Tag Archive: LEVA-EU member news

1. E-bikers ride longer and more often – QWIC research

   16/09/2022 15:30 Comments Off on E-bikers ride longer and more often – QWIC research

   Research by e-bike brand, and LEVA-EU member, QWIC shows that e-bikers cycle further and more often than before they bought an e-bike. The research was conducted among 3318 QWIC owners from the Netherlands and Belgium. QWIC e-bikers have started to cycle an average of 55km more per week than they did before purchasing an e-bike. Many feel more energetic as a result and enjoy cycling more, even with a headwind.

   

   ‘I cycle much more, my health has improved and I have already saved a lot of money’

   ‘I take the bike much quicker’

   Cycling further and more often
   Of all QWIC e-bikers, 1 in 5 (20%) cycle more than 100km per week on average. That’s 5,200 km per year. Which amounts to a bike ride from Amsterdam to the southernmost tip of Spain and back again. There are even e-bikers who cycle more than 300 km per week; they do this mainly to cover their commuting distance.

   ‘My commute has become much more pleasant and less stressful. I can now also determine much more precisely when I will arrive at work’

   ‘My well-being has improved, the daily ride back and forth to work is now me-time‘

   E-bikes as a healthy alternative
   QWIC users replace with their e-bike on average 86 km per week other means of transport such as cars, motorcycles, scooters, or public transport. The common motivation for this is health and being outdoors, getting more exercise, and having more fun. 

   European Mobility Week & Car Free Day
   QWIC conducted this research in the run-up to the European Mobility Week (Sept. 16 – 22), an initiative of the European Commission. During this week, sustainable urban mobility takes center stage, a theme QWIC strongly supports.

   September 22 is worldwide Car Free Day, the day when motorists are challenged to leave their cars at home and choose more sustainable transportation. Car Free Day is held in 46 countries and in more than 2,000 cities.

   QWIC ambition
   QWIC’s mission – ever since its founding 16 years ago – has been to accelerate the sustainable mobility revolution by getting more people on bikes and making them enjoy every ride. By developing high-quality and innovative electric bicycles, QWIC offers an enjoyable, active and healthy solution for everyday mobility.

   

2. Laka’s insurance extends to Germany with the support of Porsche

   15:18 Comments Off on Laka’s insurance extends to Germany with the support of Porsche

   Source: SazBike, M. Huber

   LEVA-EU member Laka, a bicycle insurer based in London, has now launched its service in Germany thanks to support from Porsche Ventures. In its initial stage, the brand will offer digital insurance products in these regions.

   Laka insurance is now available for all bicycles in Germany, including a partnership with Cyklaer e-bikes. Service providers in Germany under Laka insurance include Decathalon, Raleigh, Le Col, and Dockr. As announced in June, this development is facilitated by support from Porsche Ventures.

   Maxim Huber writes, “The insurance provider promises to only bill customers for the actual costs of claims submitted in the previous month. Insured persons should benefit from lower prices with fewer claims, while members are protected from higher collective claims by a monthly price cap. Costs are reduced through a daily updated pricing and risk model, with policyholders being transparent about where their money is going each month, the company says.”

   “We are thrilled to bring our modern, refreshing, and collective insurance model to Germany, where micro-mobility is already a part of everyday life and continues to grow,” says Kelly Barnes, CMO of Laka.

   

3. Trenergy offers dealer tours of new premises

   12/09/2022 15:43 Comments Off on Trenergy offers dealer tours of new premises

   Source: NieuwsFiets

   Following excellent development, LEVA-EU member and e-bike brand Trenergy relocated into an upgraded facility, and now offers dealers the chance to explore the new location

   For Trenergy, this year’s dealer cycle was not only dominated by the innovations in its collection, but also by the presentation of the new building. Dealers were offered a tour of the offices, the spacious warehouse, and finally the showroom, where the bicycles were presented. Trenergy director Taco Reydon also shared that additional development of the showroom is planned for the future, further amplifying Trenergy’s offering to prospective clients.

