Tag Archive: Sustainability

  1. Belgian Cycling Factory expands sustainability initiatives

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    Source: Belgian Cycling Factory

    The LEVA-EU member has strengthened its sustainability strategy through a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, improving working conditions, and promoting responsible manufacturing.

    While cycling itself is already recognised as one of the most sustainable modes of transport, the Belgian bike brand emphasises that its responsibility extends far beyond the product by continuing to invest in renewable energy, cleaner production technologies, waste reduction, and sustainable mobility for employees.

    Renewable energy investment and sustainable transportation

    The company’s most visible sustainability investments can be found at its headquarters in Beringen, where 1,584 solar panels have been installed on the roofs of its production facilities. The installation delivers a total AC capacity of 376,200 watts (approximately 376 kW), generating enough renewable electricity annually to supply between 110 and 130 average European households.

    Belgian Cycling Factory has stated the solar installation prevents an estimated 180 to 200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year compared with conventional grid electricity. By producing a significant share of its own renewable energy, the company reduces reliance on fossil fuels and structurally lowers its operational carbon footprint.

    The company’s sustainability programme also includes an employee cycling allowance scheme and is gradually electrifying its vehicle fleet, supported by on-site charging infrastructure.

    Water-based paint technology in production

    Another major sustainability initiative is the conversion of the company’s in-house paint shop to water-based paint systems. These coatings contain approximately 90% fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than traditional solvent-based paints, significantly improving indoor air quality while reducing environmental impact.

    Plant Manager Jan Van Daal explains:

    “Water-based paint allows us to apply a thinner yet higher-quality coating layer, which reduces overall material consumption. While the unit cost is higher, we need less product per frame. In addition, we no longer require thinners, as the paint can be diluted with water. This results in a substantially lower environmental footprint.”

    The company says this investment enables continuous improvement in both workplace safety and environmental performance, without compromising product quality.

    Reusing protective frame packaging

    Sustainability efforts also extend to daily operational practices. In the assembly department, protective packaging materials used during production are actively reused. The protective bags are repurposed as bike protection sleeves and handlebar covers, helping to reduce waste and maximise material usage.

    The programme enables the reuse of approximately three tonnes of protective plastic material each year.

    Product longevity and responsible manufacturing

    Belgian Cycling Factory also highlights product longevity as a central pillar of its sustainability strategy. The company offers a lifetime warranty on frames, encouraging long-term use, repair, and responsible ownership.

    Recognising that carbon fibre production involves complex global supply chains and transport-related emissions, the company views extended product lifespan as one of the most effective methods of reducing the overall environmental footprint of a bicycle.

    A long-term commitment

    Belgian Cycling Factory describes sustainability as a continuous daily process as it remains committed to advancing environmental performance while continuing to deliver high-quality, innovative products to cyclists worldwide.

  2. Swappable e-bike batteries bring cleaner power to street vendors

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    Source: Electrek Image credit: Electrek

    Start-up PopWheels has developed a network of fire-safe battery swap cabinets throughout Manhattan to improve safe charging practises for delivery workers across New York City. Now the company is looking to extend its sustainability efforts by piloting a system that powers food carts using interchangeable e-bike batteries, to eliminate the need for small petrol-powered generators.

    New York City’s food carts have long been a defining feature of its streets, though they have traditionally relied on noisy, smoke-producing petrol-powered generators to supply electricity.

    PopWheels offers a quieter, emissions-free alternative for street vendors, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment. Its system powers food carts with the same swappable lithium-ion batteries that serve the city’s e-bike delivery network.

    Completion of battery-powered demonstration

    The company recently completed its first full-scale demonstration at La Chona Mexican, a food cart operating at a busy Manhattan junction. Vendors nearby commented on noticeable differences including the absence of generator noise, exhaust fumes, and vibration.

    Origins in e-bike battery safety

    PopWheels was originally founded in response to the serious safety issue of unsafe charging practices among delivery riders that contributed to a rise in e-bike battery fires across New York City.

    To address the problem, PopWheels developed a network of fire-safe battery swap cabinets throughout Manhattan, with stations allowing delivery workers to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones in a matter of seconds.

