Comments Off on Segway looks set to improve its sustainability further after LCA success
Zag Daily looks at how Segway is minimising its environmental impact with the incorporation of recycled plastic and metal into the production of its e-scooters.
Segway was already aiming to increase its dependence on recycled materials when leading international testing organisation TÜV SÜD studied its environmental impact, and awarded Segway with its first ever Life Cycle Assesement (LCA) award.
The LCA has facilitated the brand to improve its understanding on carbon emissions and its causes, and build on its recycled materials commitment by working with TÜV SÜD to identify and enforce improvements across its product life cycles (in terms of resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact) to meet its sustainability goals.
Sustainability evaluation with TÜV SÜD
Segway’s electric scooter models S90L and Max Plus X were evaluated by TÜV SÜD, and measured by 18 environmental impact categories such as global warming impact, ozone depletion and fossil resource scarcity.
TÜV SÜD’s findings identified Segway’s raw material stage as a key area for improvement, highlighting its aluminium alloy structural components.
Since gaining valuable insight into the findings, Segway has responded by highlighting its ongoing commitment to reducing emissions and placing sustainability at the forefront of its quest to identify greener and lower carbon substitutes for its raw materials and components, particularly for plastic and metal components. Recent vehicles developed by the company have used approximately 41% recycled metal in their total metal weight.
As part of its efforts to further improve its carbon footprint, Segway is also committed to achieving the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Comments Off on Bicycle insurer Laka welcomes new investor: Achmea Innovation Fund
Achmea Innovation Fund has made an investment in the European micromobility insurer and LEVA-EU member Laka. This startup provides a range of insurance and circular economy services to e-bike riders, cyclists, and businesses. This investment is in line with Achmea’s ambitions in the field of smart and sustainable mobility and its interest in innovative mobility solutions.
Laka is a mobility insurtech, founded in London in 2017 and now active in multiple European countries, including the Netherlands, and insures more than €140 million worth of bicycles and e-bikes. Laka’s main offering is collective-driven insurance for bikes, e-bikes and e-cargo bikes.
The collective is a group of cyclists, connected by a common interest; their bicycles. Each month’s claims are shared amongst Laka’s collective of cyclists, so the monthly bill varies up to a guaranteed cap. Now cyclists only pay for what’s needed. The fewer claims there are, the lower the monthly premium.
As well as offering insurance directly to consumers, Laka is working with retailers and brands to embed insurance at point of sale. The most recent partnerships are with the Dutch bicycle manufacturer Gazelle and cargo bike brand Urban Arrow from Pon. Other partners include sports retailer Decathlon and e-bike brand Riese & Müller. This allows Laka to reach cyclists in the most efficient way.
Exploiting the opportunities of embedded insurance
Katharina Maas, Fund Manager Achmea Innovation Fund: “In a world where the demand for green and healthy transport options continues to rise but electric bicycles are also becoming increasingly expensive, Laka is at the forefront with innovative solutions. Their innovative ’embedded’ insurance model ensures that bicycles are insured directly from the manufacturer. But Laka does more; They also offer services to recover stolen bikes, and they help cyclists get back on the road quickly after theft or damage. Achmea invests in Laka because of the attractive possibilities of embedded insurance and the synergy with our business activities. Moreover, Laka’s model is directly in line with our cooperative values and our mission to optimally insure customers and provide them with the right services.”
Tobias Taupitz, CEO and co-founder Laka: “We’re excited to welcome leading Dutch insurer Achmea to join Laka’s ride. Their investment is testament to the strength of our embedded proposition and will support Laka’s growth across Europe in Green mobility. We look forward to working with the Achmea Innovation Fund team and the broader organisation to create outstanding customer value. In addition, we welcome Henrieke Hoftijzer to join our board.”
Next growth phase
Achmea Innovation Fund’s investment follows the extension of the latest investment round led by impact investor Shift4Good alongside existing investors Autotech Ventures, Porsche Ventures, Ponooc, ABN AMRO Ventures, Creandum, 1818 Ventures and Elkstone Partners. This will allow Laka to enter the next phase of growth, which is aimed at further expansion in Europe.
