According to the latest data from Mobility-as-a-service provider Dott, the energy crisis has encouraged more Europeans to travel using shared e-scooter and e-bike services.
The survey, which considers the views of 1,402 Dott riders from across Belgium, France, Italy, Sweden, and the UK, found that over a third (36%) of its shared micromobility fleet users have switched their mobility habits as a direct result of the energy crisis. Within this group, 49% of riders were over the age of 55.
Dott correlates these increases to a drop in car usage; 69% of riders that previously travelled by car or taxi had reduced these methods of transport in exchange for micromobility options. Additional key findings include:
41% of Dott users have reported increased usage of bikes (private or shared) to move around the city since joining the service.
63% of riders connect their ride with other public transportation options.
50% of riders use Dott vehicles to reach work or school, and 61% to reach a private residence.
34% of riders are now women, an increase of 48% since 2020.
Henri Moissinac, Co-Founder and CEO of Dott, said: “Our shared e-scooters and e-bikes can help lower the cost of travel, whether for a whole journey or combined with public transport for longer trips. Charged by green energy, and with our operations relying on cargo bikes and e-vans, our fleet of vehicles provide efficient, environmentally friendly and affordable travel, at a time when fuel costs are putting people’s finances under pressure.”
Comments Off on Greenway completes move into new Taizhou HQ
The LEVA-EU member, who produces battery packs for use in LEV projects, has moved into a new state-of-the-art headquarters.
The new property, based in Taizhou, China, has a footprint of 23,000 square meters, with a total construction area of 100,000 square meters and a workshop area of approximately 64,000 square meters. Alongside existing key staff, the HQ will contain Greenways’ new R&D and Innovation centre, ensuring the company’s lithium-ion battery products are of the highest quality.
Comments Off on Bafang Electric launches its first Bafang Dealer Day, attracting hundreds of industry professionals
The first Bafang Dealer Day took place on January 16 in Nijkerk, generating a great response and positive feedback. More than 450 dealers took up the LEVA-EU member’s invitation to register for the event and made their way to the distinctive venue Hart van Holland. Here, much discussion surrounding Bafang itself, the dealer direct service, new products, and partner opportunities took place.
Confident presentations and interactive exchange
The day’s presentations were specially designed with dealer-specific information in mind, ranging from an overview of Bafang’s history to technical insight regarding the latest drive systems. Confidently leading the day’s proceedings was moderator Rens Merckelbach. He was joined by members of Bafang’s Benelux branch Vince Weerden, Santosh Mankoe, and Leroy van Heeren, the branch’s Service Manager, Dealer Direct Service Executive, and Customer Service Specialist respectively. Each presented on their specialist subject, taking time to answer any dealers’ questions on the matters at hand.
New products and the BESST Pro Tool
After a refreshment break the event continued, moving into an adjacent hall where dealers were able to view Bafang’s latest technological offerings up-close while receiving tailored advice from knowledgeable staff members.
Alongside the isolated drive systems, batteries, and HMIs on display, a range of test bikes were available for dealers’ use. Supporting Bafang’s own test bikes were branded bikes boasting a range of systems, provided by Jools, Brinckers, BSP, and Dolly Bikes. Based on the faces seen around the specially designed test track, Bafang’s motto, “Engineered to make you smile”, rings true!
The afternoon was then characterized by presentations of the latest products from Bafang by Lennart van Houwelingen, the Sales Manager for Benelux. Following this, Leroy van Heeren returned to deliver a presentation regarding the BESST Pro tool, which is sure to be an exciting prospect for many dealers.
Rens Merckelbach concluded the event with a light-hearted lottery, where Bafang team members presented a selection of gifts to lucky attendees. Concluding with a classic networking session, the event can only be described as an extremely successful and slick launch of Bafang’s Dealer Day. Full of informative content and exciting ideas, the event clearly outlines Bafang’s focus on development in the European market, and is the product of a great team effort by the staff of Bafang Electric Ltd.
2022 “couldn’t have gone better” for the Zwickau-based manufacturer of retrofit electric bicycle drives
In 2022, Pendix GmbH completed the purchase of its cooperation partner VSC Bike GmbH, a cargo bike box supplier; alongside this, Johnson Electric Group now holds a majority 80% stake in Pendix. With so much activity, it’s unsurprising that the business’ previous record year of 2021 has been overtaken by another record year.
