Tag Archive: pendix

  1. Pendix presents new gDrive drive at Eurobike 2025

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    Modular, powerful and OEM-capable: the new gDrive impresses with compatibility, Service orientation and “Made in Germany” quality.

    Zwickau/Frankfurt, June 23, 2025 – German bicycle drive specialist Pendix from Saxony is once again positioning itself ahead of its established competitors with an innovative product. With its newly developed modular bicycle motor gDrive, the company is breaking new ground in the bicycle electric drive segment. The focus is on the sustainable and long-lasting use of these drives.

    The company has realigned its strategy in recent months and at the same time made a change in the management of the “Pendix GmbH and VSC Bike GmbH” group. Since May 2025, Andrea Straniero and Janane Ait Ahmet, senior leaders at Johnson Electric Europe, have taken over the management directly from the founders, who continue to support the company in an advisory capacity. “Johnson Electric is convinced of the great growth potential of Pendix and VSC Bike. The unique combination of Johnson Electric’s industrial scale and motor expertise with Pendix and VSC’s knowledge of the e-bike industry offers our customers undeniable advantages,” said Andrea Straniero.

    The new gDrive – flexible, robust, versatile

    With the gDrive, Pendix is launching a completely newly developed mid-drive motor that is designed for durability, easy maintenance, and maximum compatibility. Thanks to its modular design, individual components can be replaced during maintenance or repair without having to replace the entire drive unit. Another key feature: the gDrive is fully compatible with frames designed for some of the most widely used motor systems on the market – this simplifies OEM integration and reduces development costs.

    With a torque of 85 Nm, the gDrive is suitable for both urban applications and demanding routes with inclines or loads. OEMs benefit from a system that can be easily integrated into different bicycle concepts while guaranteeing the highest quality – thanks to joint development with Johnson Electric, a renowned partner from the automotive industry with decades of experience in large-scale production.

    Technology “Made in Germany” meets global expertise

    Production, final assembly, and quality assurance for the gDrive take place entirely in Germany. This enables stable supply chains, high vertical integration, and short response times—even when market demand is high. At the same time, Johnson Electric, as the parent company, contributes international technological expertise and industrial scalability. This combination offers OEM partners a powerful, reliable platform for their e-bike models.

    Pendix ecosystem

    The new gDrive motor is part of a larger Pendix ecosystem that also includes three different batteries with a capacity of 510 Wh to 800 Wh, two different remote control options in combination with two display options, and the Pendix app. The entire ecosystem has been designed to ensure an excellent user experience for a wide range of customers, including e-bike enthusiasts and first-time e-bike buyers.

    Strong service – Europe-wide

    Another key advantage for OEMs and retail partners: Pendix has an established service network with over 1,200 authorized dealers in Europe. In addition, a trained internal customer service team provides fast after-sales support – a unique selling point that is just as relevant for end customers as it is for manufacturers and fleet customers.

    Eurobike 2025 – experience Pendix live

    The new generation of drives will be presented at Eurobike in Frankfurt from June 25 to 29, 2025. Visitors will be able to experience the new gDrive in action on site and find out about integration, specifications, and services.

    Further information: Eurobike website

    About Pendix

    Pendix GmbH, founded in 2013 and part of the international Johnson Electric Group since 2022, develops and manufactures electric drive systems for bicycles at its location in Germany. In addition to the classic Pendix eDrive retrofit system, the focus since 2025 has been on the OEM-compatible Pendix gDrive mid-drive motor, which was developed in close partnership with Johnson Electric. Approximately 1,200 dealers, 37 bicycle manufacturers, and numerous industrial customers worldwide use Pendix solutions, supported by a strong after-sales network in several countries.

    Press contact:
    Kathleen Scheurer
    k.scheurer@pendix.de
    +49 171 35 26 796

  2. Pendix showcases its innovative drive systems at SPEZI 2025

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    Source: Pendix

    The LEVA EU member recently exhibited its latest electric drive systems with partner VSC Bike GmbH at the Internationale Spezialradmesse (SPEZI) in Lauchringen, Germany.

    From 26-27 April, Pendix, a renowned German electric drive systems manufacturer, demonstrated at SPEZI how its versatile eDrive, eDrive IN, and the newly introduced gDrive can empower a range of bicycles, including e-bikes.

