Tag Archive: members news

1. Bafang “shifts” to hassle-free riding – the new 3-speed automatic gear hub

   20/06/2022 16:38 Comments Off on Bafang “shifts” to hassle-free riding – the new 3-speed automatic gear hub

   LEVA-EU member Bafang introduces its new 3-speed automatic gear hub. This intelligent-acting hub takes over from the driver the otherwise manual process of changing gears, according to the speed, in a quiet, discreet, and precise fashion… automatically! Instead of shifting gears, the motto is ‘enjoy!’

   

   Bafang is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of eBike drive systems and continues to expand its extensive product portfolio in the drive components segment with fresh innovation. Weighing only 1.7kg, this powerful 80Nm hub can be supported by both chain- and belt-driven motors. Plus, it can be used without any electric assistance at all on standard pedalling bicycles. This automatic gear hub is particularly suitable for e-trekking, e-city, and e-cargo bikes (reduction ratios of 1:1, 1:1.36, and 1:1.65).

   Low maintenance – high performance

   An optional speed detection sensor replaces the traditional sensor installed on the chain stay, providing a very clean solution for mid-drive systems. The new 3-speed automatic hub has precise shift points depending on wheel speed, thanks to Bafang’s exquisite clutch mechanism. The hub can be combined with eMotors that are designed to support up to 25km or 32km. Furthermore, it can of course also be used for regular bicycles. No matter if 20’’ or 24’’, for folding/concept bikes, or for the bigger sizes such as 26’’or 28’’, the gear hub excels. The shift points are ideally matched (cadence calculated/based on a 38T/16T chain wheel), so manual, hectic shifting is no longer necessary. This means less distraction from the road, with more riding comfort and safety for the rider.  In terms of components, there is no need for an additional shifter and shift cable, resulting in lower maintenance requirements, easier servicing, and high performance.

   Furthermore, this stylish and solid-looking automatic shines with the following technical data: Belt freewheel (optional, open to Gates specifications), 16T or 18-single freewheel specifications, OLD: 135mm, spoke hole: 36x13G, additional chain wheel inside. Due to the powerful design of this innovative gear hub, it can only be integrated in applications equipped with disc or V brakes.

   

2. Eovolt increases folding electric bike production capacity at Genas manufacturing center

   16:29 Comments Off on Eovolt increases folding electric bike production capacity at Genas manufacturing center

   Source: ToutLyon, S. Renard

   Production capacity will almost double from 1,200 units per month to 2,200. This can be attributed to the installment of a second production line and the creation of additional storage spaces.

   After establishing a production facility in Genas in mid-2020, foldable electric bicycle manufacturer, and LEVA-EU member, Eovolt has ridden the two-wheeled wave. In the first year, sales saw an increase from 3,800 units, to 9,500. As growth shows no sign of slowing down into 2022, it is unsurprising that the company continues to upscale its manufacturing presence.

   An investment of €500,000 has secured the additional production capacity. Baptiste Fullen, Eovolt co-founder, shares, “The expansion of our production unit is part of a global company development project. We want to accentuate our local approach in order to lock our production chain and to be more responsive and more flexible.”

   

3. Pendix at Eurobike: serial hybrid you can touch

   16:15 Comments Off on Pendix at Eurobike: serial hybrid you can touch

   The drive specialist, and LEVA-EU member, Pendix is ​​also represented at the Eurobike trade fair this year, which this time is primarily dedicated to future mobility. In line with this, the Zwickau-based company is presenting its innovative Pendix eDrive IN hub drive, which was specially designed as a B2B product for the bicycle and micro-mobility sector. Visitors can try out the drive at the fair and take test drives.

   The basis is the brushless drive technology of the previous eDrive models. In order to keep the number of components, wear and tear, and maintenance costs to a minimum, there is also a serial hybrid variant. This version of the drive does not require a mechanical drive train, but an electric chain. The energy generated by the driver is sent to the rear motors via a generator. The European Commission recently decided to put bicycles with this drive technology on the same legal footing as conventional bicycles.

