies like Swobbee that are providing the much-needed infrastructure will allow the EU to hit their zero-emission goals.”

    The SpeedUp Energy Innovation Fund and Stichting Clean Future Dividend Fund have joined an extended Round A, in which the company was previously backed by EIT InnoEnergy among other investors. The team plans to use the funds raised to further develop its platform and, most importantly, to expand its network of stations in Germany and other countries. In particular, Swobbee’s expansion plans outside Germany envisage entering Eastern European and Southeast Asian markets in the upcoming months and years. So far, Swobbee is already operating stations in Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal.

    About Swobbee

    As a provider of rental batteries and battery swapping stations, Swobbee offers the world’s first manufacturer-independent battery swapping system. The Berlin-based climate-tech company supports micromobility companies in implementing efficient, safe, and sustainable

    charging operations. Swobbee has set itself the task to build a network of battery-swapping stations with the goal to have a positive impact on the energy and mobility transition.

    Network effects like cost savings and increased safety are created by reducing the distance one needs to drive to swap batteries and by monitoring all charging processes and batteries. This enables risk-free and cost-optimised operations for diverse electric micromobility applications, such as cargo bikes, scooters, kickscooters, and mopeds.

    For more information, visit https://swobbee.de/

    About SpeedUp

    SpeedUp Venture Capital Group is a leading group of venture capital funds, investing in enterprises in an early stage of development (seed – Series A). Areas of their interest include enterprises and entrepreneurs in Central and Eastern Europe, who want to conquer the global market by utilizing their self-developed solutions. Cooperation with companies is based on a 3-8 year investment horizon. SpeedUp Group looking for innovations from areas such as: consumer internet, electromobility, EnergyTech, MarTech, Sustainability, MedTech, IoT and hardware.

    For more information, visit www.speedupgroup.com

    About CFDF

    The Clean Future Dividend Fund (CFDF) was founded in February 2020. CFDF is investing in both promising and already established renewable energy, energy storage, and battery technology projects and companies with the ultimate goal of delivering an outperforming return to its investors and promoting the use of renewable and cleaner energy sources and energy storage technologies throughout the world. The fund manager is Richfox Capital Investment Management B.V.

    For more information, visit www.cfdf.eu

  6. SKF joins forces with CAKE and Vattenfall to create the Cleanest Dirt Bike Ever

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    CAKE and Vattenfall’s Cleanest Dirt Bike Ever project, aiming to inspire fossil free production in the industry, has gained a new partner. SKF has signed a letter of intent with CAKE to explore how it can incorporate bearings produced with lowest possible carbon emissions.

    CAKE and Vattenfall have committed to producing the Cleanest Dirt Bike Ever by removing carbon emissions from every part of the electric CAKE Kalk OR bike’s value chain by 2025, without resorting to carbon offsetting. The goal of the initiative is to inspire the automotive industry to adopt fossil free production methods through innovative partnerships.

    Recently, the market leading manufacturer of suspension products Öhlins Racing, joined the project and has officially initiated its own process to decarbonize its production chain, bringing their carbon emissions to a minimum. Today, CAKE and Vattenfall are announcing the next partner of the project. SKF, one of the world’s largest bearing manufacturers, is joining forces with CAKE to explore how to develop and incorporate bearings produced with lowest possible emissions.

    “When Vattenfall and CAKE embarked on this journey, we knew that we were facing a challenge and were determined to build the Cleanest Dirt Bike Ever – from the materials used in its production to assembled bike. One and a half year down the road, we have inspired industry giants to come along with us and push their limits when it comes to decarbonization of production, making an impact lasting beyond the dirt bike. This is what the project is about – creating a fossil free mindset in every part of the production phase – and that is why we are happy to announce that SKF, one of the world’s largest and most advanced bearing manufacturers, is now joining in” says Stefan Ytterborn, CEO of CAKE.

    SKF will use their extensive expertise to explore electrification in the value chain and how low-emission bearings can be implemented in key areas of the bike, such as the steering, wheels, frame, and e-motor. SKF experts will also work with CAKE to look at ways to further reduce emissions as part of the project.

