Tag Archive: speed pedelecs

1. A double interview with the minds behind LEVA-EU member Ellio

   19/12/2022 15:45 Comments Off on A double interview with the minds behind LEVA-EU member Ellio

   Source: Ride Ellio

   The Belgian manufacturer just reached the 1,000-bike milestone. With a rapidly growing community and big aspirations, what’s next for the brand?

   What does the 1,000th bicycle mean to you? How do you feel about this?

   ‍ Tomas: Fair? When we started [Ellio] I thought it would go faster. But even when we had the 7 plagues of Egypt over us, with corona, the supply chain collapsing, the crazy demand for bicycles, but also the collapse of the speed pedelec market due to working from home, the war in Ukraine… too much to mention actually… I never doubted, because what I had in mind is exactly what people appreciate in Ellio. That was only possible thanks to the wonderful team that I get to be a part of every day. I feel blessed by fate to have been able to fulfill my dream. But I keep dreaming… of more, of better. Even better!

   Jorrit: It’s a milestone of course and that always feels good. It is a moment to look back at the road we have already traveled and I can say that I do so with great pride. At the same time, we also keep looking ahead, of course: 1,000 bicycles is just the beginning!

   Past versus now. How did you see the mobility landscape evolve from bike 1 to 1,000?

   Tomas: In the media, the speed pedelec is seen less as a risk and more and more as a solution. I also like that programs such as Kijk Uit (a Flemish television program regarding road safety) put the speed pedelec in the spotlight in a nuanced way.

   Jorrit: In the few years that we have been active, bicycles have really evolved from leisure items to full-fledged means of mobility. This places entirely new requirements on the products. With a decent 25 km/h bike, you can safely ride to work every day, but for longer journeys or when designing a 45 km/h speed pedelec you really need more than just a decent bike. That has always been Ellio’s raison d’être, so of course, we are happy with this evolution.

   What plans can we expect in 2023?

   Tomas: Ellio, our first model, I dare call my baby. However, we are working with a whole team on the successor, Marty. This time Jander, a product developer at Ellio and responsible for the development of Ellio, will be the (young) daddy of our newest model. Can I call myself grandpa? With Marty, we will reach the next level of maturity, as a product and as a company. We all grow together. Full of passion to offer the ultimate mobility solution.

   Jorrit: International expansion, an expansion of our product range to respond even better to the mobility needs of our customers and, of course, also strong growth in production numbers. Next year we want to be able to build 3 times as many bicycles as this year.

   How has co-creation of the Ellio community contributed to today’s Ellio?

   Tomas: At my previous employer, Toyota, we had a standard for every feature, situation, and step. Almost to the absurd. Even the brewing of coffee was almost standardized. At Ellio, we have something even stronger, being organic; that is the Ellio community. I never imagined that such a fantastic community could grow around our product in these dark times. The openness that is in Ellio’s DNA is answered with a positive drive to not only improve the product but to create a platform where Ellio riders help other Ellio riders.

   Jorrit: From the outside, the 1,000th Ellio seems to be almost the same bike as the very first, but “under the hood” a lot has changed since then. The control of the drive and transmission, the display of the HMI, and numerous minor hardware changes have been implemented. All are based on feedback from our customers.

   How has Bewel, the custom workshop responsible for the assembly of Ellio bicycles, contributed to Ellio’s success?

   Tomas: Collaborating with Bewel was a conscious choice. Not from a social point of view, which is a nice bonus and I love it, but because they could provide the overarching services, the critical mass, that we didn’t have as a start-up. We sometimes received questions from prospective customers about why we didn’t work with a tailor-made company, but it is precisely the very structured working in Bewel that helps us to achieve our quality.

   Jorrit: Thanks to Bewel, Ellio is produced close to home. This way, our developers can see for themselves how the products they design are built on a daily basis. This greatly benefits our development because we can implement improvements very quickly. At the same time, Bewel has a team of highly motivated employees with an almost obsessive focus on quality. The quality and consistency that Bewel has already achieved in the production of ‘just’ our 1000th bicycle is simply astonishing.

   What would you like to say to the Bewel employees?

   Thomas: I love you guys! I always love being with you and feeling your passion for my baby!