Since 2019 Achmea Innovation Fund invests in start-ups and scale-ups that match the mission and strategic domains in which Achmea operates. The fund exclusively takes minority stakes in these companies, with the aim of further growth and realising strategic value for Achmea. The Achmea Innovation Fund contributes to solving social issues, for example in the field of mobility.
Founded in 2017, Laka set out to transform insurance by connecting passionate cyclists to form a collective and protect their bikes for when things go wrong. Now serving cyclists across Europe, Laka is the leading bike insurance provider that insures businesses and individuals looking to make their journeys pedal-powered. Laka challenges the traditional insurance model by providing tailored cover to suit your needs – this includes a tech-driven claims experience that has won Best Cycle Insurance Provider’ at the Insurance Choice Awards for six years running.
Comments Off on New Distribution Partner for MAHLE in Iberia: Bike Difusion
Electric mobility brand expects new partnership to significantly enhance availability of its product range for Spain, Portugal and Andorra.
LEVA-EU member MAHLE is pleased to announce Bike Difusion as its new distribution partner for the Iberian region.
Bike Difusion, based in Vitoria, Spain, will use its leading expertise to significantly optimize MAHLE’s offering, and deliver outstanding distribution for the aftermarket in Spain, Portugal and Andorra. Since its creation, the company’s goal has been to offer quality and innovative products to the cycling market, which perfectly matches the DNA of MAHLE SmartBike Systems.
The partnership officially begins from April 15th, and is expected to greatly increase the availability of MAHLE accessories and spare parts for customers, including its innovative X20 and X35 Systems, Range Extender, and eShifters.
The MAHLE team believes Bike Difusion’s extensive sales partner network will help its customers feel much more supported in experiencing their eBike systems and accessories, and will also enable the brand to reach a larger number of cycling enthusiasts.
MAHLE SmartBike Systems looks forward to an enriching journey as it continues to lead and expand in the e-bike market.
MAHLE SmartBike Systems is the specialized division for the design and development of drive systems for electric bicycles of the German MAHLE Group, an international leader in sustainable mobility solutions for the present and the future.
The team, of more than 150 people, is made up of software and hardware engineers, industrial and electronic engineers, quality specialists, 3D designers, creative, production and materials experts and a long list of professionals to which are added another 80 people distributed in the different centers of the group in Spain, Germany, and Asia.
With Palencia as the headquarters of this great project, MAHLE SmartBike Systems brings together the R&D, Marketing, Operations and Sales activities of MAHLE in the electric bicycle industry.
MAHLE ultra-light and compact systems, consisting of the motor, batteries, controllers, components, and all types of intelligent solutions for electric bicycles, are integrated and perfectly interconnected with each other to offer the rider a fully customized experience. For all these features, more than 80 brands worldwide, including those whose innovation is revolutionizing the cycling industry, incorporate MAHLE drive systems as the perfect choice in terms of integration, cost and efficiency for electric mobility.
Comments Off on Stromer to launch online sales channel for the EU market for 2024
After piloting its new online service in the USA, Swiss speed pedelec brand and LEVA-EU member MyStromerAG now looks to launch its online Click and Collect sales platform in the EU. Stromer’s first virtual shop will be rolled out in the Netherlands, then Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, France and Denmark through 2024.
Announcing the launch of its online shops, Stromer expects to offers customers “an uncomplicated, modern shopping experience hand in hand with the existing dealer network”. So that customers can get “the best of both worlds – the simplicity of online purchase combined with personal support from an official retailer”.
Stromer’s new e-commerce option aims to make shopping more streamlined for its customers, who can use Stromer’s “click and collect” service by simply clicking and ordering their Stromer pedelec online and arranging to collect it from the Stromer dealer of their choice. Accessories (bags, helmets, batteries, etc.) can be delivered directly to the addresses of customers.
“With the click-and-collect model, Stromer offers customers the highest level of convenience and at the same time expands the brand’s reach,” says the MyStromer headquarters from Oberwangen near Bern, Switzerland.
“Digitalisation and customer needs are constantly changing, which is why we are also adapting our sales channels accordingly,” explains MyStromer Co-CEO Tomi Viiala about this new sales channel, “our retail partners remain of central importance for our business with this click-and-collect solution and our online customers benefit from personal dealer contact. With the online shop on our website, we expect to be able to attract new customers to our retail partners”.
