Tag Archive: LEVA-EU Member

  1. VIIALA founder expresses concerns about e-bike production misconceptions

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    Source: Nieuwsfiets

    According to Tomi Viiala, leader of the LEVA-EU member, misunderstandings about the true cost of manufacturing electric bicycles continue to persist, even among industry experts. A common assumption is that an e-bike “costs almost nothing to make”, but Viiala argues that this belief is fundamentally incorrect given the technical complexity of modern e-bikes.

    Although e-bikes retain the outward appearance of traditional bicycles, Viiala explains that this familiar design masks an advanced and highly integrated technological system. “Two wheels, a frame, and handlebars give the impression of simplicity. But beneath that familiar form lies extremely compact and integrated technology,” Viiala stated in a recent LinkedIn post. He emphasised that while electric cars and motorcycles benefit from large housings for batteries, electronics, and cooling systems, bicycles offer no such space. All components must be incorporated into a lightweight frame without compromising handling, stability, or aesthetics. “Every millimeter and every gram counts,” he said.

    According to Viiala, a high-quality e-bike consists of hundreds of components distributed across multiple systems. These include power electronics, battery cells with thermal management, sensors, software, wiring, displays, and mechanical parts that must function seamlessly with electronic systems. In addition to performance requirements, these elements must remain quiet, safe, reliable, easy to maintain, and ideally invisible to the rider.

    Viiala stresses that the final cost of an e-bike is determined less by individual components and more by how effectively they are integrated. Factors such as thermal management directly affect battery lifespan, cable routing influences frame properties, and software defines the overall riding experience. Achieving this level of integration requires multidisciplinary teams, long development cycles, extensive testing, and close collaboration with suppliers.

    The persistence of incorrect assumptions about e-bike pricing, Viiala warns, can have negative consequences for the industry. The perception that e-bikes are overpriced may pressure manufacturers to reduce investment in research and development, tooling, safety certifications, and software. “This ultimately leads to products that fall short in terms of reliability and durability,” Viiala cautioned.

    He also noted that the greatest challenge in e-bike development is not simply adding advanced technology, but doing so without compromising the essence of cycling. An e-bike should feel light, intuitive, and visually refined. “The trick is to add technology without losing the bike’s character. It’s precisely this balance between performance, integration, and experience that makes e-bike development one of the most demanding product challenges in modern mobility.”

    Viiala is currently collaborating with François-Henri Bennahmias on the development of a high-end e-bike featuring radically new technology, high performance, and a projected price of up to €25,000.

  2. VIIALA unveils first physical models in Dubai

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    Source: Nieuwsfiets

    The LEVA-EU member has revealed an exclusive look at its bicycle models, as it moves to its technical development phase.

    VIIALA publicly presented its bicycle concepts for the first time at a private industry event in Dubai, marking a significant milestone in the company’s development journey. The invitation-only presentation was held at the Museum of the Future and introduced physical models to a select group of industry stakeholders.

    Founded by Tomi Viiala and François-Henri Bennahmias, VIIALA is now moving beyond the conceptual and design stage into a phase focused on technical development, testing, and validation. According to the company, the models shown in Dubai represent the foundation for transforming design concepts into fully functional, rideable bicycles. This next development phase is expected to continue through 2026.

    VIIALA positions itself as a brand focused on high-end, technically rigorous mobility solutions, with an emphasis on advanced materials, structural engineering, and digital integration. Rather than pursuing incremental product updates, the company has adopted a systematic development strategy aimed at early identification of technical risks and data-driven validation of design decisions.

    A central element of this approach is VIIALA’s collaboration with ASTRO, a testing and research facility which specialises in additive manufacturing and materials science. ASTRO supports the validation of components, joints, and structures, applying testing methodologies more commonly associated with aerospace and advanced industrial sectors. VIIALA states that this partnership is intended to ensure durability, consistency, and long-term product performance.

    The company has drawn parallels between its development philosophy and aerospace-grade engineering, focusing on precision, verification, and a willingness to pause or redesign when performance thresholds are not met. This approach, according to the founders, is designed to deliver bicycles developed to exceptionally high technical standards rather than conventional industry benchmarks.

    Alongside technical development, VIIALA is investing in building a distinct brand identity and communication platform. Through regular publications, the company aims to share insights into its design philosophy, engineering decisions, and sources of inspiration, offering transparency into its development process and long-term positioning within the premium mobility market.

    VIIALA was first introduced publicly in September 2025. Details regarding final specifications, commercial launch timelines, and distribution strategy have not yet been disclosed. The company expects to share further information on its progress and next steps during 2026.