    In addition to Pendix’s own innovations, the company was joined by its partner, VSC Bike GmbH, also a member of the Pendix group. Visitors to booth 211 had the opportunity to explore and test the WorkLoader, a robust and adaptable cargo bike that’s equipped with the Pendix eDriveIN system, designed for diverse professional applications. Also featured was the FINN cargo bike, which can be equipped with the Pendix eDriveIn system, and is now available in three new colors, underlining its appeal as a stylish yet highly practical transport solution.

    Throughout the two-day event, attendees engaged with the Pendix team, explored emerging mobility trends, and took part in hands-on demonstrations. The event was a great demonstration of the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable transport through cutting-edge technology and creative collaboration.

  3. Ten years of innovation: Interview with Pendix founder and CEO Thomas Herzog

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    The Zwickau-based company Pendix is ​​no stranger to the bike industry and cyclists, with its self-developed eDrive retrofit drive. On the occasion of the tenth anniversary, we spoke about the company’s technological, initial spark, as well as milestones and developments over the last decade up to the present day.

    Mr. Herzog, what was the brilliant technical idea behind the founding of Pendix?

    At the time, we offered development services for customers in our first company. In 2012, this also included the company Mifa, for which we developed a cargo bike drive. The project captivated us so much at the time that we wanted to develop our own drive according to our ideas as the next step. That’s how everything got rolling.

    What technical background do the founders of your company have?

    At the time, we all studied engineering at the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences in Zwickau and met in the “Formula Student” project. This is an international competition in which students construct racing vehicles themselves and then compete against each other. In addition to their engineering studies, all of our founders had already completed practical training in the fields of technology or business.

    Can you describe what the special features of the first Pendix development were at the time?

    With pleasure. It was important to us that our own motor worked silently and did not generate any noticeable pedal resistance. In addition, our design had to be very flexible and suitable for use with a wide variety of bicycle models and really offer retrofitting at the level of the major manufacturers.

    And how was your idea later received by the market?

    It was a really radical experience and one that we will never forget: We went to the Eurobike bicycle trade fair in Friedrichshafen for the first time in 2014 and showed our system to the public there. I remember people who stood spellbound at our stand for minutes and couldn’t take their eyes off our product. As they left, they turned around several times and had pure enthusiasm in their eyes. That really gave our team a boost for the market launch.

    What insights did you gain from the launch of the first product – what further developments did you derive from this?

    The product launch of our first retrofit drive was in 2015. It had a 330 Wh battery. Through practical use, feedback from customers and ongoing observations and tests of our own, we had determined that a larger battery would be a useful addition. As we gained more experience with the system, we gradually came across further opportunities for improvement. These included more power, more efficiency, an external lock, protective covers and other extras and smaller adjustments. We then implemented these bit by bit in subsequent model generations and new developments. And even today, of course, the optimization process is not yet complete.

    Can you tell us something about the technical milestones that followed?

    Of course. The next milestone was in 2017. Here we started with a larger 500 Wh battery. This provided even more range and thus more flexibility and application possibilities for our retrofit drive. A 65 Nm version of our motor followed in 2020. With this update, we primarily ensured greater efficiency. The very next year, the eDrive IN was finally released. This was a new concept. Here we moved away from the mid-engine and instead implemented a system with a hub drive. This is particularly useful for cargo bikes because the power is then applied directly to the wheel.

    Is there currently a technical highlight in the company? What was it developed for?

    Yes, that is the new integrated mid-engine gDrive, which will be launched in 2025. We developed this together with our shareholder Johnson Electric specifically for use in city and trekking bikes. Because a mid-engine with a gearbox like the gDrive is ideal in terms of its position on the bike when it comes to a natural riding feel. In addition, such a motor has better efficiency. Because the gDrive is also small, light and is installed directly, we are following the current trend of integrating more and more components into the bike. Sustainability is also an important aspect for us. Together with Johnson Electric, we ensure high environmental, labor and social standards along the value chain and focus on repairs instead of complete replacement and disposal: Thanks to the modular design of our gDrive, individual elements can be repaired if necessary, so the entire system does not have to be replaced.

    How would you describe the development of your company as a whole – what makes you particularly happy and proud today?

    Over the last ten years, we have developed from a small start-up in Zwickau to an established medium-sized company. Sometimes it is hard to believe how quickly it all happened. Some things feel like they were only yesterday. But despite the big changes, you can still feel the spirit of an agile company here today. We are particularly proud of the ease of use, which is reflected in every detail of our products. And of course we are particularly grateful to everyone who has accompanied us on our journey so far and continues to do so.