   The Pendix eDrive IN is already being used in various model projects. For example the logistics company Postnord has added eight cargo bikes including Pendix eDrive IN to its fleet. The new serial hybrid technology is also already being tested on the Stadtaffe model from cargo bike manufacturer Vowag. Series production of the Pendix eDrive IN is scheduled to begin at the end of 2022.

   Pendix Managing Director Thomas Herzog is looking forward to the reactions of the specialist audience: “Our entire team put a lot of heart and soul into the development of the Pendix eDrive IN. And I think a really innovative and future-proof drive has emerged with which we want to help drive the turnaround in traffic. In any case, the first reactions from our customers are consistently positive, and I’m looking forward to hearing what the Eurobike visitors think after they’ve done a lap.”

   The Eurobike will take place from July 13th to 17th, 2022 in Frankfurt am Main. In Hall 8, where Pendix is ​​represented at booth F19, everything revolves around “Future Mobility” over 30,000 square meters. In addition to bicycles, the focus is primarily on e-mobility, climate protection, digitization and sustainability, light electric vehicles, or cargo bikes. Topics such as microhubs, the last mile, or connections to public transport are also part of the program.

   

4. Mahle X20 drive system production begins in Slovenia

   13/06/2022 19:37 Comments Off on Mahle X20 drive system production begins in Slovenia

   Source: RadMarkt

   LEVA-EU member, Mahle, has begun production of the X20 e-bike drive system at its assembly line in Slovenia. The site, located in Šempeter pri Gorici, currently employs around 20 workers and has already delivered its first engines after becoming operational this year.

   The Mahle X20 drive system weighs less than 3.2 kilograms – including the battery and control unit. The motor delivers an impressive 23 Newton meters of power directly to the wheel, comparable to a mid-motor of 55Nm of torque, making the model suitable for gravel bikes, racing bikes, and urban e-bikes. Within the X20, a range of sensors monitor acceleration, speed, torque, temperature, and cadence. Artificial intelligence then works within the motor to continuously adjust drive power in line with cyclist behavior.

   Dr. Armin Messerer, Vice President Mechatronics and responsible for the E-Bike Drive Systems division at Mahle shares, “We are pleased that the industrialization of the X20 went so smoothly and that we have already been able to deliver the first e-bike motors from Šempeter to our customers. With our X20 drive system, which can be installed almost invisibly in the frame and hub, we offer our customers a top-class product that sets new standards in terms of power-to-weight ratio.“

   

5. QWIC, Bafang and Enviolo to provide a fully integrated cycling experience

   30/05/2022 17:59 Comments Off on QWIC, Bafang and Enviolo to provide a fully integrated cycling experience

   Source: Enviolo

   Enviolo and LEVA-EU member Bafang have successfully completed the integration of Enviolo’s AUTOMATiQ control units into Bafang’s drivetrain system and display unit. The new firmware integration allows the cyclist to change all bike and ride settings such as the cadence setpoint or calibrate Enviolo’s AUTOMATiQ interface through the Bafang system. This provides a fully integrated user experience as all settings can be changed through one display control unit resulting in a clean handlebar. Additional LEVA-EU member QWIC will be the first bicycle company to launch e-bikes with the Enviolo and Bafang integration.

   

   Billy van den Ende, Director of Brand Experience at Enviolo: “Our goal is to get people out of the car and onto a bike but we need to build great bikes to be able to achieve this goal. We believe that by offering a fully integrated user experience we are creating a safer and more pleasurable ride experience. Bafang is one of the leading manufacturers of complete e-drive systems and it only makes sense for us to integrate the Enviolo AUTOMATiQ systems with Bafang’s motor system. QWIC is a long-term Enviolo partner and we are very proud to have this new technology on QWIC’S innovative Premium i Auto model.”

   Jos Schutte, Technical Innovation Lead at QWIC: “With every generation of e-bikes we work on making them smarter and better. But “smarter” should not, of course, mean that the bike becomes more complicated. On the contrary, we strive to make cycling itself as enticing as possible. The cooperation between Enviolo, Bafang and QWIC allows us to improve the cycling experience for the user. A big benefit of the QWIC Premium i Auto model is that it’s now possible to change desired cadence setpoint of Enviolo AUTOMATiQ through the Bafang display, eliminating any need for extra controllers and ensuring a clean handlebar.”