    A full report of VIIALA’s Dubai presentation can be accessed on the brand’s LinkedIn.

  3. Microlino wins at Automobile Awards in France

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    Source: Microlino

    The LEVA-EU member announced that it won the Mobilians Innovation in Decarbonization Award at the awards ceremony which took place in Paris, with the achievement acknowledging the microcar brand’s contribution to driving sustainable urban mobility.

    Yannick Boulch, who leads Microlino France, represented the company at the awards ceremony. Microlino expressed gratitude to the Mobilians organization and the Automobile Awards jury, noting that the recognition reinforces the value of challenging established norms in mobility and continuing to develop compact, responsible transport solutions for future cities.

    Microlino has stated that this accolade highlights its commitment to reimagining mobility with lightweight, resource-efficient vehicles which have been innovated especially for everyday urban use. The brand’s decarbonization strategy outlines long-term solutions which are designed to reduce environmental impact as they maintain the essential practicality required for city driving.

    Microlino’s impact on sustainable mobility in Europe

    Reportedly, over 5,200 of its vehicles are being used across Europe, and for typical urban usage, the compact electric vehicles emit up to 50% lower CO₂ emissions compared with conventional electric cars. The company states that this figure demonstrates the tangible benefits of smaller, simpler, and more efficient mobility solutions.

    For Microlino, winning at the Automobile Awards highlights its impactful role in advancing micro-mobility as a sustainable, practical alternative in the European urban transport landscape.

  4. MAHLE improves dealer services in Austria and Germany

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    Source: MAHLE SmartBikes

    The LEVA-EU member has announced a new logistics process for accelerating warranty deliveries in Germany and Austria.

    The new logistics initiative is being introduced to reduce delivery times for warranty replacement components, enabling dealers in Germany and Austria to receive batteries more quickly and improve service efficiency for riders.

    Under the updated process, dealers will continue to request and manage warranty replacements as they have previously. The primary improvement is significantly shorter delivery times, whoch enables the downtime of riders to be minimized.

    Initially, the accelerated logistics will cover both internal and external batteries for warranty replacements in the German and Austrian markets. Plans are already in place to expand the faster delivery process to additional system components, further strengthening after-sales support for dealers in the region.

    The initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing service efficiency and ensuring timely support for customers across Europe.

  5. vanRaam bikes available for renting in Paris

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    Source: vanRaam

    The LEVA-EU member’s adaptive bikes are set to be introduced to the streets of the Île-de-France region as part of the Véligo Location long-term bike rental programme in collaboration with Fleeta, with availability beginning from 5 January.

    More than 300 vanRaam bicycles have been specially manufactured for inclusion in the new fleet, expanding access to adaptive and inclusive cycling options across the Paris region. The deployment will include a range of vanRaam models designed to accommodate different mobility needs and riding preferences.

    Among the bikes entering service are vanRaam’s low-seat Balance models and the Easy Rider tricycles, which are designed to prioritise comfort and stability. The fleet will also feature tandem options intended to support shared and assisted riding, including the Fun2Go side-by-side tandem and the Kivo adult–child tandem, enabling users to ride together safely.

    The project has been delivered in collaboration with mobility partner Fleeta, which has worked alongside vanRaam to support the integration of the adaptive bikes into the Véligo Location scheme.

    The distinctive blue vanRaam bicycles are expected to become a visible addition to the Île-de-France cycling network, supporting greater accessibility and inclusivity within the region’s shared mobility offering.

  6. OEMBikes appointed bike sharing supplier in Budapest

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    Source: OEMBikes

    The LEVA-EU member has been selected as the bicycle supplier for Bubi 3.0, Budapest’s next-generation public bike-sharing system, representing a major step forward for shared urban mobility in the Hungarian capital, a significant milestone for all partners involved in the contract obtained by INURBA Mobility.

    The Bubi 3.0 programme will see a progressive rollout of up to 5,000 bicycles across Budapest, including approximately 1,000 electric bikes. The system will be deployed through an extensive network of stations and mobility hubs, known as Mobi-Points, designed to strengthen intermodality and improve everyday access to shared cycling for residents and visitors alike.

    OEMBikes’ appointment follows a competitive tender process and positions the company at the heart of one of Europe’s most ambitious public bike-sharing upgrades. While winning the tender marks an important achievement, OEMBikes emphasises that the focus now shifts firmly to delivery, working closely with INURBA Mobility and fellow partners Urban Sharing and Qucit to implement a reliable, scalable and future-ready system.