For Pendix Managing Director Thomas Herzog, the year 2022 could not have gone better: “After the two Corona years, it was great to finally meet colleagues from the industry again without restrictions at the trade fairs. And we are also completely satisfied internally. We have ten new colleagues, are now 63 people and are still looking for support. Even if we continue to grow, also in terms of personnel, we want to maintain our team spirit… We want to continue with this motivation in 2023. The cooperation with Johnson Electric gave us wings again.”
The demand for retrofit systems continues to grow, with the brand’s largest market being the Netherlands, representing almost 10% of 2022’s turnover.
Comments Off on The all-new Solace eRIDE from SCOTT
LEVA-EU member SCOTT introduces its new standard in electric road and gravel bikes: the Solace eRIDE. Quiet, efficient and with a near-zero drag motor, the Solace is a highly versatile do-it-all endurance bike.
The Solace eRIDE is both a Road and Gravel platform, two bikes in one. With a clean do-it-all design, generous tire clearance and carbon frame, the Solace is a lightweight e-bike package with an excellent range. Longer rides are encouraged with room for both 1 water bottle + range extender or 2 water bottles and suitable bike frame bags. Both bikes share the same frame, with the essential differences coming down to spec. They share the heritage of the SCOTT Addict Gravel frameset, a bike that is already a class leader in the lightweight gravel sector.
Frame Construction Despite having an open bottom bracket for placement of the drive unit, we have reached very similar stiffness values compared to the Addict gravel. Having such a compact system like the one that TQ has developed played a key role when building the mounting points where the motor and the battery are assembled in the frame. Compact and minimalistic mountings, help to keep a smooth carbon construction in the frame structure, avoiding bulky or complicated interfaces.
Drive Unit Thanks to the silent TQ motor, the Solace eRIDE enables you to hear the sound of nature without distractions. The bike’s light weight means it can easily be used without any assistance, an added benefit being the motor has almost no drag allowing you to use the battery only when needed for an excellent range. For a road or gravel e-bike platform this is very important. For systems with drag, riding above the legally imposed thresholds can be limiting. No such issue with the TQ system.
Compact Powerful Assistance TQ is a German company founded in 1994 that specializes in electric components across a range of industries including aerospace, medical and infrastructure. With the HPR50, they simply rewrote the rules, delivering an unprecedented weight/torque ratio of 1.8 kg for 50Nm. With a diameter of 8 cm, TQ has innovated by using a harmonic gear system. This allows for a reduction of size, while also increasing the accuracy of the system. This results in a lighter bike and better integration while reducing drag for a more natural pedaling sensation. This technology also allows for the reduction in system noise for a truly natural experience.
Always Connected To maintain a clean cockpit, the TQ system puts the accent on device connectivity and a minimalistic display located in the top tube. At a glance, the LED display provides all the essential info like the battery level in %, the range in Km and the mode. Thanks to an integrated power meter the RPM, and watts are also provided. Additionally, The TQ app offers real benefits and is easy to use. It is easy to connect, customize and control your TQ-powered e-bike with the TQ e-bike app. The bike comes with a suggested SCOTT motor tune, but with the app, you can tune your drive unit to either save battery life or maximize the power output.
2 Batteries – 1 Internal, 1 External In addition to the 360Wh battery integrated into the downtube, all Solace models are prepared to use an additional 160Wh range extender. The Solace’s range extender comes as an accessory and looks like a simple water bottle. Utilizing a SCOTT-specific quick-release system, the range extender is easy to swap in for a bottle cage tool free. Thanks to TQ’s expertise and unique cell efficiency, battery capacity is optimized to the fullest. The e-bike’s system automatically adapts to having two power sources with SMART technology. This means that, when using the range extender, the system will prioritize its drainage before calling on the use of the Solace’s integrated battery. Plus, when the range extender is emptied the transition between power sources is automatic and seamless. You won’t even notice it. The complete system can be charged in one go too. With the range extender in place, just plug the smart charger into its port. As before, the SMART system will prioritize the e-bike’s internal battery charge first, then top up the range extender, so you’ll never be caught short when heading out to ride. The charge time is fast, the main battery can reach 80% in just two hours of charging.
Integrated cables The Syncros Creston IC combo handlebar allows complete internal cable routing for mechanical or electronic cables and disc brakes. With this intelligent construction, it has never been as easy to adjust the position with spacers.