    “SKF and CAKE share a common heritage and sustainability ambition. Our experience as a leader in the two-wheeler market, coupled with our knowledge and expertise in sustainability and producing bearings, means that we can make a tangible contribution towards realising CAKE and Vattenfall’s vision of a clean dirt bike. We are proud to join like-minded industry colleagues who share the determination that change is urgently needed for a sustainable future. Leveraging our combined expertise, we can trigger and accelerate the creation of products that contributes to this industry transformation” says David Johansson, President Automotive, at SKF.

    The Cleanest Dirt Bike Ever

    One bike built to change how all vehicles are made.

    The automotive industry has a huge responsibility to lead the way to a fossil free society. That goes much further than how vehicles are powered. It means removing carbon emissions from entire production chains. CAKE and Vattenfall teamed up to lead the way, aiming to produce the first truly fossil free vehicle by 2025, decarbonizing every link in the production chain for the CAKE Kalk OR bike. Our mission is to inspire industry and policy makers to act, so we’ll share our breakthroughs, setbacks and methodology along the way. Because going fossil free ourselves is great, but inspiring others to do it is even better.
    www.cleanestdirtbikeever.com

    About SKF

    SKF is a world-leading provider of innovative solutions that help industries become more competitive and sustainable. By making products lighter, more efficient, longer lasting, and repairable, we help our customers improve their rotating equipment performance and reduce their environmental impact. Our offering around the rotating shaft includes bearings, seals, lubrication management, condition monitoring, and services. Founded in 1907, SKF is represented in approximately 129 countries and has around 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. Annual sales in 2022 were SEK 96,933 million and the number of employees was 42,641.
    www.skf.com

  7. Ghent start-up TAITO launches three-wheeled e-scooter Taito S1 and closes distribution deal with Bike Republic

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    Belgian consumers can from now on ride around fearlessly and comfortably with the Taito S1

    The Taito S1, which presents itself as the safest and most ecologically responsible e-scooter, is on sale to the general public after three years of development. Fans of reliable and sustainable mobility with a twist are at the right place at Bike Republic’s 25 shops for testing, purchase and maintenance. With the Taito S1, the three young founders are breaking a lance for the new generation of e-scooters, which boasts ultimate ease of use, unadulterated riding pleasure and convenient service close to home. By the way, did you know that TAITO is the only Belgian and one of only two e- scooter brands in Europe?

    After years of research and development and successful crowdfunding and capital raising, the Taito S1 is ready to conquer Belgium and the rest of the world. Starting out, TAITO’s young entrepreneurs are doing so at Bike Republic (Colruyt Group) retail outlets in Belgium. Since the first prototypes saw the light of day last year, a lot of fine-tuning has been done to the three-wheeled and only Belgian e-scooter. Consider the full integration of the IoT (Internet of Things) module – which provides GPS tracking, an alarm system and sharing options with friends – controllable via a custom-built TAITO smartphone app. The unique and patented suspension and pivot system also received a serious upgrade for even more pleasant and safe handling. Furthermore, the Taito S1 features new folding mechanism so you can easily take it anywhere. Charging takes four hours, good for (a tested range of) 30 kilometres of riding pleasure at 25 km/h.

    Figures don’t lie: safety on e-scooters is much needed

    TAITO is the brainchild (°2020) of Nathan de Baets (COO), François Desmet (CTO,) and Jules Dobbelaere (CEO). When Jules first rode an electric shared scooter, besides a feeling of freedom and unadulterated driving pleasure, he also experienced one of insecurity at times. Not unfairly: e-scooters have been on the rise for years, but the number of accidents in Belgium also continues to rise. Figures published by the traffic institute Vias in February 2023 show that in 2022 there were as many as 1,715 injury accidents involving e-scooters. That’s five per day, and a whopping 63% more than in 2021. Moreover, those are only the officially reported cases.

