Tag Archive: speed pedelec

  1. Stromer: a popular speed pedelec choice

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    Sources: Nieuwsfiets, Dutch Cycling Week

    LEVA-EU member Stromer has been reported as having a leading presence in the Belgian speed pedelec market for 2026, followed by fellow members Klever and Ellio in the top 4. In other news, Dutch Cycling Week announced that 75% of trips by Stromer models have replaced car and motorcycle travel.

    In its report of the Belgian speed pedelec market, Nieuwsfiets has stated that it is still experiencing growth, with 8,196 new units being registered in the first half of 2026, which is over 10% higher than the same period in 2025.

    From the first half of 2026, Stromer is the leading brand, accounting for 2,807 registrations. In 2025, it had a total of 5,216 registrations, it is anticipated that if a similar trend in registrations occurs in the remainder of the year then Stromer could exceed 2025 results.

    Fellow LEVA-EU member Klever comes after in third place, accounting for 1,020 registrations.

    Ellio has been highlighted as the only brand from Belgium in the top four, with 910 registrations. In 2025, the company reached a record total of 1,215 registrations, so based on the 2026 figures to date, Ellio is expected to exceed last year’s record, with the expansion of its range with front fork suspension and a step-through model contributing to the success.

    Stromer’s success in Utrecht

    Dutch Cycling Week reported that in 2023, the province of Utrecht allowed speed pedelec riders to apply for an exemption to use the cycling lane under its regulations.

    Since this was implemented, the following has been reported for Stromer riders in the region:

    • 84% of them use the bike for commuting.
    • 75% of the trips that they currently make used to be made by car or motorcycle.
    • 31% ride more often than before since the exemption.

    Management team change

    Earlier in the Summer, Stromer announced the appointment of Cédric Langer as its Chief Commercial Officer, effective 1 August 2026.

    He brings extensive global leadership experience in sales, business development and commercial transformation to lead Stromer’s global commercial organisation, specialising on strengthening retail partnerships, commercial excellence and accelerating sustainable growth.

    CEO, of myStromer AG, Marcel Korner has said the following about the appointment.

    “Cédric combines strategic commercial expertise with a strong customer and partner mindset. His experience will be instrumental as we strengthen our dealer network, successfully launch our next generation of S-Pedelecs, and continue building myStromer as the leading premium e-mobility brand.”

  2. Research: Germany’s cycling infrastructure and speed pedelecs

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    Source: European Transport Studies Image Source: Eugenia Pan’kiv, Unsplash

    Researchers at the Hochschule RheinMain have conducted a study on the use of speed pedelecs in Germany, with a particular focus on the role of cycling infrastructure in influencing the uptake and continued use of this transport mode.

    Germany has regulations in place that restrict speed pedelecs (power-assisted bikes with pedal-support up to 45 km/h) from accessing most cycling infrastructure, apart from a few local exceptions. Researchers Elias Keller and Martina Lohmeier, from the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Hochschule RheinMain, created a study based in Tübingen, the only city in Germany which has a network of cycle paths which are accessbile to speed pedelecs. Their aim was to assess the feasibility of the speed pedelec as a mode of everyday, sustainable transport.

    Participants in the study were lent speed pedelecs for a period of six weeks, to use for commuting and other daily journeys. Their experiences were captured in questionnaires before, during and after the trial. Before and after the trial, they responded to questions about their mobility patterns, and attitudes towards speed pedelecs. During the trial, participants completed a daily diary questionnaire, detailing their experiences, interactions and risk situations.

    Findings of the study

    The study found that long-term intentions towards the use of speed pedelecs changed between the pre- and post-trial questionnaires for most participants, with a lack of suitable infrastructure the primary issue.

    Participants stated they would like to have access to continuous cycle networks on a speed pedelec, preferably separated from car traffic. When participants had to use the road, they documented risky situations and interactions with cars, finding that car drivers often underestimated the speed of the participants.

    Among those who had indicated a long-term intention to use speed pedelecs, there was a marked decrease in their ratings of road and cycling infrastructure.

    The importance of suitable infrastructure at their end destination, especially safe parking and charging facilities, was also emphasised by participants.

    Conclusion

    The researchers summarised that “the results show that simply trying out speed pedelecs under the current conditions is not enough to promote their use in the long term. Rather, substantial improvements to the infrastructure are necessary to ensure safe, attractive and sustainable mobility with speed pedelecs.”

  3. Former Stromer leader announces new company Viiala

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    Sources: Saz Bike, Cycling Electric, BikeBiz

    Former Stromer CEO Tomi Viiala has announced his new company, Viiala, created in partnership with Francois-Henri-Bennahmias, of The Honourable Merchants Group (THMG). The new brand, a LEVA-EU member, will position itself above the current premium e-bike city and commuting market, in targeting an array of transportation users. Viiala will incorporate automotive and motorcycle expertise in innovating its models with cutting-edge design and technology, with assembly based in Europe.