    More information: https://pendix.de/

    About Pendix:

    The bicycle drive manufacturer Pendix, founded in 2013, is part of the Pendix Group. On the market since 2015, the employees of Pendix GmbH focus on the further development and marketing of products such as the Pendix eDrive, the Pendix eDrive IN hub motor and the integrated Pendix gDrive mid-engine. From the drive production in Zwickau and the VSC.BIKE bicycle production in Allstedt, the drives, components and bicycles are sold or used by more than 750 authorized Pendix dealers, 37 bicycle manufacturers worldwide and 35 industrial customers. Johnson Electric International AG has been the majority shareholder of Pendix GmbH since 2022. High quality, sustainability, reliability and smart technologies drive Pendix to deliver the best possible quality and make a contribution to the environment.

    Thomas Herzog (right), Pendix founder and CEO

  4. Alternative to buying an e-bike: the electric retrofit drive

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    Source: Pendix

    E-bikes are popular but expensive. Recent studies confirm this. Electric retrofit drives, such as the Pendix eDrive, offer an alternative solution. They can be installed without major modifications and equip regular bicycles with the advantages of e-bikes.

    Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Germany, as shown by the SINUS Institute and BMDV’s 2023 Bicycle Monitor. According to the monitor, a quarter of respondents plan to purchase a bicycle or pedelec (electric pedal-assist bicycle) in 2024. Pedelecs, commonly referred to as e-bikes in Germany, are particularly favored, with 48 percent of potential buyers interested in acquiring such a bike.

    The amount people are willing to spend on these bikes averages slightly over 1,400 euros, according to the study. However, there’s a catch: e-bikes are generally much more expensive. EY, a consulting firm, noted in its 2023 bicycle study that electric bikes in Germany are among the most expensive in Europe, averaging around 2,800 euros per e-bike. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t deter cyclists from opting for electric biking. After all, there are alternatives in the form of retrofit electric drives. These are typically not only cheaper than buying an e-bike but also offer additional benefits.

    Electrical Upgrade for Your Favourite Bike

    One example of such a retrofit drive is the Pendix eDrive. It consists of a gearless mid-drive motor and a battery. Both can be installed on almost all frame models and types of bicycles with a so-called BSA bottom bracket. The motor is directly built onto the bottom bracket, while the battery can often be mounted on the screw holes for the bottle cage. For those who swear by their existing bicycle but still want electric assistance, this provides a practical solution: your favourite bike can be transformed into an e-bike in a short time. The familiar riding feel and appearance remain intact, essentially just upgraded.

    Move Further, Ride More Relaxed

    With the additional electric assistance, several things change, including increased range and agility. Motors like the Pendix eDrive provide pedal assistance up to a speed of 25 kilometres per hour. This allows for tackling longer distances or hilly terrain without the rider becoming overly exhausted. The Pendix eDrive offers three different battery options, allowing for ranges of 37 to 240 kilometres depending on the model, external conditions, and riding style. Charging time with a 160-watt charger ranges from two to three hours.

    Such a retrofit drive can also be adjusted to individual fitness levels. For example, the Pendix eDrive offers three modes, ranging from light, barely noticeable pedal assistance to up to 200 percent additional pedal power. This provides assistance in all riding situations, from leisurely rides on flat terrain to mountain crossings with steep inclines, loose surfaces, or strong headwinds. The optional app allows for further fine-tuning of assistance levels.

    The bicycle remains a bicycle

    If one wishes to engage in a more intense workout, the electric assistance can be deactivated at any time. Due to its gearless construction, a motor like the Pendix eDrive adds little weight when turned off, resulting in no significant pedal resistance. Additionally, the drive is completely silent, preserving the familiar feel of riding one’s own bike.

    A retrofit drive can also help bring together people of different ages and fitness levels. With individual electric assistance, the entire family can ride together on a spring tour without anyone feeling overwhelmed or left behind, whether it’s grandparents or parents with children on child seats.

    Support for Everyday Activities

    A retrofit electric drive not only provides a more relaxed and sporty riding experience on family outings or off-road adventures but also offers support in everyday life. Those who frequently transport groceries or work materials by bike or take their children to daycare will experience relief and arrive at their destination more relaxed and less exhausted. A retrofit electric motor like the Pendix eDrive is suitable for cyclists of all ages.