Comments Off on MAHLE: Meet the Future of eBike Control: The Duo Remote
MAHLE SmartBike Systems expands its range of accessories for X20 with the Duo device. This new remote allows the eBike rider to have full control on the system without moving their hands from the handlebars.
Duo has two buttons whose operation is very simple: the upper button raises the assistance level of the system with a short press and, if it has lights, the rider can turn them on and off with a longer press. The lower button, on the other hand, decreases the assistance level with a short press and activates the “Walk Assistance” mode with a long press.
This device for flat handlebar is an ideal accessory for both urban commuting and off-road riding. In addition, the new MAHLE SmartBike System remote needs no batteries – its power comes from the eBike battery.
The new Duo joins the other accessories compatible with the X20 System: eShifters, PulsarONE and Range Extender e185. MAHLE SmartBike Systems is committed to the safety and comfort of cyclists, which is why the development of new accessories always occupies an important place in our product portfolio.
MAHLE SmartBike Systems is the specialized division for the design and development of drive systems for electric bicycles of the German MAHLE Group, an international leader in sustainable mobility solutions for the present and the future.
The team, of more than 150 people, is made up of software and hardware engineers, industrial and electronic engineers, quality specialists, 3D designers, creative, production and materials experts and a long list of professionals to which are added another 80 people distributed in the different centres of the group in Spain, Germany, and Asia.
With Palencia as the headquarters of this great project, MAHLE SmartBike Systems brings together the R&D, Marketing, Operations and Sales activities of MAHLE in the electric bicycle industry.
MAHLE ultra-light and compact systems, consisting of the motor, batteries, controllers, components, and all types of intelligent solutions for electric bicycles, are integrated and perfectly interconnected with each other to offer the rider a fully customized experience. For all these features, more than 80 brands worldwide, including those whose innovation is revolutionizing the cycling industry, incorporate MAHLE drive systems as the perfect choice in terms of integration, cost and efficiency for electric mobility.
Comments Off on Cargo Cycling announces new partnership with Delivery Mates
Dutch cycling brand partners with UK last-mile delivery provider to pilot its Chariot FS2 for eight weeks
Delivery Mates will pilot Cargo Cycling’s state-of-the-art e-cargo trike, the Chariot FS2, which can carry up to 1,700 litres with a payload of 200 kg. It contains a vigorous cargo power dual-motor, with each of its rear wheels providing harmonious transportation. As a vehicle that aligns with the most up-to-date norms for heavy-duty cargo bikes, it is expected to merge easily into Delivery Mates’ operations.
Cargo Cycling has already supplied its transport solutions for customers including DHL and Dutch Post, and now looks forward to increasing its accessibility across Europe with this new Delivery Mates partnership.
“This partnership with Delivery Mates has huge potential, given the quality of the service that Delivery Mates has built so far, we hope to form a productive long-term relationship with them” says Jeroen Beumer, Director of Sales and Marketing at Cargo Cycling.
UK logistics provider, Delivery Mates recognized as an ideal partner for Cargo Cycling
Cargo Cycling identified Delivery Mates as a leader in the last-mile delivery market with its innovative & efficient business model that has also made a mark in London, UK, aligning with the brand’s goals to increase the usage of its models in major European cities.
“Delivery Mates really understands what it takes to make final-mile logistics work,” Beumer explains.
“It’s not just about supplying a nice bike; the operational setup, maintenance and servicing infrastructure is also crucial. Then we have the vehicle with a really high uptime and a low cost of ownership, so the partnership is bringing together two parties at the top of their game.”
Cargo Cycling is extremely confident in Chariot FS2’s quality as an e-cargo trike that’s making an impact with its durability and performance.
“As part of our partnership with DHL we have used IoT to measure the forces being applied on the bike,” says Beumer.
“Based on that information we fully redesigned the Chariot, adding front and rear suspension but also reducing the total number of parts. We have then included a single set of mounting for the wheels which allows them to be replaced in two minutes.”
Cargo Cycling’s team also invested in two welding robots to ensure the Chariot FS2 is strong and can be reproduced consistently with the highest quality, even for larger quantities.
“The robots will allow us to boost volume by four times our previous level,It was a large investment, but it was a really important step as we enter the next phase of our development.” continues Beumer.