Accessories & Compatibility Fender kits are available for both Solace Road and Gravel from Syncros. The Solace eRIDE is also light-ready and compatible with a range of Syncros products so you can stay visible any hour of the day. Using the smart box in the top tube it is possible to directly connect compatible light systems to the main battery. Solace Road and Gravel are compatible with a dedicated kickstand from Syncros. The Creston cockpit will fit any of the standard Syncros mounts.
Product Range The Solace eRIDE will be available as Road and Gravel options. All models feature a carbon HMX frame. The collection will total 6 models including 1 dedicated Contessa women-specific model. Discover the full collection at Scott-sports.com.
Comments Off on CAKE launches its newest model, the Åik, at CES
LEVA-EU member CAKE unveils its latest utility e-bike within the professional :work series
The Åik by CAKE is the utility choice for the demands of working professionals who rely on two-wheeled transportation for their livelihood or indeed for the demanding lifestyle requirements of individuals. Not to be mistaken as just an e-bike, it is a utility tool that redefines the category with an unsurpassed range and power of up to 224 miles and a gross vehicle weight of 200 kg. Like the Ösa, Åik is designed around a modular aluminium frame so customers can outfit the Åik with the suitable types of racks, bags, trailers, baskets, and passenger seats to suit the job at hand.
By creating a transportation solution that does not require any special license to operate, CAKE has filled a gap in the :work series. The newest member of the :work family blurs the lines between lightweight electric motorcycles and utility e-bikes. For those who typically rely on motorized transportation, it opens up networks of bike lanes and paths that are off-limits to motorcycles and cars. It’s also indisputably easier to find a spot to park a bicycle than it is a motor vehicle.
“With Åik joining the :work series lineup, we’re now offering a complete assortment of electric two-wheeled solutions for any business in need of a transportation solution,” said CAKE founder and CEO Stefan Ytterborn. He continued “Our range is optimized for artisanal needs, from the fastest deliveries in town through to surveillance work in the backcountry.”
In designing this bike, CAKE took its expertise from manufacturing high-performance electric motorcycles and applied it to e-bikes. The result is a robust bike that’s ready for the demands of commercial fleet use and everyday commuting alike.
The key feature of the Åik is its battery, or batteries. One of the 750 Wh batteries can power the bike for up to 74.5 miles, but users can connect as many as three batteries to extend the range to cover more miles than most want to ride in a single day. The batteries can also power electronic devices such as temperature-controlled food boxes, electronic tools, and equipment.
Like the rest of the :work series, the Åik is also available direct to consumers and later this spring a wider assortment of accessories will be available to further suit their lifestyle needs.
The Åik is available for pre-order on ridecake.com and is expected to start shipping in May of this year.
One way or another, all CAKE names derive from the island of Gotland. The Åik comes from the local ancient language “Gutniska” and means ’big and heavy load’ referring to Åik’s hundreds of utility combinations to pull, stow and carry heavy loads.
Comments Off on Aureus Drive further expands its partner network
The LEVA-EU member continues to grow its test drive and service partners, ensuring customers have easy access to service options.
Swiss-based Aureus Drive produces robust 45km/h e-bikes, aiming to provide ecologically sound mobility to all. The manufacturer has recently announced six further test drive and service partners:
Münsigen – sport2go
Biberist – sport2go
Wädenswil – sport2go
Stans – sport2go
Bern Bollwerk
Genf rive gauche
By densifying its partner network, Aureus Drive provides nearby servicing options for a larger number of customers, allowing any warranty work or service requirements to be met more easily. The brand’s full service network can be found, here.
Comments Off on Bafang offers the chance to win any e-bike featuring their system
In its final Giveaway of 2022, LEVA-EU member Bafang is offering up to 3000 EUR towards a powered-by-Bafang e-bike model.
The ‘Bafang Giveaway Trail | Stage 3’ closes the popular competition series that has run through 2022. Details from the Giveaway landing page can be seen below.
“The power is in your hands – our grand prize winner can claim a Bafang-powered e-bike worth up to €3000!
“We want to see your views from the trail, the open road, the city streets! What makes you smile when you’re out and about on two wheels? Submit your very best photo or video in the theme and approved entries will head to a public vote to determine the winner.