    Older generations, in particular, stand to benefit. Retrofitting without major changes to habits can provide them with greater participation and keep them mobile and active, whether running errands or pursuing leisure activities—hills, additional weight from bags, or long distances are no longer obstacles. Thus, the bike remains a constant companion in every stage of life.

    Uncomplicated Enhancement of the Bicycle

    In addition to the cost efficiency of the retrofit solution compared to purchasing a new e-bike, there are other economic aspects. The familiar bike experiences an increase in usability and resale value. There are also maintenance benefits. A system like the Pendix eDrive, with its gearless construction, is not only compact and lightweight compared to other designs but also wear-free and maintenance-free. This saves costs and ensures longevity. And if one eventually wants to exchange their current bike, transitioning to a new bike with the Pendix eDrive is simple.

    It doesn’t necessarily have to be a used bike that receives an upgrade through the electric motor. Numerous manufacturers integrate such solutions directly into their factory models. Additionally, at partner retailers, a regular new bike can be purchased and equipped on-site with a Pendix eDrive. While retrofitting the motor and battery is relatively easy for those with DIY skills, the manufacturer recommends safe and reliable installation by a professional dealer.

    For more information on installation requirements, features, variants, and technical data of the retrofit motor, visit: https://pendix.de/edrive

    About Pendix: Established in 2013, bicycle drive manufacturer Pendix is part of the Pendix Group. Since its introduction to the market in 2015, Pendix GmbH’s employees have focused on the development and marketing of products such as the Pendix eDrive, the hub motor Pendix eDrive IN, and the integrated mid-drive Pendix gDrive. The drives, components, and bicycles are distributed or utilized by more than 750 authorized Pendix dealers, 37 bicycle manufacturers worldwide, and 35 industrial customers. Pendix is driven by quality, sustainability, reliability, and smart technologies, aiming to deliver the best possible quality and make a contribution to the environment. Since 2022, Johnson Electric International AG has been the majority shareholder of Pendix GmbH.

  5. Pendix: Zwickau electric drives for Greek bicycle innovations

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    What do Zwickau in Saxony, Germany and Thessaloniki in Greece have in common? In the case of the young companies Elektronio and LEVA-EU member Pendix, it is their fascination for innovating new solutions in the field of mobility. The partnership between the Greek innovation hub for two- and multi-wheelers and the Saxon e-bike drive specialist has now lasted more than six years. Time for a closer look.

    Elektronio is a micromobility solutions company founded in Thessaloniki, Greece in 2015. It manufactures customized electric bikes and electric kick scooters to meet various urban transportation needs. It is produced on customer request, using a handcrafted process. This start-up runs a lab with a showroom in the city center of Thessaloniki and offers other services and products. These include conversion kits for electric bicycles, an e-bike service and a large selection of bicycle accessories. “Our journey as a start-up started with the launch of a single model, a tilting tricycle. We now have a complete portfolio of nine micromobility models on the market. Some solutions are aimed at urban commuters, others are freight models for delivery traffic, and we have also developed some special models for people with disabilities,” says Anna Chlioura. She founded the company together with co-founder Pantelis Zarkos and also acts as marketing manager.

    The mobility start-up serves both corporate and end customers and sees its unique selling point in a mix of adaptability, innovative design, and occupying market niches that are neglected by competitors. An example of this is the Patin.e electric scooter. Here the manufacturer does not focus on the portability of the vehicle, but rather on its safety and a certain loading capacity. This means that the scooter can also serve as a mini delivery van.

    On the same wavelength when it comes to technology and design

    The Greek company has been cooperating with Pendix GmbH, a Saxon manufacturer of electric bicycle drives, since 2017. The start-up became aware of the Zwickau supplier through the Praxi Network, a Greek organization for technology transfer and innovation promotion. “We were looking for a reliable supplier for the electric part of our bicycles. What interested us most about Pendix was the technology, performance and design of the mid-drive system developed by the company. We also liked the fact that we could easily have the mid-engine as a retrofit for our services,“ remembers Anna Chlioura.

    “Electronio asked us at the time because it needed an electrical solution with high functionality and easy installation to optimize its vehicles. It was also important to our customer to find a long-term partner with efficient after-sales support,” explains André Seifert, Sales Manager at Pendix GmbH. In its sixth year of collaboration, the Greek start-up has primarily used the mid-engine Pendix eDrive in various e-bike models. In addition, the Pendix eDrive IN rear wheel hub motor from Zwickau production has been used for a few months now. “We tested the Pendix eDrive IN for a special electric tricycle for wheelchair users traveling with their loved ones. We are currently producing a small series of this special model with the hub motor. This offers an additional function for our e-bike, reversing, which makes it even more mobile,“ explains Anna Chlioura.