   George: THANK YOU!! That’s obvious, I think.

   Do you know how many km do you cycle on average per week?

   Tomas: 200-250 km (and if I don’t make it, I’m really pissed!)

   Jorrit: Not enough, I live too close to work. I cycle about 10 km to and from work every day, so about 60-70 km a week in total. But always with the Ellio of course!

   

2. Dutch Speed Pedelec fleet reaches 30,000

   17/10/2022 15:08 Comments Off on Dutch Speed Pedelec fleet reaches 30,000

   The Dutch non-profit “Speedpedelec Evolutie” has once again analyzed the Dutch market for speedpedelecs. They are sharing the following information about sales and fleet, based on their data regarding registered speedpedelecs.

   Fleet

   

   The total speed pedelec fleet in The Netherlands has increased by 8% to 29,683 vehicles, consisting of
   58 brands and 203 models. Many models are available with different specifications, so there is plenty of choice. The data show a steady increase of the fleet from 23,793 at the end of 2020 to 27,538 end of last year.
   The Top 10 brands, with a total of 26,601 vehicles, increased their market share from 89 to 90%. No less than 48 brands account for the remaining 10% with a total of 3.082 vehicles.
   
   Last year, the Top 3 brands were the same as the year before: Stromer was market leader, with 34% and the first brand to exceed the 10.000 limit. STromer and number 2, Riese & Müller, hold just over half of the fleet. Third place was for the Dutch brand Sparta. Stromer, Riese & Müller and Sparta have a share of 64% in the Top 10 per model (19.032 vehicles). The remaining 36% (10.651 vehicles) consists of 193 models!
   Stromer’s ST1, ST2 and ST3 hold the 1st to 3rd place. However, it should be taken into account that both ST1 and ST2 consist of several models. For example the old ST2 has a chain and derailleur/sprockets,
   while the new model is driven with a belt and internal gears.
   Stromer has 4 models in the Top 10, Riese & Müller 3, Sparta 2 and Gazelle 1, but that is not their new model “No1”.
   Four new models have been introduced in the first half of 2022: the Y Muse 45 and N Rogue
   45 both by Klever, the Axis eRide Evo Speed Bike by Scott and finally the LEB 800 Speed, the premiere of the German Velo de Ville.

   Despite the new sales, the average age of the fleet increased to 3.9 years. Stromer, Sparta
   and Riese & Müller account for approximately 3,100 vehicles older than 5 years, while the remaining
   3,501 vehicles belong to 38 different brands! In total 43% (almost 13.000 vehicles) are older than 5 years. Almost 2.400 vehicles date from before 2015, with the oldest speed pedelec on Dutch roads being 13.2 years!

   The Speed Pedelec Evolutie data show that 69% of the fleet is still with their first owner, whilst 9,300 (31%) changed ownership. Also, 98% were purchased in The Netherlands, with only 700 speed pedelecs from abroad.

   Sales

   

   In the first half of 2022 sales have increased with 11%, compared to the same period in 2021. However, the result is still 7% lower than sales in the first half of 2020. The first 4 months of 2022 showed an average increase of 25% followed by a reduction of 6% in May and June. Speed Pedelec Evolutie predicts total sales in 2022 of 4,149, which would be a 5% increase compared to 2021.

   For more graphs and indicators please visit
   www.speedpedelec-evolutie.nl

3. Stromer official “e-bike” supplier for Alinghi Red Bull Racing

   10/10/2022 12:22 Comments Off on Stromer official “e-bike” supplier for Alinghi Red Bull Racing

   LEVA-EU member Stromer has entered a partnership with Alinghi Red Bull Racing in their preparations for the 37th America’s Cup. Stromer will be providing fast electric bikes, or “Speed Pedelecs”, as well as developing new special editions that will carry the Alinghi Red Bull Racing name.