    The company has since expanded to dozens of swap locations, primarily serving gig workers riding Arrow and Whizz e-bikes. Riders pay a monthly subscription fee that provides unlimited battery swaps, reducing reliance on informal charging setups at convenience stores or other unsafe locations.

    Food carts as the next step

    As its network grew, PopWheels recognised a broader opportunity: using its same safe charging and battery distribution infrastructure beyond micromobility.

    Food carts became a logical next application. Although most cooking equipment relies on propane, vendors still need electricity for lighting, refrigeration, fans, and point-of-sale systems. Traditionally, that power has come from small petrol generators that can cost around $10 per day in fuel, and which produce significant noise and air pollution.

    How the battery swap system works

    PopWheels estimates that four of its batteries (totaling roughly 5 kilowatt-hours) can meet the lower end of a cart’s daily electrical needs. For higher-demand operations, a midday battery swap could provide additional power. While costs are comparable to petrol, the battery swap system offers major benefits in reduced emissions and improved street conditions.

    Unlike traditional battery-powered generators, which must be recharged once depleted, PopWheels’ swapping approach treats energy as a refillable commodity. Instead of waiting hours to recharge, vendors can simply exchange batteries in minutes, with the convenient timing being similar to refueling with petrol.

    Vendor response and citywide potential

    Following an early prototype test at a climate-focused event, PopWheels partnered with the Street Vendor Project to bring the concept into real-world operation. The Manhattan demonstration marked the first time a cart successfully ran for an entire day using swappable e-bike batteries.

    Interest from other vendors was immediate. With the generator noise gone, nearby cart operators reportedly approached the team to learn how the technology worked and whether it could be adopted more widely.

    City officials have been seeking strategies to reduce emissions from food carts without placing additional financial strain on vendors. A battery-based system supported by existing infrastructure could represent a rare solution that is cost-neutral, cleaner, and easier to implement.

    A flexible energy network solution for crowded cities

    This project signals a promising solution, extending an e-bike safety initiative into a flexible energy network for densely populated urban areas. By powering not only bikes but also street carts and other small-scale commercial operations, it offers a glimpse into how cities could adopt more sustainable energy practices in the future

  3. How Segway is trying to reduce environmental impact

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    Source: Zag Daily

    The LEVA-EU member’s sustainability credentials include increasingly using greener and recyclable materials in its production, and its shared e-scooters receiving Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Verification Statements from leading international testing certification organisation TÜV SÜD.

    The LCA is an analysis that assesses a product’s impact on the environment, based on its raw material, manufacturing and distribution stages. Segway has long been committed to understanding and refining its products before these LCA assessments. But the LCA expands further on Segway’s environmental impact from raw material extraction, a stage which was believed to be the largest contributor to its Product Carbon Footprint.

    Sharing e-scooter D110 receives LCA Verification Statement

    It has been confirmed that the latest Segway model to receive an LCA accreditation is one of Segway’s newest shared e-scooter models, the D110, which has achieved the ISO 14040 and 14044 international standards for life cycle assessment.

    Yao Yao, Strategic Product Manager of Segway-Ninebot’s Commercial Mobility Business Division said the following about this achievement:

    “The Apex D110 shared e-scooter highlights our commitment to combining technological innovation with environmental consideration, providing solutions that address both operational needs and the Sustainable Development Goals,”

    The D110’s success follows that of Segway’s Max Plus X and Max S90L models, which were the first shared e-scooters in the world to receive LCA Verification Statements in 2023.

    The Global Warming impact category

    The raw material, manufacturing and distribution stages for an LCA Verification Statement are measured by 18 focused impact categories, including Global Warming, Stratospheric Ozone Depletion, Mineral Resource Scarcity, and Human Carcinogenic Toxicity.

    One of the most influential data points of the LCA is the Global Warming Impact category.

    For this category the D110’s total carbon emissions was analysed to be 368 kg CO2-eq, with 97.72% being accounted for by the raw material stage, 1.42% for manufacturing, and 2.38% for distribution.