    The right “electrical fit” for every idea

    “We work with our customers according to an all-in-one strategy. This includes all steps from development to service. Elektronio receives all physical components and the necessary software from us from a single source. Every component is configured for the customer, meaning the drive can be installed and used immediately,” says Sales Manager Seifert. In addition, the mentality of the young company from Saxony also found favor with the start-up from Thessaloniki. The supplier also gives small manufacturers access to its high-end products and promotes their development efforts. “Pendix regularly gives us new suggestions on how we can improve our small vehicles. It is also a source of inspiration for us with its constantly evolving product range. We are certain that we can develop our bike ideas without restrictions and that we always have the right ‘electrical fit’ through our supplier. As a newbie in this industry, we have also gained confidence from working with it.“

    Transmission problem solved with transport bike

    There is no shortage of new mobility concepts at the Greek start-up. An updated version of the Kouvala.e freight model will come onto the market in the next few months. The last edition of the transport bike had a problem transmitting the drive power from the pedals to the rear steering wheel and the two front drive wheels. A chain was out of the question, so Electronio looked into alternatives. Thanks to the Pendix eDrive IN, this problem is easily solved. In this serial hybrid drive, the original Pendix mid-engine was converted into a generator on the pedal crank, it transmits the one generated by the driver energy as well as speed and torque signals via cable to the wheel hub motors. This eliminates the chain drive train’s problems in energy transmission. Without a chain, the drive system now runs completely wear-free and there are hardly any maintenance costs. The integrated mid-engine Pendix gDrive, which will come onto the market in 2025, has already caught the start-up’s interest. This will also be used in different models in the future.

    About Pendix:

    The bicycle drive manufacturer Pendix, founded in 2013, is part of the Pendix Group. On the market since 2015, the employees of Pendix GmbH focus on the further development and marketing of products such as the Pendix eDrive, the hub motor Pendix eDrive IN and the integrated mid-motor Pendix gDrive. From drive production in Zwickau and the VSC.BIKE bicycle production in Allstedt, the drives, components and bicycles are sold or used by more than 750 authorized Pendix dealers, 37 bicycle manufacturers worldwide and 35 industrial customers. High quality, sustainability, reliability and smart technologies drive Pendix to deliver the best possible quality and make a contribution to the environment.

    Further information: https://pendix.de/

    Contact person/contact:

    André Seifert, Sales Manager Pendix

    Tel.: +49 375 270 667 14

    Email: a.seifert@pendix.de

  6. Interview: ten years of Pendix – e-bike drives from Zwickau

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    At the end of 2013, five founders launched a concept for retrofittable e-bike drives. Pendix GmbH was born. Today the company has developed into an internationally known manufacturer in its field. In an interview, CEO Thomas Herzog talks about unforgettable moments, milestones and new opportunities.

    Mr. Herzog, ten years ago Pendix started with its idea for retrofittable electric bicycle drives. Is there anything from the early days that you remember as if it were yesterday?

    Yes, the entry in the commercial register on November 18, 2013 is a day for our founding team that we will probably never forget. The product idea for Pendix was already there at the time. In January 2014 we had a workshop in the ADAC Tower at Sachsenring with all employees and investors. This meeting from the early days is still very present in my mind today: We approved a strong roadmap there and had the first prototype on the test bench three months later. Sales then started almost a year and a half later, in August 2015.

    What has changed in the company since the early days; What, on the other hand, has remained completely the same?

    At the beginning we started with strong and promising ideas. We were brimming with entrepreneurial spirit and energy. The strength and creativity remain to this day. In addition, we have also greatly professionalized our structure in recent years. You ask me what hasn’t changed for us? All I can say is: the people, the atmosphere and the togetherness. The topics at the lunch table have remained the same. (smiles)

    What were the two biggest milestones of the stage so far?

