Tag Archive: Netherlands

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. LEVA-EU member QWIC collaborates with E-Motion, e-bike distributor

   04/07/2022 16:25 Comments Off on LEVA-EU member QWIC collaborates with E-Motion, e-bike distributor

   Source: RadMarkt

   Dutch e-bike manufacturer QWIC has officiated its collaboration with E-Motion e-Bike Experts Group – gaining access to an independent network of stand-alone specialist dealers

   Rasched Abu-Isbeih, Sales Manager QWIC Germany shares, “I am very pleased that with the E-Motion e-Bike Experts Group and its e-bike experts we have been able to gain another important strategic partner to make the QWIC brand accessible to customers throughout Germany and to strengthen the stationary specialist trade.” The E-Motion network currently consists of 75 specialist e-bike shops in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

   As QWIC reports, its quality e-bikes with durable components, modern design and comfortable riding characteristics were the decisive factors for E-Motion’s enthusiasm to collaborate, as well as the good availability of bikes and the fact that QWIC only offers servicing by its own employees. Another convincing argument is that dealers can respond to customer requests at any time and reorder e-bikes according to individual needs via the QWIC dealer portal without shipping costs.

   

3. 17 ‘eHubs’ now operational in Amsterdam

   23/05/2022 16:48 Comments Off on 17 ‘eHubs’ now operational in Amsterdam

   Source: fietsberaad

   The final 7 Amsterdam hubs have recently been completed, bringing the total to 17. At such locations, city-goers can borrow a shared bike, cargo bike, car, or scooter.

   The eHubs have become operational on a trial basis with a subsidy. Further European cities including Arnhem, Nijmegen, Leuven and Manchester are operating similar schemes. The hubs act as a research point for various universities conducting research on the interchangeability of shared mobility in modern cities.

   Three of the recently added eHubs are located at the Amsterdam Science Park. Three other eHubs are set up in Amsterdam-West and one is operational in Watergraafsmeer.

   Due to the Hubs only becoming functional in recent months, their success cannot yet be confirmed. However, other EV rental schemes have seen steady increases since launch.

   

4. European first – e-bike sharing system that crosses international borders

   16:30 Comments Off on European first – e-bike sharing system that crosses international borders

   Source: fietsberaad

   Parkstad Limburg claims that Velocity is the first European sharing system with e-bikes that can cross national borders.

   Velocity, a new e-bike sharing system, currently operates 20 substations in Parkstad, Netherlands. Eight of the stations are in Heerlen, five in Kerkrade, two in both Beekdaelen and Voerendaal, and one each in Landgraaf, Brunssum and Simpelveld. With locations in places such as Heerlen and Kerkrade, cycling to Aachen in Germany is possible.

   The e-bike sharing stations are all located next to public transport nodes, allowing a seamless switch between low-carbon travel options. Stations are also located at large-scale institutions that invite large footfall, such as the Zuyderland hospital, the Brightlands Smart Services Campus, and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. Further expansion will aim to place stations in the region’s business parks.

   Velocity is co-financed by the Region Deal Parkstad Limburg investment program. The aim is to eventually scale up to the Heuvelland, the rest of South Limburg, and other parts of the Euregio, creating one e-bike sharing system with connections across national borders.

   

5. Electric bicycle maintenance market reaches €200 million

   16/05/2022 17:23 Comments Off on Electric bicycle maintenance market reaches €200 million

   Source: nederlandelektrisch, Els Stultiens

   When we think of electric bicycles, we consider the forward-thinking technology behind this increasing market.  A growing number of cyclists are choosing the electric range over more conventional bicycles, but with this choice comes a maintenance cost.  However, the expenditure is perhaps not as daunting as we might expect.

   The research

   According to Multiscope’s E-bike Monitor study among 3,200 Dutch cyclists, the annual maintenance for electric city bicycles and speed pedelecs averages at a mere 41 euros.  Only slightly more expensive are the maintenance costs for mountain bikes and hybrid bicycles, averaging at 44 euros.  As one might expect, due to their more complex designs, electric folding bicycles, cargo bicycles and tricycles break the 50 euros quota, but only just.  This category has a mean annual cost of 54 euros.

   Bearing distinct similarities to brands in all markets, maintenance costs varied according to the manufacturers.  Focusing on the five largest e-bike brands, Giant’s Electric City Bike range averaged at only 30 euros per annum.  Most expensive were Sparta’s range at an average of 56 euros, with Batavus (35 euros), Gazelle (38 euros) and Stella (46 euros) filling the gap.

   Good news for bike shops

   Multiscope’s study also included data on where the aforementioned maintenance takes place.  Nearly two-thirds (66 percent) chose bikes shops for upkeep duties on their electric bicycles, while 14 percent preferred to consult the manufacturers.  Owners of electric bicycles and private individuals accounted for 9 percent of this study and in 7 percent of cases, no maintenance was required.

   The research showcases the annual value of the Dutch electric bicycle maintenance market, now worth 200 million euros.  With this increasingly-popular two-wheeled trend set to continue, bike shops are gearing up for busy schedules and accountable costs.

   

6. Amsterdam unveils new universal bike rack

   25/04/2022 15:34 Comments Off on Amsterdam unveils new universal bike rack

   Source: themayor.eu, Aseniya Dimitrova

   The new design commissioned by the city aims to facilitate many types of bikes, improving on current flawed designs

   

   A newly designed bike rack has appeared in Amsterdam, on Haarlemmerplein. The model was designed by the city itself in response to more conventional bike racks failing to cater to the varying bike sizes and varieties utilized across Amsterdam. Allegedly, the “ultimate bike rack” can do it all.