   Joe Jiang, Marketing & Sales Director at Bafang: “Bafang and Enviolo are two pioneering companies in the e-bike drive world that have built up an excellent reputation in recent years. Therefore, it was only a matter of time for both companies to work closely on new projects together. Bafang has found Enviolo to be an ideal partner. Together we provide the right concept and the right, future-oriented product to meet the existing and future demands and requirements of the bicycle industry. Both companies are enormously innovation-driven and are therefore looking forward to a new, inspiring, processive and forward-looking projects that are oriented towards the customer and meet their needs.”

   

6. New mobility EU pilot project starts with SWOBBEE & URBAN DRIVESTYLE in Berlin

   23/05/2022 15:26 Comments Off on New mobility EU pilot project starts with SWOBBEE & URBAN DRIVESTYLE in Berlin

   The e-bike manufacturer URBAN DRIVESTYLE and the Berlin GreenTech startup, LEVA-EU member SWOBBEE, announce a partnership and launch an innovative exchangeable battery subscription model for the utility e-bikes from URBAN DRIVESTYLE in Berlin.

   The exclusive fat e-bikes in a casual signature look from the Berlin manufacturer URBAN DRIVESTYLE are ideal companions for long journeys in the urban environment – the perfect vehicle for fun, family, friends & work goes every mile. Both the UNI MK CLASSIC and the UNI SWING are developed and handcrafted in Berlin, Niederschöneweide, and are, therefore ‘Made in Germany’. With one charge, both e-bike models cover distances of up to 80 kilometers at a top speed of 25 km/h.

   The extensive range of stations offered by the exchangeable battery network provider SWOBBEE is now expanding the UD Bike Community’s radius of use. The utility e-bikes UNI MK CLASSIC and UNI SWING from URBAN DRIVESTYLE are now being delivered with SWOBBEE-compatible AES batteries. If necessary, the battery can be exchanged for a full one at the SWOBBEE changing stations in just a few seconds – the range and operating times are therefore almost unlimited, a great plus in terms of flexibility for commercial customers. The new interchangeable app for iOS and Android and the operator dashboard offer easy access: Drive straight to the station, log in with the app, swap the battery and continue driving. Simple, convenient, and fast. The SWOBBEE station network will be rolled out in all major German cities by 2024.

   The SWOBBEE test subscription in combination with the UD e-bikes was presented for the first time at the VELOBerlin – with test rides of over 1000km on the two days of the fair it was a complete success.

   “The puristic fat e-bikes from URBAN DRIVESTYLE show that the turnaround in mobility can be really stylish. We are very happy to work together to make the URBAN DRIVESTYLE e-bikes even more attractive as a sustainable, city-friendly mobility alternative through innovative battery-as-a-service offers,” explains Tobias Breyer, Head of Marketing & Co-Founder, SWOBBEE.

   “What connects us with SWOBBEE is above all the claim to promote the traffic turnaround through innovative concepts. The flexibility provided by the SWOBBEE exchangeable battery stations is a perfect benefit for our customers. The partnership is therefore an ideal, logical next step for us and we look forward to further cooperation,” says Tilmann Eberhard, URBAN DRIVESTYLE.

   Together, the two partners are also implementing a pioneering pilot project that offers a glimpse of the future of urban mobility. The starting signal for the “Berlin Bike Booster” campaign will be given shortly, as part of which the SWOBBEE Sharing Points will be opened for b2c applications for the first time.

   

7. Citkar ready to scale with new investor and management

   15:15 Comments Off on Citkar ready to scale with new investor and management

   The Berlin-based mobility company Citkar has found a new investor in Bloomit Ventures, the Dutch accelerator for light electric vehicles, originated by the founders of Babboe Cargo Bikes. Citkar, a manufacturer of e-cargo bikes for last-mile delivery, and LEVA-EU member, is now led by a new management team Stefan Räth (operations) and Andreas Schäfer (technology).

   Citkar produces four-wheeled pedelecs that combine the best aspects of a delivery van with the benefits of an e-bike. A smart mix of low running costs, zero-emission transport, and a small road footprint with comfort, weather protection, and a high carrying capacity. Together with Bloomit, Citkar aims to quickly scale up in cities in Europe and beyond.