   Reydon and sales manager René Driessen notice that the dealers are becoming more careful when ordering new bicycles, and have observed shifts in market behavior, “The past year has been crazy. Some customers ordered two to three more than usual because they wanted to be assured of bicycles. But someone who normally does 100 bicycles will not suddenly sell 300,” explains Driessen. “And when we wanted to deliver the ordered bicycles, it sometimes didn’t work out. In good consultation, we then started canceling bicycles, which we were able to sell to other dealers. That is why we now prefer that entrepreneurs order slightly less, but then purchase it.”

   “But besides telling the dealers to think carefully about their order, they naturally do that themselves too,” adds Reydon. “They notice that many other suppliers are also starting to deliver. Moreover, the prospects are uncertain due to, for example, the high energy bills. We hope, of course, that people will leave the car at home more often and take the bike more often, but dealers are not all ready to anticipate this yet. But if you ensure that you have a nice range and an organization with which dealers can work well together, then you will be fine.”

   Outside of hometown developments, Trenergy expanded into the Belgian markets during 2021 and will continue its development through this year.

   

4. Podbike tours Europe and further enhances the FRIKAR design

   14:03 Comments Off on Podbike tours Europe and further enhances the FRIKAR design

   LEVA-EU member Podbike has toured the uniquely designed FRIKAR e-bike around various European trade shows, delighting audiences and making fresh engineering discoveries along the way

   ‘Podbike, meet din 79010’ – Germany’s strict safety standards

   Germany’s rules for bike design and safety are the gold standard across Europe. The Podbike FRIKAR is so unique, that it’s not completely clear which category of bike design it belongs in. Podbike has chosen to abide by Germany’s rules for cargo bikes, as the LEV can carry two people: one big, one small, or one rider and cargo in the rear.

   For example, the FRIKAR should be able to roll off a curb onto the road without any fear of damaging the bike. These simple drops from curb to road surface occur all the time on a bike, so it was necessary to test the effects of constant bumping such as this over time.

   To simulate long-term riding, Podbike has developed a power-driven test rig that allows a FRIKAR to ‘drive’ for days and days on rollers without a break. The fatigue data gathered provided interesting insights, which will assist in ensuring Podbike is first-in-class when it comes to velomobile stability and durability.

   What to do when shock absorbers are not absorbing sufficient shock?

   The biggest finding was that the front suspension wasn’t behaving as expected, being too stiff for the test rig. The suspension wasn’t absorbing enough kinetic energy, making for a bumpy ride and some complex handling. Additionally, unnecessary pressure was exerted on the bike’s chassis which would cause damage over time.

   As a result, Podbike has chosen to change the springs on the FRIKAR’s front shock absorbers. In laymen’s terms, the team has made the front suspension softer. This more supple suspension creates more give in the front end of the FRIKAR, reducing stress on the chassis, and taking a load off the front of the chassis and all the bike’s other components.

   The new springs have different diameters and steel thicknesses than the old ones. They will add a little extra weight, but not much – just a few grams.

   Why redesign the front suspension now?

   Readers may ask, why did Podbike wait until this late stage in the design process to make this change?

   The short answer is that there was not enough test data until now, despite the FRIKAR undergoing 2 years of test driving with the old suspension springs on roads in Norway.

   After some stress cracks appeared in the chassis, it was realized that reinforcement was required. Following this, it was assumed the issue would be solved, but the amped-up fatigue testing this summer on the roller rig revealed that more refinement was needed. Hence, additional suspension development!

   Development enhances the FRIKAR to the max.

   The good news is that following the installation of softer front shocks it was discovered that they extended the FRIKAR’s projected longevity by three to four years!

   A great result, but Podbike is committed to further development as to meet the German cargo bike standard.  Unfortunately, these changes to the front suspension mean the bike’s production will be delayed a little longer. However, while disappointing for some, Podbike’s dedication to quality is highlighted, ensuring only the most superior of products reach end-users.