   

   Participation in the ‘America’s Cup’, the oldest sporting trophy in the world (1851), requires vision, an innovative spirit, and a certain willingness to take risks. After an absence of ten years, Alinghi has joined forces with Red Bull with the goal of winning the 37th America’s Cup, hosted in Barcelona from August to October 2024. The Swiss company myStromer AG, a leading manufacturer of Speed Pedelecs, is now working to help Alinghi Red Bull Racing achieve this goal as the team’s official supplier of electric bikes. This collaboration is based on a long-term vision and will not only boost the team’s mobility in Barcelona, but everywhere that they go. Stromer will also introduce a Special Edition in the colors of Alinghi Red Bull Racing that is based on the model ST7 in 2023.

   Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s training location is Barcelona, a busy metropolis. To support the team members on their daily journeys in the city, Stromer is the team’s official supplier of e-bikes. In addition to fast electric bikes, Stromer is also providing the team with racing bikes in the colors of Alinghi Red Bull Racing to help train the sailors. Cycling will play a key role in this competition for the 37th America’s Cup, both on land as well as on the water. The energy for the mechanical systems is generated on board by pedal systems that are operated by four members of the team: the “power group”. Modern mobility is thus a common thread between Stromer and Alinghi Red Bull Racing thanks to their interest in efficiency and performance.

   “Sailing has fascinated humans around the world for centuries. Alinghi Red Bull Racing stands for performance and perfection, just like Stromer. We expect this partnership to increase the global brand awareness of Stromer and to enhance the focus on the topic of alternative mobility. We are also excited to launch an ST7 Alinghi Red Bull Racing Special Edition in 2023.” Tomi Viiala, co-CEO of myStromer AG

   “We are looking forward to our collaboration with Alinghi Red Bull Racing. Passion and perfection are just two values that we share. We wish Alinghi Red Bull Racing a perfect preparation phase and victory at the next America’s Cup. We are naturally also proud to be able to ensure the mobility of the team in Barcelona with our bikes.” Karl Ludwig Kley, co-CEO / CFO of  myStromer AG

   “These new boats, the AC75, are bringing cycling and sailing closer: the rules of the class allow having cyclists on board to provide the energy to operate the boat systems. The fact that we will be able to ride bikes as part of the preparation in Barcelona will also be a huge advantage for the whole team. We are truly lucky that we will be able to rely on Stromer in our quest for the next America’s Cup. We represent the colors of Swiss industry in the world and stand for the same values: precision, quality and performance. A huge thanks to them for it!” Arnaud Psarofaghis, Alinghi Red Bull Racing Sailing Team

   #HereToChangeMobility

   Stromer supports sustainable, environmentally friendly mobility solutions. Stromer Speed Pedelecs can be ridden up to 45 km/h with engine assistance and represent the best of Swiss engineering. The models capture the imagination through an exclusive combination of timeless design, smart connectivity, pure performance, and maximum range.

   Stromer ST7 Alinghi Red Bull Racing Team Edition

   Exclusively for its partnership with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, the Swiss company will manufacture a special series of its top model, the ST7, in the team’s colors. The new Stromer flagship combines cutting-edge technology and high-end components to create a Speed Pedelec truly in a class of its own. With a 1,440 Wh battery and a range of up to 260 km, the ST7 is the world’s first “Speed Pedelec” with new electronic Smart.Shift technology from Pinion, thus introducing vehicle driving dynamics to the e-bike. It combines reliable and virtually maintenance-free gear-shifting technology with the advantages of electronic shifting via a shift lever. Planning for additional Special and Limited Editions is currently underway.

4. Stromer and LEVA-EU launch Speed Pedelec White Paper

   12/09/2022 11:57 Comments Off on Stromer and LEVA-EU launch Speed Pedelec White Paper

   76% of all car trips and 50% of kilometers driven by cars can be replaced by micro-mobility[1], according to research carried out by DLR at the request of LEVA-EU. “As much as 37% of the trips could be done by speed-pedelecs (e-bikes up to 45 km/h),” Tomi Viiala, Co-CEO of myStromer, explains.

   ---

   This example – and many more – should convince governments of the huge potential of light electric mobility and encourage them to improve focus on it and use it more frequently. “That’s why, together with LEVA-EU, we’ve invested in a Speed Pedelec White Paper to use as a basis for discussion with local authorities, as well as with European authorities,” says Tomi Viiala. The White Paper provides extensive information about the use of S-pedelecs with numerous concrete cases and figures.