    The Segway’s S90L e-scooter’s raw material stage accounted for 97.72% of its total carbon emissions. This testifies that Segway managed to reduce the contribution of this stage with its newest D110 model, which has fewer emissions from its raw materials. Segway has achieved this reduction through its in-house design by using increasing quantities of recycled metals and plastics, such as Polycarbonate & Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC-ABS) and Polypropylene.

    Segway’s commitment to reducing its raw material emissions further

    The manufacturer is now aiming to directly target the use of raw materials that bring significant carbon emissions from their extraction.

    While it’s doing this, it will also focus on using more sustainable raw materials across its entire product range with the incorporation of more recycled metals and plastics. It is already making great strides on this, with one of its products having over half of its plastic weight being made from recycled plastics, and 41% of its total metal weight comprising of recycled metal.

    Segway has stated that, by incorporating recycled materials into its shared e-scooter models, it has showcased its ability to maintain high-quality performance while aiming to achieve an environmentally-conscious lifecycle.

    It is also prioritising greener energy usage in many parts of its raw material stage, for example, relying on electricity sourced from renewable resources.

    Increasing sustainability further

    Looking ahead, Segway is aiming to continue increasing its use of recycled materials in more electric scooter and bike models to decrease its reliance on virgin resources and reduce its environmental footprint. It will also examine how it can further reduce emissions over its supply chain to minimise environmental impact from its manufacturing and distribution stages, as well as actively encourage its suppliers to do the same.

    As it reinforces its environmental management policies, Segway aims to lead by example by advancing its production methods and advocating for similar proactive climate action with its clientele and the whole industry.

  4. LAKA shines with startup honour and green initiatives

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    Source: LAKA LinkedIn

    Cycle insurance provider and LEVA EU member LAKA reported a very successful April, with its listing in the 6th edition of the top 50 European Startups in clean mobility, and the spotlight shone on the meaningful impacts of its sustainability work.

    Firstly, LAKA was named as one of the top 50 European Startups in clean mobility by the EUSP (The European Startup Prize for Mobility), an EU acceleration and investment programme for sustainable mobility startup organisations. The top 50 list identifies the most promising startups in aiding the transition to smarter, cleaner and more inclusive transportation.

    The insurance brand was selected from hundreds of applications in an extensive evaluation process conducted by independent experts across Europe who represent mobility, innovation, investment, policy and sustainability fields.

    LAKA’s reusing and recycling initiative

    The brand also celebrated World Earth Day in outlining its sustainable actions on supporting a circular economy by helping bicycle materials to be re-used and kept out of landfill waste as much as possible. It does this by working with specialist partners to look at salvaging damaged bicycles by salvaging parts that still could be used and recycling the remainder.

    LAKA joins forces with Ride Bristol

    LAKA is proud to help Ride Bristol in its mission of building, maintaining and protection local trails in the UK city. Its recent donation has helped the company maintain its trails and train new ride leaders so it can host more cycling group rides and community events.

    April 2025 marked a great month for LAKA, as its industry recognition and green initiatives emphasised its commitment to driving cleaner and sustainable community-focused mobility solutions across Europe.

  5. MAHLE celebrates sustainability milestone with top CDP climate assessment rating

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    Source: Pedelec-Elektro-Fahrrad.de

    LEVA EU member MAHLE has achieved the highest rating from the globally recognized Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for its climate protection efforts. For the first time, the company has received an “A” grade in the climate protection category, securing a “Leadership” rating, highlighting its strong commitment to sustainability.

    The CDP, an independent organisation, evaluates companies worldwide based on their transparency and climate action initiatives. It states that MAHLE has demonstrated significant progress in reducing CO2 emissions, achieving a 47% reduction in emissions from its energy consumption since 2019. Additionally, it has reduced its emissions along the supply chain and during product use (Scope 3) by 17%.

    Georg Dietz, a member of the MAHLE Group Management Board, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “This outstanding rating is strong evidence of the successful implementation of our sustainability strategy and an important signal to our customers, business partners, investors and employees.”

    Innovative technologies drive sustainability

    MAHLE’s environmental success is driven by a range of strategic initiatives, including technological advancements, process optimizations aimed at energy efficiency, and an increased reliance on renewable energy sources.