Cargo Cycling’s expectations of Delivery Mate pilot
The team expects this project to demonstrate the e-cargo trike’s value to the market, after a recent successful trial in Brussels, with enhanced uptime, fewer breakdowns, reduced maintenance, and quick delivery times thanks to its tilting system, that makes it appear more similar to riding a normal bike. Management believes this partnership will not only highlight Chariot FS2’s high efficiency but also its profitability too.
More information about this new partnership and Cargo Cycling can be found here.
Comments Off on Stromer ST5 Pinion – The executive of S-pedelecs
Following the launch of the new ST5 Pinion model in Imperial Red last year, Stromer is now offering this model as a complement in the standard colour Aventurine Green, available from official Stromer dealers.
The new colour Aventurine Green, combined with the integrated frame design, gives this S-Pedelec a very slim and noble look. The name of the colour is inspired by the greenish colour and shimmering texture of the Aventurine quartz mineral. A fitting link to the standard paintwork of this top model.
In addition to the elegant colour, the ST5 Pinion has much more to offer. It accelerates powerfully and takes commuters dynamically and safely from A to B, up to 180 km away. With the electric Pinion Smart.Shift shift, they can shift gears easily and at lightning speed. The 9-speed Pinion gearbox with carbon belt is durable and easy to maintain, the sound module emits acoustic signals and the extended mudguard keeps your bike free from splashes. Premium components and full connectivity complete the model.
This Speed Pedelec (fast electric bike with pedal assistance up to 45 km/h) is perfectly suited for commuting on the street, and offers dynamic riding pleasure and a feeling of safety, balance and freedom.
The technical details:
Electric Pinion Smart.Shift circuit
Range up to 180 km
850-Watt rear-wheel motor with sport mode
TRP Hd944 Four-Piston Brakes
Fully integrated ABS (front)
Integrated Audio Module
Supernova M99 Pro 2 (<1900 lumens)
Connectivity via mobile network for GPS positioning, Smartlock, motor settings, statistics
Keyless battery ejection at the touch of a button
Fully integrated design and state-of-the-art technology
For extra riding comfort, optionally with suspension fork and suspension seatpost
Brooks Grips, Selle Royal Vivo Saddle
Retail price: EUR 10990 | CHF 11990
Various financing solutions are available in most countries. Stromer also offers attractive fleet solutions for companies.
#HereToChange
About Stromer
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Oberwangen, Switzerland, the company is shaping the future of mobility with its speed pedelecs. myStromer AG manufactures all its e-bikes at its site in Oberwangen and is the market leader in the speed pedelec (fast e-bike < 45 km/h) category. The company has around 180 employees, three subsidiaries (USA, the Netherlands and Romania) and sells its products in 28 countries. At Stromer, “Swissness” stands for the promise of quality, design, reliability and respect for the environment. Since 2021, the Spanish brand Desiknio has been completing its range with high-quality city bikes (< 25 km/h). With its high-end products, Stromer offers a modern mobility solution for commuters. Just look at the more than 465 million km they have already ridden with a Stromer. Stromer is #HereToChange
Comments Off on Mahle strengthens its 2024 event activities
MAHLE SmartBike Systems expands its activities in the industry, attending several major Bike Festivals in 2024, including a few in collaboration with its partners around the world.
At all these events, MAHLE will be presenting technologies and innovations for the eBike industry. This includes the cutting-edge X20 and X35+ Systems, newly launched accessories, like the e185 Range Extender, and the latest features added in My SmartBike App.
Its experts will be on-site to explain in detail the products and the technology that support MAHLE systems, and once again will offer booth visitors the opportunity to test the most innovative eBikes in the market, ePowered with MAHLE SmartBike Systems.
MAHLE will be in attendance at the following Bike Festivals:
Ebikedays: April 26-28, 2024, München, Germany. Bike Festival Garda Trentino: May 02-05, 2024, Riva del Garda, Italy. Eurobike: July 03-07, 2024, Frankfurt, Germany. Sea Otter Europe: September 20–22, Girona, Spain. ROC D’Azur: October 10-13, Fréjus, France.
This 2024 event activity is reinforced with MAHLE’s participation in B2B exhibitions in collaboration with its distribution partners.
The season started with Velofollies, 2024 with partner Codagex, and continued with participaction in Cycling World Europe on March 15-17, Düsseldorf, Germany with Sport Import.