   Examples of countries leading the way in sustainable solutions for commuter traffic are Belgium and Switzerland. Speed-pedelecs, are well integrated in both countries as an example of modern, sustainable traffic. Many commuters are already experiencing the benefits: with an S-pedelec, you can be sure of punctual departure and arrival times, along with a healthy(er) way of moving. Even more than that, S-pedelecs are also cost-saving, energy-efficient and, last but not least, more environmentally friendly than driving a car. The rules for using S-pedelecs in Belgium and Switzerland are therefore clear and offer riders a good alternative to cars. The White Paper is also intended to raise awareness of this issue among traffic planners and to convince fleet managers to offer pedelecs and S-pedelecs to their employees.

   Together with LEVA-EU, myStromer, the market leader in the S-pedelec segment, wants to convince and motivate other European countries to review and clarify their traffic regulations for S-pedelecs. This implies changes in policy and regulations. And there is still work to be done.

   Annick Roetynck, LEVA-EU Manager, adds: “LEVA-EU has commissioned research from DLR into the potential for LEVs to significantly reduce GHG emissions from the transport sector and thus to contribute to climate protection. The research shows that 37% of all car trips could theoretically be replaced with speed pedelecs and 19% of all car kilometres could be substituted by speed pedelec kilometres. Each trip for which an LEV replaces a car would avoid on average 88% of the GHG emissions from the substituted cars. These numbers clearly show that electrification of cars alone is not the solution. We also need to considerably reduce the weight of the vehicles we use for our transportation. The speed pedelec is therefore a very valuable, sustainable solution. Legal bottlenecks are very seriously hampering the technological and market development of speed pedelecs. The White Paper should convince the European, national and local authorities to prioritise those issues.”

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   [1] Micromobility includes all electric vehicles subject to Regulation 168/2013 as well as all vehicles excluded from this Regulation. That variety of vehicles ranges from e-scooters to electric mini-cars.

5. Research: analysis of initial speed pedelec usage for commuting purposes in Flanders

   22/07/2022 15:44 Comments Off on Research: analysis of initial speed pedelec usage for commuting purposes in Flanders

   The 365SNEL project, subsidized by the Flemish Ministry for the Environment is aimed at evaluating the potential of speed pedelecs for commuting. Among the companies who provided material for this project are three LEVA-EU Members: Klever, Qwic and Stromer.

   In the framework of this project Bert Herteleer, Nikolaas Van den Steen, Lieselot Vanhaverbeke en Jan Cappelle have recently published a scientific paper: “Analysis of initial speed pedelec usage for commuting purposes in Flanders”. The abstract is below, the full paper is here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2022.100589

   Speed pedelecs, pedal-powered two-wheelers with motor assistance up to 45 km/h, are relatively new vehicles for active travel on European roads, with Flanders at the forefront of adoption. Policies by European and national entities have allowed speed pedelecs to be used, yet the policies have been based on assumptions and modelling about speeds reached, rather than measured data.

   This paper presents analysis of naturalistic speed pedelec behaviour by 98 individuals at 10 companies in Flanders, who logged commuting and leisure rides with smartphone GPS during three-week test periods as part of the 365SNEL project using fifteen speed pedelecs, ranging in motor power from 250 W to 800 W. The cruising speed, the speed at which the largest distance is covered, and the 95th percentile (P95) speed (as a realistic maximum speed) are proposed as Key Performance Indicators to better evaluate speed pedelec behaviour. Cruising speeds for men were consistently higher than women (mean values: men 38.2 km /h, women 33.5 km /h). For all participants, the mean commuting P95 speed of 40.1 km/h is 5 km/h below the expected 45 km/h, which points to potential over-regulation of speed pedelecs according to their expected maximum speed.

   Contrasting logged commuting cycling trips with leisure trips indicates that speed pedelecs can be characterised by their speed metrics, regardless of their travel purpose. Policymakers can therefore facilitate active travel with its commensurate physical and mental health benefits by investing in and designating routes for higher-speed (active) travel, and conversely reserve other routes for slower travel modes.