   

5. TILER’s loading tile for shared bicycles

   05/09/2022 12:49 Comments Off on TILER’s loading tile for shared bicycles

   Source: fietsberaad.nl

   Wireless charging for e-bikes has been underway for some time now, with the potential to revolutionize the charging landscape. LEVA-EU member TILER’s loading tile is now being used in practice at various locations.

   TILER developed the induction technology for its charging tile in collaboration with the Delft University of Technology.

   Shared bicycle provider MOBIAN has recently started using the tile in Amsterdam to wirelessly charge its fleet of e-bikes immediately after use. No special hub administrator is needed to arrange this, enabling the vulnerabilities of regular chargers to be bypassed.

   To integrate the loading tile, it is only necessary to replace the regular bicycle kickstand with a special loading stand that allows wireless charging. This makes it relatively easy for bicycle sharing and rental companies to adapt their bicycles.

   The loading tiles have also been utilized by shared-bicycle scheme providers elsewhere, for example at NH Hotel Leeuwenhorst in Noordwijkerhout and at Arnhem Central.

   

6. Stromer ST3 Special Edition – At the Stromer Universe as a camouflaged prototype

   12:37 Comments Off on Stromer ST3 Special Edition – At the Stromer Universe as a camouflaged prototype

   At the “Stromer Universe” in Antwerp, where LEVA-EU member Stromer’s latest models were unveiled, myStromer Co-CEO Tomi Viiala rode an ST3 Special Edition in a camouflage wrap together with the sales teams from Stromer B.V. in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NL).

   Based on the Stromer ST3 with Pinion gearbox and Gates carbon belt introduced last year, the Special Edition comes in a special Ipanema Brown finish and is equipped with the 983 Wh battery and the Kinekt suspension seatpost (optionally also with a suspension fork and front ABS).

   

   Pinion gearbox according to automotive standard

   The Stromer ST3 Pinion is an extremely dynamic Speed Pedelec. The 9-speed Pinion gearbox uses technology from the automotive sector and offers a reliable shifting performance with a gear ratio range of 568%. In the Pinion gearbox, all gears can be easily and conveniently changed using a twist shifter, both at a standstill and on the move. The shifting system is not under added load from the motor and reacts to every gear change quickly, precisely and free of wear. In combination with the silent Gates carbon belt drive, the ST3 Pinion is extremely low-maintenance.

   Clean design

   All components – the gearbox, the easy-to-use shifting system, and even the belt drive – are cleanly integrated into the clear Stromer frame design. The 820 W rear-wheel motor quietly and dynamically provides assistance up to 45 km/h, and the ST3 Edition’s 983 Wh battery allows up to 180 km of range.

   Cutting-edge communication between bike and rider
   
   Like all Stromer models, the ST3 Special Edition is also fully connected. Connected via the cellular network and the free Stromer OMNI connect app, the bike has GPS localization and Smartlock: when being pushed in locked mode, the motor is blocked, the alarm (horn & flashing headlight) and GPS localization are activated, and the owner is notified by text message or email. Automatic locking and unlocking from a certain distance are performed via Bluetooth, if so desired. New functions such as the service reminder or crash alert messaging supplement the range of features in the user-friendly OMNI app. The app also enables the adjustment of motor settings to suit the rider, upload of the ride statistics, changes to the profile, and much more.

   Optional ABS – added safety
   
   With the new Stromer ST3 Special Edition, you commute not only with maximum riding dynamics but also in safety. In addition to large-volume tires and a high-quality light system, the model is optionally available from the factory with fully integrated ABS. ABS drastically reduces the risk of the front wheel locking and the rear wheel lifting off the ground and guarantees a safe and pleasant ride on the daily commute to work. Also available with the suspension fork option and with multiple stem and handlebar variants.

   The ST3 Special Edition is suited for year-round commuters who are out and about in any weather. It offers a low-cost and low-maintenance alternative to commuting by car – for efficient mobility in commuter traffic.

