Tag Archive: Netherlands

  1. Groningen shares the secrets to smooth and sustainable city logistics

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    Source: Mobility Innovation Marketplace, L. Steinberg

    The city of Groningen, the Netherlands, is lauded as an innovator when considering sustainable urban logistics. Following an informative keynote by Lior Steinberg, we now share some of the city’s successes.

    Have you ever considered exactly what goes on out of sight in our cities, that enables us to enjoy the comfort and luxuries of everyday life that we have all become accustomed to? At the touch of a button, we can have orders delivered straight to our door. This delivery system or, urban logistics, is a complex but very productive network and we all love it. But sometimes it doesn’t function perfectly, and this can affect all of us.

    Factors to consider when contemplating urban logistics include traffic congestion and pollution. Some cities have been proactive and addressed such issues – one example being Groningen in The Netherlands. In a quest to improve standards of living, Groningen has been making improvements for decades and is keen to share its strategy for a sustainable city.

    Timing. Perhaps the most logical of all improvements, Groningen has capped the delivery times for cargo and delivery vehicles in specific areas of the city. Deliveries are now only possible between 5am and 12pm unless via a dedicated permit. Rush hour congestion is aided and thus, pollution levels drop, as do the often-forgotten noise pollution levels. Concise planning is required by those using delivery services – particularly businesses – and a faster-flowing network functions well. The strategy has been in place in certain areas for a number of years, but as of 2023, it applies to the entire city, one that is dedicated to improved social activities for those who visit.

    Polluting vehicles. Some might regard this as an obvious strategy, but Groningen has gone that little bit further than most. From 2025, only electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles and those under human power will be allowed in the city.

    Hubs and last-mile implementation. Groningen has constructed several last-mile hubs around the city. Multiple goods are transferred to these hubs by transport services, at which point electric cargo bikes and sustainable methods take over the handling of deliveries to their final destination.

    Cargo Bikes. The relationship which the Netherlands has with bicycles is globally recognised, particularly in Europe. As a nation of devotees of this mode of transport in everyday life, cargo bikes with their sustainable and practical approach have been championed in the country. Now with constantly-developing electric drive systems, deliveries of many sizes will be made faster and more economically distributed.

    Knowledge and collaboration. Keen to expand its founded success, and in a quest to improve our way of life, Groningen has shared its strategies with other European cities. Their approaches have been widely published and projects including Intereg’s Smart Urban Freight Logistics Hubs and Horizon’s Urban Logistics as an On-demand Service have been included in Groningen’s agendas. Let’s hope other cities take advantage of this knowledge.

  2. T-Mobile and Townmaking run e-bike ISA trials in Amsterdam

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    Source: Fietsberaad.nl

    Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) would review and adjust the speed of e-bikes and speed-pedelecs in line with local limits

    The concept of Intelligent Speed Adaption (ISA) is not new, having been tested in cars for many years – however, thus far it has seen little real-world application. In Amsterdam, T-Mobile and Townmaking are now running experiments for the technology in regard to two-wheelers; routes such as that between Amsterdam and Schiphol are being monitored for potential application.

    How could this work? Speed could be reduced through geofencing, that is, if a bicycle enters a certain area or approaches a certain location, the speed is automatically reduced. Such technology is already used in some rental e-scooter fleets such as Voi in the UK, where ‘slow speed zones’ automatically reduce a vehicle’s maximum speed.

    In the latest experimentation by T-Mobile, an app was tested that turns the screen of the rider’s smartphone red when entering an area with a speed limit. To prevent too much distraction, other warning methods are also being considered, such as a vibration signal via the handlebar. Technology would eventually be made available to bicycle manufacturers and road authorities to implement their own preventative measures.

    A crucial element for the success of the new technology is the speed with which the system reacts and modulates the bicycle to a safer speed. This so-called latency (deceleration factor) can make the difference in whether or not a cyclist brakes in time in an unsafe situation. Thanks to modern 4G and 5G networks, T-Mobile says very low latency connectivity can be achieved in 10 milliseconds or less.

  3. Close to a third of cyclists in the Netherlands are using e-bikes

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    Source: Fietsberaad.nl

    The capital of cycling is going electric! Almost 30% of riders in the Netherlands now use an electric bike, with older age groups showing an even higher uptake near 50%

    New research from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has revealed the growing use of e-bikes amongst the Netherlands’ population (n = 7,000). Almost a quarter of cyclists (23%) exclusively use e-bikes, with an additional 6% using both an electric bicycle and a non-electric bicycle.