    INURBA Mobility, which will lead operations and system delivery, has highlighted Bubi 3.0 as a major leap forward in terms of scale, technology and service quality for Budapest. The company will contribute its operational and technical expertise to ensure a user-centric service aligned with the city’s long-term mobility objectives.

    OEMBikes has acknowledged the trust placed in the consortium and underscored the importance of collaboration in bringing the project to life. The company has expressed confidence that the combined experience of all partners, alongside close cooperation with BKK – Budapest Transport Centre, will translate strategic ambition into measurable, real-world impact.

    As the project moves into its implementation phase, OEMBikes and its partners are preparing to deliver a system designed to make cycling a more accessible, attractive and integral part of daily transport in Budapest.

  7. CIXI wins Good Design Award

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    Source: CIXI, Good Design Awards

    The LEVA-EU member’s PERS system has won the prestigious Good Design Award in the Sports and Recreation Category. This American design award collective has been running since the 1950s in celebrating the pursuit of excellence from designers and architects.

    On its website, the Good Design Award has published a statement about the PERS system, where it compliments it on opening “new possibilities for bicycle ergonomics, comfort and design”.

    CIXI has stated that this achievement was a wonderful way for it conclude 2025 as it looks ahead to a positive 2026 in redefining a range of two-, three- and four-wheeled active vehicles beyond the standard e-bike, while retaining the ease, intuitiveness and various health benefits from human pedalling.

  8. Skarper enters partnership with Sonder

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    Source and image credit: Cycling Electric

    LEVA-EU member Skarper has joined forces with bike brand Sonder to create a unique conversion kit for its gravel bikes, giving the Camino range a pedal-assist upgrade, transforming it from a standard to an electric bicycle. This collaboration builds on Skarper’s efforts in improving sustainable travel effortlessly with high-tech performance.

    After the recent announcement of its click-on e-bike conversion system now being available in UK stores, Skarper intends to collaborate with bike brands. In the collaboration with Sonder, the Camino gravel bike is available in three variations with Skarper pedal assist technology:

    • Camino Apex 1 Flat Bar × Skarper
    • Camino Al GRX1 × Skarper
    • Camino Ti GRX1 × Skarper

    The new partnership has already received great attention with an installation in London’s Selfridges store, and those who have purchased Sonder bikes can buy Skarper add-ons which can be installed at participating Alpkit stores in Edinburgh, Hathersage, Bristol, Kingston and Ilkley.

    The Skarper conversion kit offers Sonder riders the following for a versatile gravel experience with optional pedal assist:

    • Only 4.5kg additional weight
    • A torque of 76Nm
    • Theoretical range of up to 50km
    • An IP55 rating for weather protection
    • Can be removed quickly for anti-theft protection
    • Has 3 available modes: Eco, cruise and turbo
    • Compatibility with nearly all 26- to 29-inch wheel bikes with disc brakes
    • 240Wh internal battery

    Sonder’s Product Manager, Neil Sutton, has said the following about the collaboration:

    “Our riders value simplicity, reliability, and adventure. Skarper’s neat, removable drive keeps a Sonder feeling like a Sonder, while adding the confidence to go further. It is a natural fit for how our community rides.”

    Skarper’s CEO Ean Brown, states how Skarper improves riding experiences, for Sonder riders and beyond:

    “Riders want freedom and flexibility, not a second heavy bike. With Sonder we bring click-on power to award-winning frames through a partnership celebrating British design and innovation. The result is one bike covers the city and the wild, with no compromises on ride feel. For the Skarper brand, this is an exciting step forward as we develop new partnerships that bring to life a new use case for our product – an integrated bundle that goes far beyond being just an additional product to buy for an existing bike you own.”

    The full article about this collaboration can be accessed on Cycling Electric.

    This latest news follows an exciting year for the brand, with developments including winning an IF design award, a new distribution partnership, launching its very own app and its CEO making the Mobility Changemakers list.

  9. Santa spotted on a Vyber e-bike

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    Source: Vyber

    The LEVA-EU member has posted a festive themed promotion with Father Christmas riding around town on its latest model, the Xcite, drawing a lot of smiles from passers by, capping off a fantastic year for the company.

    Boasting up to 80Nm of torque, the Xcite, launched in November 2025, is equipped with a weld-free frame, a discreet and powerful Nexus belt drive alongside other crowd-pleasing features.

    Vyber has had a fantastic 2025, from launching its Xcite e-bike, to winning the FD Gazelle 2025 Award that celebrates the performance, stability and entrepreneurship of businesses.