   Versions:

   • Special Edition (SE) in Ipanema Brown, with BQ983 battery (up to 180 km)
   • Special Edition (SE) in Ipanema Brown, with BQ983 battery (up to 180 km), optional suspension fork and ABS and Comfort Stem

   Availability:

   • Special Edition Ipanema Brown from September 2022
   • Special Edition Ipanema Brown with ABS and suspension fork from October 2022

   Price in EUR/CH:

   • Special Edition Ipanema Brown: from EUR 9,108; CHF 9,881
   • Special Edition Ipanema Brown with ABS and suspension fork: 10.643, – Euro; 11’880.– CHF

   

   Stromer Universe Lucerne and Antwerp

   Stromer once again focuses on its proven in-house exhibition in 2022 in order to present all its new products at one time in a special atmosphere. In the “Viscose Eventhalle” in Emmenbrücke/Lucerne and in “Felix Pakhuis” in Antwerp, trading partners and invited guests had the opportunity to talk to the management, market managers, product managers, and marketing team of Stromer and to take a test ride of the new models in urban traffic. The focus was shared between the new flagship ST7 with Pinion gearbox and electronic Pinion Smart.Shift system, the ST3 Special Edition in Ipanema Brown, and the 25 km/h model from Desiknio, Stromer’s new brand. The guests in Antwerp were also able to enjoy two evening events with shows.

   #HereToChangeMobility event

   For the first time, Stromer organized the side event #HereToChangeMobility on the third day of the Stromer Universe in Antwerp. The event was dedicated to current mobility trends, the health of employees, and mobility solutions for the future. The event was targeted toward leading mobility managers who are aware of sustainability, who are looking for inspiration, and who wish to create added value for their mobility policies. At the heart of the presentation was a panel discussion moderated by sports journalist Ruben Van Gucht (VRT) on the topic of mobility, featuring Koen Kennis (Alderman of Mobility), Brecht Mangelschots (Sr. Reward Consultant SD Worx), Jean-Marc Ponteville (Press & PR D’Ieteren) and Tomi Viiala (Co-CEO myStromer AG).

   Both the Stromer Universe and the #HereToChangeMobility event were a resounding success among international partners and key accounts. In addition, a number of interested end customers also made good use of the opportunity to test the new Stromer models on-site on public days.

7. Vattenfall and CAKE reveal hidden CO2 sources when producing an electric motorcycle by demonstrating carbon footprint with a cube

   12:16 Comments Off on Vattenfall and CAKE reveal hidden CO2 sources when producing an electric motorcycle by demonstrating carbon footprint with a cube

   Stefan Ytterborn: “The term fossil-free vehicles is greenwashing until the entire production part has been decarbonized, regardless of the fuel they are running on”

   Vattenfall, a leading European energy company, and LEVA-EU member CAKE, the Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorcycles, today announced an innovative initiative for visualizing carbon emissions from production. Within the joint project “Cleanest Dirt Bike Ever”, CAKE and Vattenfall are revealing the climate impact of producing one CAKE Kalk OR electric offroader by placing it in a cube, 8.6 meters tall, that represents the volume of carbon emissions created in the production of the bike – 637 cubic meters, equal to 1,186 kg CO2e.

   “The popular term fossil-free vehicles is greenwashing until the entire production has been decarbonized, regardless of the fuel they are running on. In fact, most companies do not know the carbon footprint of their own products. To understand and tackle our own impact, we have measured the emissions from our entire production chain for one CAKE Kalk OR, and started to decarbonize every step to a minimum by 2025. By doing so, our second most important contribution to the planet is to inspire other manufacturers to step up and do the same,” says Stefan Ytterborn, founder and CEO of CAKE.

   Annika Ramsköld, Head of Corporate Sustainability at Vattenfall commented:

   “Vattenfall works to achieve fossil-free living within one generation and is dedicated to finding partnerships that inspire and break barriers. This is one such project, where our main contribution is the broad knowledge in fossil free solutions and electrification of industries we have acquired over decades from our own as well as other industries.”