    Viiala has stated its intentions in combining advanced, automated manufacturing experience with industry-leading e-bike expertise and award-winning motorcycle design to create speed pedelecs with high technological capabilities that compete with not just other bikes, but all other forms of mobility.

    Co-founder Tomi Viiala said the following about his new company’s direction:

    “Welcome to the new world! I can say that Viiala will be unlike anything that came before. Not a controversial thing to say when we explore what we are working on creating.

    “Let’s be clear: Viiala has been founded to redefine what cycling stands for. Our competition isnʼt other bike brands – itʼs every other mobility option you could pick.”

    The brand has committed to prioritising reliability, rider safety, power management, range, design, and digital integration to develop a relentless e-bike that works every day for users as a premium commuting and urban solution.

    Viiala will lead on a system-level approach, by designing an encompassing chassis, battery packaging, drive integration, and a software layer together from conception.

    Viiala: breaking the norm of the bike industry

    Viiala aims to set a new standard from the existing market and challenge the industry.

    The company is looking to the automotive and motorcycle industries for partnerships, suppliers and manufacturing capabilities to help it expand beyond the bike industry in developing its high-end speed pedelecs.

    Viiala states that his team envisions unique opportunities to innovate a frame in a method that’s not normally used by the traditional cycling industry, develop their own e-bike motor, and to assemble with the robotic efficiency associated with automotive production. By innovating outside industry norms, he aims to convert non-cyclists to adopting Viiala speed pedelecs into their lifestyles.

    “As a low-volume producer, we are focused on innovation and delivering market-redefining two-wheeled vehicles – where engineering, aesthetics, and purpose converge to create the ultimate riding experience for an audience currently not engaged by or served by the cycling industry. Our mission at Viiala is to create bikes that today seem unimaginable, but tomorrow become indispensable.”

    Industry-leading team

    CEO and co-founder Tomi Viiala boasts a wealth of experience in the e-bike industry, having worked in senior leadership at Stromer for 11 years with a background in brand building, global sales, as well as design-led positioning. This expertise will help him to propel Viiala forward in bringing its premium solutions from concept to reality.

    Viaala is a company that comes under co-founder François-Henri Bennahmias’ THMG, a holding entity featuring a number of companies which represent distinct sectors of the luxury industry. Bennahmias is most renowned as being the CEO of watchmakers Audemars Piguet for 10 years, before establishing THMG in September 2025. Although they have become highly respected figures in different industries, both Bennahmias and Viiala share a passion for cycling and sustainable mobility, and smarter, space-efficient urban cities that encourage two-wheeled transportation.

    The Viiala co-founders (left to right) Tomi Viiala, and François-Henri Bennahmias

    Joining the Viiala team is Chief Innovation Advisor, Humna Khan, who brings advanced experience in aerospace innovation, and Pit Pillatsch as Head of Engineering, whose experience includes positions as former Engineering Director e-bike Systems and Principal Technical Product Manager at Specialized. With his extensive motorcycle design experience that includes working for Honda and KISKA, Craig Dent, Co-Founder, Design Director and CEO at RiDE Studio, is a welcome addition to Viiala’s industry-leading team.

    The logistics of creating Viiala’s premium offering

    The brand has stated that its 95% of its components will be sourced from Europe and the USA, with assembly taking place in Europe. Its research and development centres will be established in the locations of Switzerland and Dubai, UAE. Switzerland is chosen because of its close location to suppliers and testing infrastructure. Dubai was selected due for ensuring reliability and thermal validation on its models in hot, dusty and high-load conditions.

    Viiala product accessibility

    The Viiala team are working to the proposed deadline of 3 years, with an anticipated launch of its first model in 2028, with its next two models expected in 2029. As the bikes will be equipped with advanced technology currently not available to the bike market, the prices will range from 15,000 to 20,000 EUR.

    More information about Viiala can be accessed on its website.

  4. LEVA-EU member brands feature in Speed ​​Pedelec Review test event

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    Source: NieuwsFiets

    Online platform Speed ​​Pedelec Review hosted a large-scale speed pedelec test event in the Netherlands on Saturday, September 6th, at the former airstrip of Soesterberg Air Base.

    The test event involved 275 visitors, not only from the Netherlands but also from Belgium and Germany. The event used a 3.5-kilometer test track to try out more than 150 models from leading brands, including LEVA-EU member brands Ellio, Klever and Stromer.

    According to the organizers, the combination of a wide selection of models, a spacious test track, and favourable weather generated many positive reactions. Visitors praised the opportunity to compare different models under similar conditions and the relaxed atmosphere without long waits. Exhibitors also expressed satisfaction with the quality of the discussions with a well-prepared audience.