   The new installation is a product of extensive research conducted with residents, in which they expressed which existing facilities were suitable for parking and storing their vehicles, and which were not. Tests were run throughout the West borough, where varying racks were placed and feedback provided; this informed the new ‘ultimate’ design.

   “According to the city website, the new model features more space between the bicycles which is good for models with a crate or wide handlebars. Furthermore, the rack also takes into account the increasing number of heavy e-bikes driving in the city. In addition, the rack is low enough, so one does not need to lift their bike to secure it.

   The rack also fits children’s bicycles and bicycles with thicker tires up to 7 centimeters. It stores more bicycles in a smaller space and it also looks neater. In addition, the ground under the rack is easier to wipe clean, authorities claim. And finally, the rack is produced in a sustainable and circular way.” – A. Dimitrova

   The new design will complement existing models rather than replace them. Following further feedback, the rack will be rolled out on a larger scale in busy areas, during refurbishment projects, in locations undergoing major maintenance, and in places where outdated racks must be replaced.

7. Dutch Government introduces speed cameras on bicycle paths – Van Raam

   04/04/2022 13:41 Comments Off on Dutch Government introduces speed cameras on bicycle paths – Van Raam

   Before the end of 2022, the Dutch government will install speed cameras on bicycle paths. This is to reduce the speed on the bicycle paths. LEVA-EU member Van Raam has a solution with which you no longer have to worry about your speed and possible traffic fines. Read more about this innovative and unique solution here that you can try out on the Van Raam bike test track from the first Friday of the second quarter.

   

   Reduce speed on bicycle paths
   It is getting busier on the bike paths. More people have electric bicycles and accidents often happen because people cycle too fast. The government, therefore, wants to reduce speed on bicycle paths by installing speed cameras before the end of the year; there will be various bicycle zones where a maximum of 10, 15 or 25 km/h may be cycled. Do you have a (Van Raam) bicycle? Then you will soon have to be careful that you are not caught out and fined.

   Watch Van Raam’s speed-limiting invention as a solution for the speed cameras on bicycle paths in this YouTube video.

   Speed-limiting invention via app
   Van Raam has an innovative solution for your electric Van Raam bicycle that will help you with this. Thanks to this speed-limiting invention, you will be informed via the Van Raam E-Bike App about the permitted speed and possible speed cameras in advance, your bike will automatically adjust to the maximum permitted speed.

   “We can have the bicycle react in such a way that it takes over the maximum speed of the area in which it is cycling at that moment.” – Maikel Fraikin (Information Manager)

   How exactly does it work?
   The current Van Raam Smart E-Bike App can communicate with your bicycle. Thanks to push notifications, you know, for example, when you need to charge your battery. The newly developed feature will inform you via the app about the permitted speed and possible speed cameras. In addition, Van Raam can adjust the speed of your bicycle as soon as you enter a speed camera zone. Thanks to Van Raam’s smart technology, your bicycle automatically takes over the maximum speed of the area where you are currently cycling.

   Benefits
   • Riders will be informed about the allowed speed
   • Riders will be informed about bicycle speed cameras
   • Van Raam bikes comply with the speed limit

   Test phase at Van Raam bicycle test track
   Van Raam are now working on the first trials. These tests take place on the test track at the company’s bicycle factory in Varsseveld. A flash installation has been set up to be able to test representatively. The first results are looking good and Van Raam hopes to launch the updated app this summer.

   “I don’t have to worry about speeding and associated fines. That’s what everyone wants, right?” – a satisfied Van Raam cyclist

   Try it yourself?
   Want to try out this speed-limiting invention for yourself? This is possible during a free test drive at Van Raam! During a test ride, one of our technical advisors will tell you everything about our special needs bicycles and associated options. You then test the bike on the test track and make sure that you are not being flashed with the help of the E-Bike App. A test drive is possible by appointment and can be scheduled yourself via www.vanraam.com.

   

8. ICBF announces 2022 dates – in collaboration with World of eMobility

   14/03/2022 16:48 Comments Off on ICBF announces 2022 dates – in collaboration with World of eMobility

   Source: Cargo Bike Festival

   The International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) will take place in Amsterdam, 27-29 October 2022.

   Attendees of ICBF 2022 will find the festival in a special cargo bike-focused area of the wider World of eMobility 2022 event – a hybrid B2B / B2C trade show that saw its debut in 2021. The cargo bike festival will be a unique and innovation-focused affair, including exhibition space, indoor test track, and cargo bike conference.

   Discover more via the official ICBF website, here.

   The event will take place at Expo Haarlemmermeer, a multifunctional venue surrounded by nature, in the heart of Randstad. The exclusive location has an industrial look and feel and is just a stone’s throw from Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam. The unexpected peace and tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle of the Randstad, and the striking architecture of the building, blend in perfectly well with the lush nature surrounding it.

   

9. Dutch e-Bike and Bicycle market falls 15.9% in 2021

   16:07 Comments Off on Dutch e-Bike and Bicycle market falls 15.9% in 2021

   Source: Bike Europe

   The newly published industry association RAI market research report shows only 923,000 bicycles and e-bikes sold in the Netherlands during 2021. In comparison, the 2020 figure stood at 1,098,000, equating to a 15.9% market shrink in 2021. This drop is attributed to current supply chain issues having a direct impact on product availability, triggering the record high drop in sales volume.