   Cleanest Dirt Bike Ever – revealing climate impact

   Within the project Cleanest Dirt Bike Ever, Vattenfall and CAKE have been collaborating since 2021 with the aim to produce the first ever truly fossil-free vehicle – the CAKE Kalk OR electric offroader. The first step in the decarbonization process was taking the bike apart and measuring the impact, from a climate perspective, of every individual part. The two companies worked together to quantify the carbon emissions from step one of the manufacturing process for each component as well as final assembly – from raw material to finished product.

   The life cycle assessment (LCA) concluded that producing one CAKE Kalk OR currently results in emissions of 1,186 kg CO2e, equal to a volume of 637 cubic meters. Every successful step taken results in shrinking the volume. The route to fossil-free production will involve both CAKE and its existing suppliers, as well as a number of innovative producers of alternative components and materials that offer opportunities for emissions to be further reduced.

   An integral part of the Cleanest Dirt Bike Ever collaboration between Vattenfall and CAKE will be the cube, a three-dimensional visualization of the carbon footprint from production. The visualization itself is an innovative approach to building a broad understanding of an urgent global issue that is often talked about, but difficult to comprehend. The objective of the cube is to raise awareness among consumers, inspire the manufacturing industry in general, and position Vattenfall and CAKE as leaders in the transition to fossil-free production.

   

   The many misperceptions of fossil-free

   Anything that is produced results in a certain carbon footprint. Consumers can make a large difference by consuming less and more consciously if they are given the opportunity to understand what fossil-free means. For instance, research has shown that 83 percent of all EV owners believe that they are already doing enough for the climate. The reality is that an electric car results in carbon emissions of 35 tonnes when produced, a figure that manufacturers are rarely able to provide.

   Carbon emissions from producing different products (weight and volume):

   – A pair of jeans: 33 kg CO2e, 18 m3

   – Beef, 1 kg: 60 kg CO2e / 32 m3

   – Using up a full tank (60 liters) of gasoline in a car:

   – Petrol: 182 kg CO2e / 97 m3

   – Diesel: 206 kg CO2e / 110 m3

   – CAKE Kalk OR electric motorcycle: 1,186 kg CO2e / 637 m3

   – A 46 inch LED television: 1,334 kg CO2e / 713 m3

   – A mid-size electric car: 25-35 tonnes CO2e / 13,359-18,703 m3

8. THOR AVAS launches pedestrian safety survey

   26/08/2022 13:26 Comments Off on THOR AVAS launches pedestrian safety survey

   LEVA-EU member THOR AVAS conducts research to improve road and pedestrian safety. The recently launched survey takes no more than 5 minutes and will aid in deepening the understanding of acoustic safety in relation to LEVs.

   Access the survey, here.

   “Please join us and together we will understand how to make the environment more comfortable and safer.” – THOR AVAS

   

9. Bafang laboratory centers gain SGS-witnessed Laboratory Qualification Certification

   13:15 Comments Off on Bafang laboratory centers gain SGS-witnessed Laboratory Qualification Certification

   On July 6, 2022, SGS Standard Technical Service Co., Ltd. and LEVA-EU member Bafang Electric (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. held their UL2849 Witness Laboratory Authorization Presentation Ceremony in Suzhou and signed a future strategic cooperation agreement.

   The qualification confirms that Bafang’s laboratory meets the high-quality requirements recognized by SGS in terms of test quality, including the laboratory’s test environment, equipment and personnel professionalism, and the accuracy and reproducibility of test results.

   SGS additionally issued a UL2849 certificate for the Bafang M620 drive system and UL1004 certificate for the Bafang eFat G062 motor. Of particular significance is that certification of the M620 system marks a new stage for Bafang, moving from single component certification to systematic integration certification.

   Following certification, Bafang will continue to utilize its in-house laboratory for R&D procedures and to ensure all products meet the highest standard in both technical ability and quality.