6. Stromer ST7 — The world’s first e-bike with Pinion Smart.Shift

   18/07/2022 13:23 Comments Off on Stromer ST7 — The world’s first e-bike with Pinion Smart.Shift

   Maximum range. Maximum power and maximum passion. The ST7 is the new mobility solution for long-distance commuters: With the 1,440 Wh battery, a range of up to 260 km and the electronic Pinion Smart.Shift system, LEVA-EU member Stromer’s latest flagship is setting new standards in the Speed Pedelec market. 

   

   The Stromer ST7 is the first Speed Pedelec in the world with the new Smart.Shift technology from Pinion.

   Pinion Smart.Shift brings automotive riding dynamics to the e-bike. It combines reliable and virtually maintenance-free gear shifting technology with the advantages of electronic shifting via a shift lever. Shifting at the press of a button – fast, ergonomic and intuitive. The system shifts while riding, at a standstill and under load! It also has other smart functions: The start gear can be selected individually and, thanks to the integrated shifting indicator in the e-bike display, the selected gear is shown while riding. Details about Smart.Shift: https://pinion.eu/smartshift

   Low-maintenance drive combination and extra thrust

   The ST7 is particularly durable and low-maintenance thanks to the 12-gear C1.12 Pinion Smart.Shift drive with robust Gates carbon belt. Stromer‘s new rear-wheel motor (940 W / 52 Nm) not only provides powerful, dynamic and quiet assistance up to 45 km/h, the Sport mode also serves up an extra portion of thrust.

   High-end components – for an incomparable riding experience, range and safety while commuting

   The ST7 combines cutting-edge technology and high-end components to create a premium quality Speed Pedelec in the unmistakable integrated Stromer design. ABS from Blubrake seamlessly integrated into the frame, large-volume Pirelli Angel ST Sport tires, powerful 4-piston brakes from TRP and a high-quality Supernova light system with daytime running light, high beam and brake light offer the greatest possible safety in daily commuter traffic.

   The new BQ1440 battery (48 V/1,440 Wh), Stromer’s most powerful to date, allows long-distance commuters to achieve a range of up to 260 km. The battery can be easily inserted and removed in an instant and, like all Stromer models, can be charged directly or in the bike. The integrated charge level indicator is new on this battery model.

   As an option for added comfort, for example on rougher roads, the ST7 is also available with the upside-down suspension fork from Wren developed specifically for Stromer and/or with a suspension seatpost from Kinekt. With the free OMNI app, the ST7 also has full connectivity via cellular technology with over-the-air updates and smart extras like GPS localization, triple anti-theft protection, service reminder, crash alert, individual motor settings, statistics and more.

   

   Philip Henry, Product Manager at Stromer,  about the product: “My team and I are proud of the end result of this project: The ST7 doesn’t only once again redefine the limits of what’s possible in the S-Pedelec sector, with this bike we are also offering commuters with a daily commute of over 30 km efficient and environmentally friendly mobility. I truly believe that we will inspire many long-distance commuters with this and convince them to make the switch. In the end they benefit not only from the extraordinary performance and range, they are also getting a bike with state-of-the-art technology in integrated design.”

   “We are shifting gears into the future! The Stromer ST7 with electronic Pinion Smart.Shift technology heightens the shifting performance to the next level. In close cooperation with Stromer, we have successfully achieved complete system integration including the power supply from the e-bike battery, the display of all settings as well as the gear indicator on the e-bike display via CAN bus,” states Thomas Raith, managing director of Pinion GmbH.

   Availability and price

   The new power pack is available with a sports frame in three sizes (M, L and XL) from fall 2022 in the Launch Edition color Solid Gold as well as from January 2023 in Dark Platinum.

   EUR 12,140 Solid Gold / 12,490 Dark Platinum

   CHF 13,142 Solid Gold / 13,490 Dark Platinum

   

7. Belgian Speed-Pedelec market recovers

   23/05/2022 13:03 Comments Off on Belgian Speed-Pedelec market recovers

   After a faltering 2021, with 3.3% less registrations than in 2020, the Belgian speed pedelec market seems to be recovering this year.

   From January to April, a total of 4,225 vehicles were registered, that is 11.7% more than last year. However, recovery only started in March and strengthened in April. In January and February, registrations still went into the red, with – 10.8% and -2.5%. Registrations in March 2022 were 7.5% higher than the year before and April even 15% higher.