Attending these events aligns with the brand’s mission to bring MAHLE SmartBike Systems technology closer to users, who can visit the MAHLE booth to improve their riding experience. Learn more.
Comments Off on CityQ to replace car traffic with car-like e-bikes
A range of futuristic car-like e-bikes will be available this year in cities across Europe
London, UK, March 11th 2024: Cities across Europe looking to reduce congestion and pollution by imposing limitations to car traffic will be faced with a potential solution this year. Mobility technology startup CityQ is ramping up production of its game-changing ‘car-like e-bikes’, making both cargo and passenger models available in the UK, Germany, Benelux and Scandinavia in 2024.
Purpose-built with seating for multiple passengers, cargo capacity, weather protection and a futuristic digital powertrain, CityQ’s four wheeled e-bikes are unique because they retain true car like capabilities whilst being considerably lighter, more manoeuvrable, and more sustainable than an EV.
For cities, car like e bikes help cut pollution and congestion and for consumers, they deliver safe, door-to-door all-weather mobility without needing a license, insurance, or vehicle registration.
Charging at home without reliance on public EV infrastructure and offering unmatched stability and storage, the e-bikes provide a viable alternative to automobile ownership. Compared to EVs, CityQ e-bikes are allowed in bike lanes, take up significantly less road and can park for free together with other bikes.
With a net weight of only 120kg, they are the lightest car like vehicle available, and produce a fraction of the emissions of an EV, whilst requiring no costly car-charging infrastructure. When comparing total carbon footprint (from vehicle construction and emissions from a lifetime of use) CityQ e-bikes are approximately 90% more sustainable than ICE vehicles and 80% more sustainable than EVs.
The e-bikes have a range of 110 km using two swappable batteries and can handle moderate inclines of 20% gradients while loaded with up to 250 kg of cargo or people, with light pedalling effort. Their top speed is 25 km/h, typical for e-bikes due to regulation laws.
With Europe facing crippling pollution and congestion and underdeveloped public EV charging networks, the e bikes CityQ has produced to date have become hugely popular, with demand outstripping supply.
CityQ’s CEO Morten Rynning said:
“Cities don’t need to wait for autonomous vehicles, flying drones or new infrastructure to get less car traffic and pollution. This will come naturally by welcoming the innovation within downsized electric vehicles such as micro cars, micro mobility and CityQ. Our first revolutionary cargo e-bikes – have already been embraced by experts and global customers and thousands have reached out to test or order our family e-bike which is expected to be released this year. We will be the first company to successfully bridge the gap between cars and e-bikes – for all types of transport in inner cities.“
According to the European Environment Agency, approximately 40% of EU urban dwellers are exposed to harmful levels of air pollution, primarily caused by road transportation. It is also estimated that each year, congestion costs in Europe amount to €100 billion, about 1% of the EU’s GDP. Without effective action, the problem could worsen, with congestion costs projected to increase to €200 billion by 2050. Experts like McKinsey expect that such super light, small electric vehicles can transform urban mobility, representing a $100bn global market by 2030.
CityQ’s e-bikes boast car-like seating, weather protection, safety features and a reverse gear for improved portability. Equally suited for delivery services, maintenance crews, shared platforms, families or daily commuters, the versatile e-bikes are simple and convenient to use.
So far CityQ has raised over €3 million in early-stage funding as it has developed its innovative products and built up its manufacturing capacity. Its cargo models will launch in Spring 2024, with passenger versions available in the autumn. The initial launch markets are Germany, Benelux, UK and Scandinavia and pre-orders are now open.
At this early stage, CityQ are offered at prices starting just above €11k. As production ramps up there will also be lower cost models fitting private families and attractive leasing offering for corporations offering incentive programs towards their employees.
Images of CityQ’s range of e bikes can be downloaded from here.
About CityQ
CityQ is a Norwegian and German mobility technology startup that designs and produces a range of the most sustainable light electric vehicles with car-like feeling for urban transportation. Their new 4-wheel ebikes combine software-driven electric powertrain innovations and purpose-built vehicle design to develop e-bike alternatives to cars and traditional bicycles. The company currently develops and manufactures its e-bike in Germany, and will offer the vehicles initially in the UK, Germany, Benelux and Scandinavia.
Campaign success
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Member profile
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