“Entry is easy, submit a file, link to your video via the form, or enter by publicly posting your media on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #BafangGiveawayTrailStage3
You’ll have until Janurary 6, 2023 to enter your media, and we can’t wait to share in your views!”
The Belgian manufacturer just reached the 1,000-bike milestone. With a rapidly growing community and big aspirations, what’s next for the brand?
What does the 1,000th bicycle mean to you? How do you feel about this?
Tomas: Fair? When we started [Ellio] I thought it would go faster. But even when we had the 7 plagues of Egypt over us, with corona, the supply chain collapsing, the crazy demand for bicycles, but also the collapse of the speed pedelec market due to working from home, the war in Ukraine… too much to mention actually… I never doubted, because what I had in mind is exactly what people appreciate in Ellio. That was only possible thanks to the wonderful team that I get to be a part of every day. I feel blessed by fate to have been able to fulfill my dream. But I keep dreaming… of more, of better. Even better!
Jorrit: It’s a milestone of course and that always feels good. It is a moment to look back at the road we have already traveled and I can say that I do so with great pride. At the same time, we also keep looking ahead, of course: 1,000 bicycles is just the beginning!
Past versus now. How did you see the mobility landscape evolve from bike 1 to 1,000?
Tomas: In the media, the speed pedelec is seen less as a risk and more and more as a solution. I also like that programs such as Kijk Uit (a Flemish television program regarding road safety) put the speed pedelec in the spotlight in a nuanced way.
Jorrit: In the few years that we have been active, bicycles have really evolved from leisure items to full-fledged means of mobility. This places entirely new requirements on the products. With a decent 25 km/h bike, you can safely ride to work every day, but for longer journeys or when designing a 45 km/h speed pedelec you really need more than just a decent bike. That has always been Ellio’s raison d’être, so of course, we are happy with this evolution.
What plans can we expect in 2023?
Tomas: Ellio, our first model, I dare call my baby. However, we are working with a whole team on the successor, Marty. This time Jander, a product developer at Ellio and responsible for the development of Ellio, will be the (young) daddy of our newest model. Can I call myself grandpa? With Marty, we will reach the next level of maturity, as a product and as a company. We all grow together. Full of passion to offer the ultimate mobility solution.
Jorrit: International expansion, an expansion of our product range to respond even better to the mobility needs of our customers and, of course, also strong growth in production numbers. Next year we want to be able to build 3 times as many bicycles as this year.
How has co-creation of the Ellio community contributed to today’s Ellio?
Tomas: At my previous employer, Toyota, we had a standard for every feature, situation, and step. Almost to the absurd. Even the brewing of coffee was almost standardized. At Ellio, we have something even stronger, being organic; that is the Ellio community. I never imagined that such a fantastic community could grow around our product in these dark times. The openness that is in Ellio’s DNA is answered with a positive drive to not only improve the product but to create a platform where Ellio riders help other Ellio riders.
Jorrit: From the outside, the 1,000th Ellio seems to be almost the same bike as the very first, but “under the hood” a lot has changed since then. The control of the drive and transmission, the display of the HMI, and numerous minor hardware changes have been implemented. All are based on feedback from our customers.
How has Bewel, the custom workshop responsible for the assembly of Ellio bicycles, contributed to Ellio’s success?
Tomas: Collaborating with Bewel was a conscious choice. Not from a social point of view, which is a nice bonus and I love it, but because they could provide the overarching services, the critical mass, that we didn’t have as a start-up. We sometimes received questions from prospective customers about why we didn’t work with a tailor-made company, but it is precisely the very structured working in Bewel that helps us to achieve our quality.
Jorrit: Thanks to Bewel, Ellio is produced close to home. This way, our developers can see for themselves how the products they design are built on a daily basis. This greatly benefits our development because we can implement improvements very quickly. At the same time, Bewel has a team of highly motivated employees with an almost obsessive focus on quality. The quality and consistency that Bewel has already achieved in the production of ‘just’ our 1000th bicycle is simply astonishing.
What would you like to say to the Bewel employees?
Thomas: I love you guys! I always love being with you and feeling your passion for my baby!
George: THANK YOU!! That’s obvious, I think.
Do you know how many km do you cycle on average per week?
Tomas: 200-250 km (and if I don’t make it, I’m really pissed!)
Jorrit: Not enough, I live too close to work. I cycle about 10 km to and from work every day, so about 60-70 km a week in total. But always with the Ellio of course!
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