   The electric mopeds up to 25 km/h were also successful with an increase of 4.2% to 297 registrations from January til April. Their 45 km/h counterparts however did a lot worse than in 202, i.e. 807 registrations, which is almost 30% less than in 2021.

   Further good news for speed pedelecs in Belgium: it is now finally possible to register a new speed pedelec on the website of the Belgian Office for Vehicle Registation. So far, there was a technical issue due to the fact that speed pedelecs in Belgium are not subject to a motor vehicle insurance>

   Important to note is that it must be explicitly indicated in WebDIV that the registration involves a speed pedelec. This is done by indicating the following two items in the WebDIV application:

   • Speed pedelec: YES
   • Pedal assistance only

   Only when these two elements are selected in WebDIV, the vehicle will be correctly registered as a speed pedelec.

8. Research: Analysis of initial speed pedelec usage for commuting purposes in Flanders

   25/04/2022 17:04 Comments Off on Research: Analysis of initial speed pedelec usage for commuting purposes in Flanders

   Source: Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives

   New research by Herteleer et al. provides insight into commuter patterns in Flanders, Belgium

   The full research paper may be accessed here. The abstract below provides a synopsis of the researchers’ findings:

   “Speed pedelecs, pedal-powered two-wheelers with motor assistance up to 45 km/h, are relatively new vehicles for active travel on European roads, with Flanders at the forefront of adoption. Policies by European and national entities have allowed speed pedelecs to be used, yet the policies have been based on assumptions and modelling about speeds reached, rather than measured data. This paper presents an analysis of naturalistic speed pedelec behaviour by 98 individuals at 10 companies in Flanders, who logged commuting and leisure rides with smartphone GPS during three-week test periods as part of the 365SNEL project using fifteen-speed pedelecs, ranging in motor power from 250 W to 800 W. The cruising speed, the speed at which the largest distance is covered, and the 95th percentile (P95) speed (as a realistic maximum speed) are proposed as Key Performance Indicators to better evaluate speed pedelec behaviour. Cruising speeds for men were consistently higher than for women (mean values: men 38.2 km /h, women 33.5 km /h). For all participants, the mean commuting P95 speed of 40.1 km/h is 5 km/h below the expected 45 km/h, which points to potential over-regulation of speed pedelecs according to their expected maximum speed. Contrasting logged commuting cycling trips with leisure trips indicates that speed pedelecs can be characterised by their speed metrics, regardless of their travel purpose. Policymakers can therefore facilitate active travel with its commensurate physical and mental health benefits by investing in and designating routes for higher-speed (active) travel, and conversely reserve other routes for slower travel modes.“

   

9. Klever launches two new speed pedelec models

   12/04/2022 16:32 Comments Off on Klever launches two new speed pedelec models

   LEVA-EU member Klever Mobility launches two new top models utilizing ten years of design experience.

   N Rogue 45 – Discover more here

   Klever injects everything it’s learned over the past ten years into the N. It’s rideable, strong, practical, comfortable, and can carry heavy payloads. Plus, the N Rogue 45 is made mostly with an ever-increasing amount of in-house Klever components.

   The N Rogue 45 stands out for its value in the Klever Mobility range, being the first-speed pedelec retailing under €5,000. The brand new model features a fresh Klever frame design and is equipped with a 1200Wh battery and 600W rear wheel motor. This model is capable of carrying a payloads up to 150 kg, and the XL model is designed for riders up to 205 cm.

   As more and more Klever Mobility parts are made in-house, the brand gains the ability to control all aspects of the bike, ensuring all parts work more efficiently and reliably together. It also allows designers to innovate regardless of industry shortfalls.

   

   Y Muse 45 – Discover more here

   The new Y Muse 45 is the speed pedelec variant of the previous Y Muse 25 e-bike. The Y Muse 45 gives the rider unexpected high power, a fashionable design, and practical comfort. The model includes relevant safety features, a 600w rear wheel motor and is standard equipped with an 850Wh battery at a €5.299 price point. “If you are looking for everyday excitement, to outsmart the city traffic, or just to enjoy the controlled speed, the Y Muse 45 is your perfect fit.“