    LEVA-EU member Stromer wrote: “We proudly look back at all the Stromer test rides and the great feedback we received from both riders and dealers. For us, it’s yet another confirmation: speed pedelecs are the future of fast and sustainable commuting.”

    Based on the success, Speed ​​Pedelec Review announced new editions in 2026, both in the Netherlands and Belgium.

  5. Speed pedelec growth rate slows in the Netherlands

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    Source: Fietsberaad

    In 2024, the Netherlands saw a 6.5% increase in the number of speed pedelecs, reaching an overall total of 35,400. This is a lower rate than in previous years. Only 3,114 new speed pedelecs were sold during the year, compared to an average of 4,000 in recent years.

    The data is revealed in figures published by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) at the end of August, based on data recorded during 2024, with other geographic and demographic detail also revealed.

    Age trends

    The average age of speed pedelec owners is 53, and half of all owners are 55 or older. This is compared to the share of this age group at the beginning of 2019, which was 40%. Those under 25 own only 176 of the total number of speed pedelecs, and over 90% of speed pedelecs are privately owned.

    Geographic trends

    The municipality of Amsterdam has the most registered speed pedelecs, at 532. In terms of proportion of the population, the municipality of Noordenveld has the highest ratio with 9.6 registrations per thousand residents aged 16 or over. At the other end of the scale, in Kerkrade and Heerlen there are only 0.4 registrations per thousand residents.

    The data published by CBS is derived from the Vehicle Database, and can be viewed here.

  6. Stromer marks 15th anniversary with new brand identity and vision for urban mobility

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    Source: Radmarkt

    The LEVA-EU member has unveiled a refreshed brand look, coinciding with its 15th anniversary, highlighting its ambition to redefine urban mobility with its high-performance, connected speed pedelecs as a viable alternative to cars.

    The relaunch introduces a modernized visual identity, including updated logos, colors, and design elements, that’s designed to appeal to younger and more diverse audiences. Stromer stated that the new positioning emphasizes everyday usability, sustainability, and riding enjoyment, with its aim to establish speed pedelecs as not only a practical commuting solution but also a symbol of an active and health-conscious lifestyle.

    Established market leader

    Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Oberwangen, Switzerland, Stromer has grown into one of the leading speed pedelec manufacturers, producing bikes capable of reaching speeds up to 45 km/h. To date, the company reports over 140,000 activated bikes and more than 710 million kilometres travelled by its riders. Its network spans 23 markets with approximately 500 specialist dealers.

    Stromer’s current portfolio ranges from the urban-focused ST1 to the long-distance ST7, with an emphasis on powerful motors, extended ranges, and integrated digital features. Over the years, Stromer has positioned itself as a pioneer in the sector, launching the first fully connected e-bike in 2014 and introducing frame-integrated ABS in 2020.

    Future direction and sustainability goals

    The updated brand identity signals new developments in areas including battery technology, connectivity, ergonomics, and sustainable material use. Stromer’s broader vision is to build a holistic mobility ecosystem for urban environments, to ease the transition from car dependency to e-bikes while combining technical innovation with an engaging riding experience.

    Sustainability remains central to the company’s strategy. According to Stromer, more than half of its customers use their S-Pedelec as a replacement for a car, with average commutes exceeding 27 kilometres, which is estimated to save over 23,000 tons of CO₂ annually.

    By aligning its new visual identity with its long-term product roadmap, Stromer positions itself as a strong provider of sustainable, design-driven mobility solutions. Future product generations, the company added, will continue to expand on this approach.

    A teaser video showcasing Stromer’s refreshed direction is available here: Watch video

  7. Exemption for speed pedelecs to use cycle paths in Utrecht extended

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    Source: CROW Fietsberaad

    Two years ago, a trial was launched in the Netherlands province of Utrecht, allowing speed pedelec owners to apply for an exemption, which allows them to choose to ride at a maximum of 30 km/h on cycle paths, or at a maximum of 45 km/h on roads. The scheme has now been extended for another five years.

    12 municipalities in the province are now participating, and 70% of speed pedelec owners have applied for the exemption. According the Utrecht municipality, the numbers of accidents and complaints have not increased since the exemption was introduced, despite numbers of speed pedelecs on the road having increased. The speed pedelec is seen in the province as a sustainable mobility solution, and the exemption was introduced to promote greater uptake.

    After the five-year extension, the province and municipalities will decide on any further continuation.

    Speed pedelec owners can apply for the exemption at the municipality of Utrecht, which also arranges this on behalf of the other participating municipalities: Amersfoort, Barneveld, Bunschoten, De Ronde Venen, Nijkerk, Soest, Veenendaal, Vijfheerenlanden, Wageningen, Wijk bij Duurstede and Zeist.