   FROM PROTOTYPE TO SERIES PRODUCTION

   Before series production started in 2020 in Berlin-Marzahn, Citkar spent many years developing. Over time, a variety of prototypes have been crafted to meet the needs of the market. Recent prototypes have won several awards, including Best of Mobility Award (2019), Green Product Award (2020), and German Award for Sustainability (2021).

   AHEAD OF THE PACK

   With 4 wheels, a covered cabin, a steering wheel, a cup and telephone holder, an adjustable seat with a backrest, light indicators, a large cargo space, etc., the Citkar looks like a van, but it is an e-bike (width: 98 cm). Cycling is supported by a strong e-motor (250W) and two batteries (1600 Wh), rechargeable in 3 to 5 hours in any regular outlet, with a range of 60 km. Tech specs that make the Citkar exceptional can be found here.

   NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM

   Citkar is active in 7 countries, with various big brand clients and a growing turnover. To handle the growing demand and varied needs, both operationally and technically, Citkar is now led by a joint management: Stefan Räth is CEO with a profound background in finance and operations, while Andreas Schäfer, CTO and co-founder of Citkar, is responsible for technical development and production.

   FUTURE-PROOF CITY LOGISTICS

   Last-mile city logistics is a growing challenge. However, electrifying delivery vans will not solve traffic jams or parking pressure. Citkar and Bloomit share the same vision that the Electric Vehicle Transition is a great opportunity to choose smart and smaller urban vehicles that take up less space, use less energy, create less unsafety and deliver major health benefits, e.g. in terms of emissions of pollutants or noise. Citkar is a great example of a clean, easy and accessible transport solution for everyone aged 16 and over.

   

8. Bird reveals new Visual Parking System – a revolutionary parking tool

   16/05/2022 12:48 Comments Off on Bird reveals new Visual Parking System – a revolutionary parking tool

   Source: Bird

   Powered by Google, the new parking tool from LEVA-EU member Bird uses ARCore Geospatial API to geo-localize parked scooters

   The new tool is a solution to a prominent challenge for micromobility implementation – cluttered sidewalks due to poorly parked vehicles. The system utilizes years of Google 3D scanning, augmented reality technology, and street view data to create the world’s first scalable, hyper-accurate Visual Parking System (VPS).

   Upon parking, riders are prompted to quickly scan the surrounding area with their smartphone, followed by the vehicle’s QR code. The VPS then compares rider images against the vast Google database using stationary objects as reference points.

   The process is near-instantaneous, giving centimeter-level results. Such precise data ensures scooters are left only in approved areas. Justin Balthrop, Chief Technology Officer at Bird shares, “The new ARCore Geospatial API from Google is an absolute game-changer for micromobility that allows us to offer cities a first-of-its-kind Visual Parking System that’s unmatched in terms of accuracy and scalability. With Bird VPS, we’re able to meet cities’ number one need, proper parking, in a way that’s never been possible before, and we’re able to do it at scale in cities around the world thanks to Google’s robust global data and technology.”

   Bird VPS is already being piloted in, or will immediately be rolling out in, cities including New York City, San Francisco, San Diego, Madrid, Bordeaux, and Tel Aviv. Additional locations will be added in future months.

   

9. AureusDrive – riding towards carbon neutrality

   09/05/2022 16:29 Comments Off on AureusDrive – riding towards carbon neutrality

   LEVA-EU member AureusDrive partners with Arbofino in a large tree-planting initiative

   In a bold step toward CO2 neutrality, the e-bike brand will be responsible for a 200 teak tree plantation in Manabi, Ecuador. Over 20 years this plantation will compensate upwards of 115 tonnes of carbon. Following the growth period, trees can be harvested, with profits used to plant further trees; this creates a circular carbon sequestration scheme. Additionally, AureusDrive will reforest 1/8 hectares of jungle in the same location.

   The next step is calculation of grey energy usage during e-bike manufacturing and disposal, from here a further compensation plan can be made.

   Find more details on Arbofino here.