    By taking over VSC.BIKE in 2019, we were able to merge our expertise in drivetrain construction with the skills of a frame builder. Since then, we have been offering a unique combination of skills from a manufacturer in our industry. This benefits customers, among other things, in the development and coordination of cargo bike solutions. The next big milestone was Johnson Electric joining us in 2022. By working with the world’s leading industrial engine manufacturer, we have, so to speak, put the turbo in place for our future. We can rely on our partner when it comes to issues such as sustainability, scalability of our product range and securing our supply chain.

    What has shaped your company more than anything else – are there people or circumstances that you are particularly grateful for today?

    Everyone who has walked the journey with us to this point or who has accompanied our company for a while has helped to shape us. Above all, of course, are our employees, who remain loyal to us to this day. I am and we are all very grateful to you. I would also like to mention two other names that were and are very important for our development: Firstly, there is Mr. Stier from the TGFS in Leipzig. That was our first investor back then. A big thank you also goes to Stephen Dowling from Kator PTY, our investor from Australia. Without these people, Pendix wouldn’t be what it is today.

    How would you summarize in one sentence the characteristics that have carried your company throughout its history?

    It’s not just strength and speed that have led to our success so far, but also inner strength.

    What are you currently focusing on, what goals will you pursue with Pendix in the next few months?

    What we are all really excited about right now is the introduction of the Pendix gDrive. This is the first mid-engine with gearbox permanently installed on the bike in our company history. We built a first sample with which we carried out driving tests. The software and hardware came together for the first time – such a test is always a big moment for our team. We developed the new gDrive specifically for city and trekking bikes. Because: A mid-engine position on the bike is ideal when it comes to a natural riding experience. The start of production is planned for early 2025.

    Thought experiment: We’ll do this interview again in a decade; Where do you see your company then?

    I like to look into the crystal ball. What I see is: We have become one of the top five European manufacturers of electric drives for bicycles. I can also see that we are still based in Zwickau, here in Saxony.

  7. New mid-engine with gearbox from Pendix

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    At this year’s Eurobike, drive specialist Pendix will be presenting its new mid-mounted motor including gearbox for the first time: the Pendix gDrive. The Zwickau company focused on sustainability during development. Thanks to the modular drive, individual components can be replaced if necessary, which enables cost-efficient and resource-saving use of the system.

    Pendix guarantees the long-term supply of spare parts through its network of over 1,200 dealers across Europe. The integrated mid-engine is produced in Germany. The components required for it come mainly from the plants of the Johnson Electric Group, to which Pendix has belonged since October 2022.

    The global company has set itself the goal of converting all factories to renewable energy by 2025 and reducing a quarter of previous C02 emissions by 2030. This makes the value chain for the Pendix gDrive clearly comprehensible and as environmentally friendly production possible.

    Pendix Managing Director Thomas Herzog is looking forward to the presentation at the Eurobike: “With the Pendix gDrive we have developed a sustainable and reliable motor that can be easily repaired. Together with our large dealer network, the Pendix gDrive is the safe choice for manufacturers and end customers.”

    Head of Technology Christian Hennig is also enthusiastic about the new engine: “Officially, the G in the Pendix gDrive stands for gear, but green would have been a good fit. Short delivery routes and sustainable production have always been important to us, and with the new drive we are now going one step further.”

    Eurobike will take place from June 21 to 25, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main. Pendix presents the Pendix gDrive in Hall 8, Stand E24. Test drives with the previous systems are possible on the outdoor area in area D13. The Pendix gDrive is scheduled to hit the market in 2025.

    About Pendix

    Pendix GmbH has existed since 2013 and is based in Zwickau, Saxony. The five founders have launched a retrofit drive for bicycles that turns almost every bike into an e-bike. Development, optimization and production take place exclusively in Germany. The company currently employs over 60 people. The group also includes VSC BIKE GmbH, based in Saxony-Anhalt, which manufactures industrial bikes for Deutsche Post, among others. Since October 2022, Pendix has been part of the Hong Kong-based Johnson Electric Group.

  8. LEVA-EU member Pendix reports another record year

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    Source: RadMarkt, J. Beckendorff

    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.

  9. A discussion on German cycling: Thomas Herzog, Managing Director of Pendix, and Ernst Brust, founder of the renowned testing institute Velotech.

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    The recent interview covers themes such as Made in Germany, the e-bike boom, and LEVA-EU member Pendix.

    Racing, cargo, or recumbent bike? How do industry professionals such as yourself get around?