    The three founders therefore resolutely draw the card of safety in TAITO’s design. The Taito S1 thus has optimal shock absorption thanks to three larger, pneumatic tyres, a patented, innovative suspension and a floating wooden platform on which the rider stands. These three things provide increased stability, better comfort and an extra fun factor. With the three wheels, you as a rider are also much more stable and enjoy an intuitive riding experience where you can lean into corners. Moreover, the rubber spring element catches unevenness in the road and vibrations, so that cobblestones or potholes in the road surface, for example, are not an obstacle to comfort or safety. On the e-scooter, there are also lights, indicators and a horn. In addition to a conventional rear light, there is also an uplighter built into the rear bend of the frame that illuminates the rider’s back, to further increase visibility and thus safety

    TAITO for life: every part can be repaired and replaced

    Furthermore, the “built to last” mentality of the three-wheeled e-scooter stands out. “Not only is the Taito S1 resistant to all weather conditions, every part can be repaired or replaced thanks to a modular design,” explains Jules Dobbelaere, co-founder and CEO of TAITO. “A Taito is durable and you buy it for life. Every part can be easily replaced by an expert. That’s what sets us apart: current e-scooters are rarely watertight, which means they quickly fail in our weather. Repairing them is often not possible due to the large amount of glued components, leaving you with a disposable product.”

    The frame is made entirely in Belgium – and battery assembly is also done domestically. By having as many parts as possible made in Belgium and Europe, the three young founders also optimise their logistics and carbon footprint. The Taito S1 also comes with an app that adds an extra dimension to the user experience. You will find in the app a GPS tracking system that, together with the integrated alarm system and a locking option, protects your e-scooter to the maximum.

    Safety, durability and comfortable riding pleasure: reasons enough for Bike Republic to include the Taito S1 in their range. Wim Teerlynck, General Manager of Bike Republic: “At Bike Republic, we want to do our bit for sustainable mobility. We believe that e- scooters – alongside (electric) bikes – are also one of the essential building blocks in that. In some places and contexts they are just that little bit more convenient than bicycles.

    On top of that, TAITO’s scooters are a great Belgian story and set new standards in terms of safety, durability and riding comfort. This is precisely why this new product should not be missing from our collection!”

    The Taito S1 is on sale for €2590 at 25 Bike Republic Flemish bike shops and workshops, or via their webshop.

    About TAITO

    TAITO is a Ghent-based start-up bringing a new generation of three-wheeled e-scooters to the Belgian market with the Taito S1. TAITO was founded on 1 October 2020 by Nathan de Baets (COO), François Desmet (CTO) and Jules Dobbelaere (CEO). In summer 2021, TAITO completed a €700,000 seed round, including a successful crowdlending. In February 2022, TAITO launched a pre-sale on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo. From 6 April 2023, the e-scooters will be on sale to the general Belgian public. ‘Taito’ is a Japanese word – derived from the English ‘tight’ – that symbolises the sleek, quality and minimalist designs of the e-scooters.

    About Bike Republic

    Bike Republic was founded – then as Bike! – founded in 2010 and has grown into a network of 27 specialist bicycle shops in Belgium: Evere, Aalst, Antwerp, Boechout, Boortmeerbeek, Diest (test centre), Laakdal, Dilbeek, Oudenaarde, Oudsbergen, Sint- Pieters-Leeuw, Ninove, Gent Dampoort, Gent Rooigem, Sint-Denijs-Westrem, Grimbergen, Hasselt, Herentals, Kuurne, Leuven, Merksem, Roeselare, Wijnegem, Diksmuide, Turnhout, Retie and Veurne. Bike Republic is market leader in the sale of branded bicycles, bicycle clothing and accessories. The concept is distinguished by a high-quality range and the expertise of its teams. Bike Republic is a dealer of numerous top brands such as Hiron, Trek, Flyer, Koga, Gazelle, Aska, Scott, Ridley, Kettler, BH, Bulls, Brompton and Norta. The bike shop also provides maintenance and repair of bikes.

    Companies can lease or buy company bikes through Bike Republic. Since 2019, Bike Republic has been a full part of Colruyt Group.