  8. Klever’s N Core 45 and X Pinion 45 named “Best Buy” in Fietstest 2025

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    Source: Klever

    The LEVA-EU member’s speed pedelecs have earned high praise from consumers in independent e-bike assessments conducted in the Netherlands and Belgium. The annual tests, organized by Fietstest.nl and Fietstest.be, involved evaluations from more than 1,900 consumer panelists on performance, comfort, and value across a wide range of electric bikes.

    Klever X Pinion 45: Power meets innovation

    Scoring an impressive 8.4 in the Belgian Bicycle Test 2025, the Klever X Pinion 45 stood out for its performance and design. Testers consistently praised the pedelec’s powerful motor support, intuitive display, and smooth ride dynamics.

    One panelist summed up the experience by saying: “Delicious cycling, goes smoothly to its speed, sends well, good engine. It brakes easily.”

    Key highlights reported from testers included:

    • Powerful support and smooth riding experience
    • Pleasantly operable, intuitive display
    • High-quality workmanship

    These results affirm the X Pinion’s appeal to riders looking for a premium commuting solution that blends robust engineering with effortless handling.

    View the full Fietstest test report

    Klever N Core 45: A balance of comfort and value

    The Klever N Core 45 also performed strongly, earning an average score of 7.8 on Fietstest.nl. Testers highlighted the pedelec’s smooth power delivery, silent motor, and excellent braking system. Its user-friendly interface and attractive price point contributed to its recognition as a “Best Buy” for 2025.

    One enthusiastic rider gave it top marks, stating: “An 11, great, no further comment needed, absolutely recommended.”

    Key highlights reported from testers included:

    • Powerful and quiet motor
    • Clear, easy-to-use display
    • Stable handling and high riding comfort
    • Excellent value for money

    The N Core 45’s belt drive and ergonomic design also received positive attention for enhancing the overall user experience.

    View the full test report

    Fietstest 2025 recognition reflects Klever’s commitment to quality

    Klever’s strong performance in this year’s test reinforces its reputation for producing high-quality speed pedelecs tailored to real-world commuter needs. With user-centric features, powerful motors, and durable components, both the N Core 45 and X Pinion 45 appear as standouts in this reputable consumer guide, demonstrating their qualities in a highly competitive field.

  9. Stromer and Ellio lead in VAB’s 2025 list of best speed pedelecs

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    Source: VAB magazine, Stromer, Ellio

    LEVA-EU members Stromer and Ellio were announced in first and second place respectively in the speed pedelec category of VAB’s Bike of the Year 2025 list, an annual round-up that assists in electric bike, speed pedelec or cargo bike purchasing decisions.

    This is the eleventh edition of the popular “Bike of the Year” selection by VAB, a Belgian roadside assistance organisation that repairs bicycles, cars and motorcycles.

    VAB’s Bike of the Year selection process

    VAB winners are partly chosen by consumers as well as a professional jury of bicycle industry experts, with each of the bikes being judged on technical specifications such as manoeuvrability, steering behaviour, comfort, ergonomics, safety, pedal assistance and price-quality ratio. This year, there were 45 bicycles competing for Bike of the Year recognition in the categories of e-bike economy (a maximum support of 25 km/h, with a maximum price of €3,250), e-bike premium, speed pedelec, and new for this year, a cargo bike category for both longtail and box-type cargo bikes.

    Stromer’s ST5 Smart.Shift crowned best speed pedelec

    The VAB jury selected this model as their winner, with the panel of everyday riders and e-bike experts being impressed by the ST5 Smart.Shift’s powerful motor, dynamic riding feel, intuitive support as well as its high safety performance, “Especially the motor, support, ride feel and safety gave the ST5 Smart.Shift the edge,” says Jan Creten from VAB.

    This model is a powerful crowd-pleaser with its quiet 850-watt rear-wheel motor, premium components, and electronic Pinion Smart.Shift system that delivers high performance with speed and precision, with a range of up to 180 km.

    Its innovative design also comes with the groundbreaking Stromer Sound System and a new recyclable carbon-reinforced mudguard, which in comparison to aluminium mudguards, reduces CO2 footprint by 50%.

    Stromer acknowledges the importance of winning the best speed pedelec award in empowering cleaner and more conscious commuting, “We want to inspire people to choose mobility that makes them — and society — healthier, happier, and more sustainable,” says Bram Ariese, Marketing Manager BeNeLux at myStromer Europe.

    The Ellio Original takes the second podium place

    VAB described the Ellio Original as being a credible runner-up with its sharp price of €6,995.

    Ellio itself describes it as a speed pedelec that’s built for urban riders of varied ages and sizes, with highlights including its powerful double motor, automatic switching system, large removable battery and regenerative back-pedal brake. Its stealthy design has a 1150 WH battery which brings a range of 50-200 km, and is equipped to carry loads of up to 160 kg. More information about the Ellio Original can be found on the Ellio website.