    Kathrin Apel, Head of Sustainability, Health, Occupational Safety, and Environmental Management at MAHLE, highlighted key measures that have contributed to the company’s sustainability progress. “Our progress in climate protection was made possible by replacing fossil fuels with electricity and by increasing the use of recycled and bio-based materials. We are also working intensively with our suppliers to further reduce emissions,” Apel stated.

    Expanding sustainability to electric mobility

    As well as being a key player in the automotive industry, MAHLE has made strides in sustainable mobility solutions, particularly in the e-bike industry. Its electric bicycle drive systems set new benchmarks for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly transportation solutions, aligning with MAHLE’s broader strategy to support the decarbonization of the automotive industry while exploring additional sustainable transportation options.

    Ambitious goals for climate neutrality

    MAHLE has set an ambitious target of achieving climate neutrality by 2040. By 2030, the company aims to further reduce emissions along the supply chain and during product use by an additional 28%. Transparency in sustainability reporting remains a key priority, with MAHLE subjecting its energy and emissions data to external audits since 2021.

    With its continued commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation, MAHLE remains a powerful force in driving sustainable mobility solutions worldwide.

  6. Mobility options such as e-bikes are popular among German employees

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    Source: SAZ Bike

    Future Mobility Lab of the University of St. Gallen, Germany, investigates workplace mobility transitions in 2024/2025 research project.

    The Future Mobility Lab, part of the University of St. Gallen’s Institute for Mobility, is conducting a research project in 2024/2025 to explore how workplace mobility behaviour can be successfully transformed. A preliminary report from the study has now been published.

    Corporate bike fleets on the rise

    Corporate bikes are becoming increasingly popular. A representative sample of socially insured employees in Germany was surveyed to assess how likely employers are to offer various mobility options. Scenarios included e-car leasing, company bike leasing, the Germany Ticket, car-sharing, micro-mobility sharing, and mobility budgets. Notably, 95% of employees surveyed in Germany stated their employer offers the option to work remotely.

    The study revealed that 76% of employees occasionally or frequently combine their commute with other errands. This highlights the rising relevance of e-cargo bikes. Flexibility and time efficiency emerged as the top factors influencing employees’ choice of transportation for commuting. Additionally, over 55% of respondents emphasised the importance of sustainability in mobility options.

    E-bike ranks second among preferred benefits

    “The majority of results speak in favour of company bikes as a commuting vehicle. As a partner of the Future Mobility Lab, it is extremely important for us to use scientific findings, like those in the current study, to further develop our mobility strategy and provide tailored solutions to our customers. Particularly in urban areas, where about 43% of the surveyed companies are based, the potential of high-quality company bikes remains largely untapped,” said Fabian Kral, CSO of Company Bike. Since 2012, Company Bike has been helping businesses transition to flexible mobility solutions through corporate bikes.

    Interestingly, when asked about their preferred workplace benefits, employees ranked e-bikes second only to additional paid vacation days.

    High demand for company bike leasing

    From the employers’ perspective, 618 organisations in the Future Mobility Lab’s network participated in the study through a convenience sampling approach. Respondents included fleet, mobility, and HR managers who shared insights into their mobility strategies.

    The study found that 59% of employers have made changes to their mobility offerings in the past three years. Key updates included introducing company bike leasing (77%), electrifying vehicle fleets (72%), expanding remote work options (62%), and offering the Germany Ticket (52%).

    The full pre-report, which includes data from Germany and Switzerland, is now available. The comprehensive findings of the study, Reimagining Workplace Mobility, will be published in Spring 2025, following an in-depth analysis of employer practices over several months.

  7. Lacros receives sustainability award nomination

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    The folding e-bike brand has been nominated in the Most Sustainable Innovation Concept category by Dutch camping awards organisation Duurzaamheidscongres Kampeerbranche.

    Lacros is thrilled that its commitment to sustainability and innovation has been recognised in many ways, firstly due to its offering of electric folding bikes as a form of sustainable and practical transportation that can be used for camping trips.