    Of participants, the primary reason for making the shift to assisted riding was ‘to make cycling easier’ (70%). In particular, older individuals, individuals with a disability, and individuals who do not live an active lifestyle gave this answer. In the age bracket of 12-17, 60% of respondents gave an alternate answer, the desire to ‘cycle faster!’

    Both the electric bicycle and the non-electric bicycle are most often used for visiting shops, friends or other destinations. Followed by ‘bicycle rides’, ‘commuting’, ‘sports’ and ‘cycling to and from school’. Of these rides, e-bikes are more often used for longer-distance rides (10-20km).

  4. Amslod opens latest ‘Experience Center’ in Bergen op Zoom

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    Source: NieuwsFiets

    LEVA-EU member Amslod recently opened an Experience Center in Bergen op Zoom. This marks the company’s 19th showroom in the Netherlands.

    Amslod is thus implementing its intended policy to be closer to the consumer. “Not only for the purchase of a new e-bike, but also for service and maintenance,” explains co-director Bert Jonkeren. “We have been working for several years to gradually expand the network of our Experience Centers and we are continuously looking for suitable locations that not only offer sufficient space but are also easily accessible and offer ample parking options. Bergen op Zoom also complies with that.”

    According to Jonkeren, the usefulness of Experience Centers has long been proven. “Last year we made a start to equip the Experience Centers with workshops and technical crew to further increase our level of service. GfK’s recent market research underlines that we are on the right track with this.”
    Jonkeren add that extensive testing of an e-bike before purchasing is not only fun, but also very important for the right choice. “An e-bike is something personal. The right size, comfort, high or low entry, type of engine and support determine your preference. We are 100% convinced that only the manufacturer itself can give the customer the best advice,” continues Jonkeren. “Only our own e-bike experts know all the ins and outs of Amslod e-bikes, down to the smallest detail. You simply cannot expect something like that from a dealer who has to sell multiple brands.”
    According to Jonkeren, the same also applies to the service and warranty departments. “The manufacturer itself can do this the very best. We, therefore, come to the customer’s home after purchase to handle all repairs and warranty questions. In this way, we ensure extra long cycling pleasure. Moreover, by excluding the middlemen, the purchase of an Amslod e-bike becomes a lot cheaper,”.

    Responding to growing demand

    The Experience Center in Bergen op Zoom meets all the requirements that Amslod sets for the showrooms on location. It is easily accessible and has sufficient parking spaces. With the Experience Centers, Amslod hopes to respond optimally to the explosively growing interest in cycling. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis and high fuel prices, many Dutch people have rediscovered the bicycle and now prefer to use an e-bike rather than public transport or the car. This development has not gone unnoticed by Amslod, because the production of e-bikes has been scaled up again in order to continue to meet demand.

  5. E-bikes get more Dutch commuters into the saddle – KiM

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    Source: fietsberaad

    Increasing amounts of Dutch people are investing in electric bikes to travel to and from their place of work. Researchers at the Knowledge Institute for Mobility Policy (KiM) expect this trend to continue, though it is noted that e-bikes primarily replace traditional bicycles.

    Due to the possibility of faster travel with less effort, the number of new electric bicycles has been on the rise since 2018, overtaking the sales of regular touring and city bicycles. In 2021, approximately 52% of the 923,000 new bicycles sold were e-bikes. The number of electric bicycle owners, estimated at 3.6 million in 2021, will continue to grow in the coming years, conclude the KiM researchers in their report on the purchase and use of e-bikes.

    More than 1 in 5 Dutch citizens that do not yet own an e-bike plan to purchase one within the next 5 years, including a large group that plans to use the technology for their home-work journey.

    With working Dutch people willing, on average, to travel up to half an hour via e-bike, approx. 10km, about 60% of all commutes could be replaced by this transport type. Included in this group are those who would be unable to cycle without electrical assistance, opening up a whole new segment of two-wheeled commuters that can now enjoy active travel.

    Due to the growth in e-bike ownership, KiM expects that e-bike use will grow by approximately 45-70% over a period of 5 years, from 2019 to 2024. Part of that growth is at the expense of traditional bicycle use. The total distance traveled by bicycle is expected to increase by 6-8% as a result of an increase in e-bike ownership. This does not take into account other factors influencing use, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or economic and demographic developments.

    The researchers believe – partly on the basis of previous research – that increased e-bike ownership will probably lead to a decrease in car use, but they cannot determine with certainty to what extent.

  6. E-bikers ride longer and more often – QWIC research

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    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.

    Source: QWIC

    ‘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.

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

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    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.

  8. 17 ‘eHubs’ now operational in Amsterdam

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    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.

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

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    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.

Campaign success

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Member profile

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