    Thomas Herzog: I recently bought a kind of modern Dutch bike from one of our partners. I like the idea behind it. The Dutch company Roetz collects dead bikes from the streets and dismantles them; individual parts are recycled, and the frames are sandblasted and repainted. This is upcycling at its best. Every bike is unique. A little bit retro, a little bit modern, and above all sustainable.

    Ernst Brust: I have a small fleet of bicycles in the basement. Right now, I prefer riding my folding bike, which is ideal for the city. Even with it being so small, there is still room for a Pendix drive; at my age, it’s sometimes necessary! But of course, I have more bikes: one cargo bike, and several racing bikes. The one I ride depends on the situation.

    The bicycle industry is booming. More bikes are sold every year. What do you think about this development?

    Ernst Brust: Well, for me as a bicycle enthusiast it is of course fantastic. I find the development extremely exciting, and I am always amazed at the technological progress in terms of safety. In the 1950s and 60s, the evolution of bicycles came to a standstill because everyone was only interested in cars. Then in the 1980s, innovations slowly came along like mountain bikes with sprung wheel forks and aluminum wheels. At the beginning of my career, I would see bicycles where, for example, the screws were not subject to any standard, which would be unthinkable today. And now ABS systems are being developed to further increase security.

    Thomas Herzog: We don’t want to forget the environmental aspect either. Climate change is a reality. Anyone who rides a bicycle can do their part to ensure that future generations can still enjoy our planet. Today there is a suitable bike for everyone, regardless of whether it is powered by pure muscle power or by electric power. E-bikes and normal bicycles are now almost level in sales. Of course, I don’t believe that e-bikes will completely replace conventional bikes, they are too popular in the sporting field, but for those who use wheels as a means of purpose, i.e. to get comfortably from A to B, I can see e-bikes remaining a big hit.

    Does it always have to be ‘Made in Germany’ for you?

    Ernst Brust: The term is difficult. A modern bike consists of so many individual parts – for every screw, every spring, and every coil to be made in Germany is impossible. I don’t know of a single company where all components are completely sourced from Germany. Made in Europe would be a better fit. When it comes to bikes from other parts of the world, I’m mostly suspicious if I don’t know the manufacturer. There are good and bad companies everywhere, so I wouldn’t generally judge the quality of a bike by its country of origin. In general, I always recommend getting advice and if in doubt, spending a few euros more. If you buy cheap, you often buy twice. Unfortunately, the saying is true all too often.

    Thomas Herzog: I can confirm that I always pay attention to quality, including for Pendix products. Wherever possible, we rely on regional suppliers. This is also the reason that we are based in Zwickau – here we benefit from synergies with the VW plant. Of course, they cannot work without international partners, this has advantages and disadvantages. Supply chains are now longer than they were in the past. So, we need more advanced planning, and the quality must not suffer. For me, the Made-in-Germany principle regards actual production. It is about the selection of high-quality components, the shortest possible delivery routes, and fair working conditions. This creates a quality product.

    In October 2022, the Johnson Electric Group from Hong Kong joined Pendix as a strategic partner. Has the alignment changed anything?

    Thomas Herzog: No, definitely not. Johnson Electric has similar quality standards to ours. It was clear to us from the start that we would only make such a step with a partner on an equal footing and with the same goals. Johnson Electric is a global company, and our cooperation makes it easier for us to access raw materials and components but nothing changes in the processes. We continue to produce in Wilkau, work together with our long-standing partners, and will continue to deliver the usual Pendix quality in the future.

    Finally, a look into the crystal ball: Will Germany develop into a cycling country?

    Ernst Brust: As far as the industry is concerned, yes, the car is out. Since Driving in inner cities is becoming less and less fun, the number of cyclists is likely to increase automatically. A lot of people from the automotive industry are moving to bicycle manufacturing because they see future potential there. And for many newcomers, the bicycle business is now the first choice for many engineers.

    I still see a lot of room for improvement in transport planning, countries like Holland or Norway currently have a clear lead. Municipalities should invest in, for example, more Covered cycle paths which are still a rarity here.

    Thomas Herzog: I think we’re on the right track, but such developments need time. Many people no longer use their bikes only when the weather is good or for tours, but as a means of transport in any season. People ride to work, go shopping, and even on vacation. It is an attitude to life, a lifestyle.

    Also, in the field of micromobility – i.e. the so-called last mile – everything is on the rise. Where suppliers used to be on congested streets, cargo bikes are increasingly on the road today. In my eyes, this one trend will continue to increase, the golden years of the bicycle have only just begun.