    Secondly, the close monitoring of the use and choice of its materials for manufacturing its bicycles in Europe. Its production uses lead-free varnish, tires made from recycled rubber and it also requires that all of its suppliers must demonstrate that they handle their production sustainably. In regards to waste, Lacros adopts a zero-waste principle, guaranteeing all of its waste materials are separated and recycled.

    Finally, the Dutch manufacturer has a fully neutral energy building that uses solar energy for optimum energy efficiency and is built with certified materials that improve forest sustainability.

    Votes for Lacros can be submitted here.

  8. Segway looks set to improve its sustainability further after LCA success

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    Zag Daily looks at how Segway is minimising its environmental impact with the incorporation of recycled plastic and metal into the production of its e-scooters.

    Segway was already aiming to increase its dependence on recycled materials when leading international testing organisation TÜV SÜD studied its environmental impact, and awarded Segway with its first ever Life Cycle Assesement (LCA) award.

    The LCA has facilitated the brand to improve its understanding on carbon emissions and its causes, and build on its recycled materials commitment by working with TÜV SÜD to identify and enforce improvements across its product life cycles (in terms of resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact) to meet its sustainability goals.

    Sustainability evaluation with TÜV SÜD

    Segway’s electric scooter models S90L and Max Plus X were evaluated by TÜV SÜD, and measured by 18 environmental impact categories such as global warming impact, ozone depletion and fossil resource scarcity.

    TÜV SÜD’s findings identified Segway’s raw material stage as a key area for improvement, highlighting its aluminium alloy structural components.

    Since gaining valuable insight into the findings, Segway has responded by highlighting its ongoing commitment to reducing emissions and placing sustainability at the forefront of its quest to identify greener and lower carbon substitutes for its raw materials and components, particularly for plastic and metal components. Recent vehicles developed by the company have used approximately 41% recycled metal in their total metal weight.

    As part of its efforts to further improve its carbon footprint, Segway is also committed to achieving the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

    Read more about Segway’s sustainability work.

  9. Nominations are open for the 2025 Sustainable Transport Award

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    Source: ITDP

    ITDP and the Sustainable Transport Award Committee are inviting you to nominate your city for the 2025 STA, which will also mark the 20th anniversary of the programme. Nominations are open until April 5, 2024.

    Is your city or region making noteworthy advancements in transportation, street design, or policy changes aimed at enhancing mobility and the overall well-being of its residents? The Sustainable Transport Award (STA) offers a distinctive global acknowledgement, evaluated by a panel of international experts in sustainable transport and development, to highlight the often overlooked progress happening at the grassroots level.

    ITDP and the STA Committee invite you to nominate your city for the 2025 Award. Nominations will be accepted until April 5, 2024, and applications can be accessed at staward.org. Anyone with knowledge of city initiatives and project details can submit a nomination. If your city is shortlisted for the second round, further information will be requested.

    Since 2005, the Sustainable Transport Award has honoured bold leadership and vision in sustainable transportation and urban liveability. These initiatives aim to improve mobility for all residents, curtail transportation-related greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions, and improve safety and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians. Nominations are encouraged from all interested parties, including government bodies, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. Nominations must include verifiable project data and city contact information.

    Cities of varying sizes around the globe have been recognized by the committee for their exemplary practices in sustainable transport. A comprehensive list of previous winning cities, along with details of their achievements, is available here. Past winners include:

    • Jakarta, Indonesia
    • Fortaleza, Brazil
    • Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
    • Santiago, Chile
    • Yichang, China
    • Mexico City, México
    • San Francisco, United States
    • Ahmedabad, India
    • Bogotá, Colombia
    • Paris, France

    The 2024 Sustainable Transport Award was presented to Tianjin, China, for its initiatives to promote sustainable mobility through the expansion of non-motorized transport (NMT) infrastructure, emphasizing cycling, walking, and public spaces. Tianjin was accompanied by one STA honourable mention — the City of Peshawar, Pakistan — acknowledged for its endeavours to transition its bus fleet to cleaner, more efficient vehicles.

    To further showcase and delve into the success stories of these winning cities, ITDP and the STA Team will host the Sustainable Transport Award Series 2024, a webinar series throughout the year exploring the elements and policies that led to these cities’ recognition by the STA.