  8. Stromer wins Red Dot Award: Best of the Best 2023 for outstanding design quality

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    Stromer has been awarded the Red Dot Award: Best of the Best 2023 in the Product Design category for the design quality of the Stromer flagship ST7.

    The Red Dot: Best of the Best is the most coveted prize of the competition and is only awarded to leading designs. This award for design quality confirms Stromer’s competence in design-oriented product development. The Swiss manufacturer of e-bikes is honored to be a winner of the world’s most renowned design competition.

    IN SEARCH OF GOOD DESIGN

    Aesthetically pleasing, functional, smart or innovative – every year the Red Dot Jury rewards products with exceptional design quality with the Red Dot Award: Product Design. The Red Dot label is internationally known as one of the most coveted quality seals for good design. In 2023, the submitted products from 60 countries in 51 competition categories were judged by 43 internationally recognized, independent judges. The products did not compete with each other, but were individually evaluated.

    HERE TO CHANGE

    Stromer speed pedelecs are shaping the future of urban mobility – for everyday commuting with more riding pleasure, efficiency and quality of life. Stromer has set itself the goal of developing the best speed pedelecs in the world and making people enthusiastic about using them every day. The Stromer Community is very active. More than 80,000 people worldwide ride a Stromer on their way to work, to the shop or in their spare time. In total, more than 390 million kilometers have been covered with a Stromer.

    STROMER ST7

    The ST7 combines cutting-edge technology and high-end components in an unparalleled speed pedelec in its unique, integrated design. With its 1440 Wh powerful battery, a range of up to 260 km and the electric Pinion Smart.Shift shifting, Stromer’s flagship once again raises the bar in the speed pedelec market. Thanks to the 12-speed C1.Pinion-Smart.Shift drive with robust Gates Carbon belt, the ST7 is particularly durable and easy to maintain. The new rear-wheel motor (940 W / 52 Nm) supports powerfully, dynamically and silently up to 45 km/h.

    ABOUT RED DOT DESIGN AWARD

    The Red Dot Design Award is one of the largest design competitions in the world. Participants can register for three Red Dot Award disciplines: Product Design, Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design, and Red Dot Award: Design Concept Products, brands and communication projects, prototypes and design concepts. For each award, a jury convenes annually to review the entries individually and then decide which entry will be awarded.

    ABOUT STROMER

    Founded in 2009 and based in Oberwangen, Switzerland, the company is shaping the future of mobility with its Speed Pedelecs. myStromer AG produces all its e-bikes at the Oberwangen site and is the market leader in the Speed Pedelec category (fast e-bikes > 45 km/h). The company employs around 140 people, has two subsidiaries (USA and Netherlands) and sells its S-Pedelecs in 23 countries. Since 2021, the Spanish brand Desiknio has enhanced its product range with high-quality urban bikes (25 km/h). With its high-end products, Stromer offers commuters a contemporary mobility solution. This can be confirmed by the > 390 million kilometers traveled on Stromers. Stromer is #HereToChange. www.stromerbike.co

  9. Marc Burkhardt joins QWIC as Sales Representative Germany

    Comments Off on Marc Burkhardt joins QWIC as Sales Representative Germany

    E-bike manufacturer and LEVA-EU member QWIC is excited to announce the addition of a new team member, Marc Burkhardt. As of April 3rd, Marc starts as the new Sales Representative for the Western part of Germany

    Marc is a highly experienced sales professional with over 30 years of sales experience, including over 20 years of experience in the specialist retail sector in the mobile phone industry. With his track record, he brings a wealth of experience to the QWIC team.

    Marc Burkhardt:I am excited to join the QWIC family and promote the brand’s e-bikes to existing and new dealers. QWIC is an exciting and innovative company, and I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues to drive the growth of the brand.”

    His focus will be on continuing the good cooperation with the existing dealers and also expanding the dealer network, and on securing and expanding the brand positioning in his sales territory.

    More vacancies available
    QWIC is constantly looking for enthusiasts who want to contribute to the growth of QWIC. Do you want to be part of QWIC’s success? Check out all vacancies here.

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