Tag Archive: SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

  1. The evolution of shared e-scooter systems in Europe – a case study

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    Source: Urban Mobility Observatory

    The EU Urban Mobility Observatory has published a case study exploring four European capital cities’ approaches to managing shared e-scooters, and balancing the benefits of flexible, green urban mobility options with the challenges of safety, parking and public space management.

    In light of the rapid expansion of shared e-scooter schemes in European cities over the last five years, the study compares the experiences of Paris, Berlin, Stockholm and Brussels in introducing and managing such schemes, and highlights five key themes which are common to all four cities studied:

    • A need for clear national regulation
    • Consistent enforcement
    • Proper management of parking solutions
    • Optimised integration with public transport
    • Equity and safety are priorities

    The study authors highlight that the four cities represent a broad spectrum of governance approaches, from highly restrictive to more open, and provide a demonstration of how different regulatory choices can shape how shared e-scooter systems are integrated into a city’s urban mobility landscape.

    Paris – a restrictive approach

    The French capital experienced several years of rising cases of accidents, street clutter due to poor parking, and frustration among its citizens towards the shared e-scooter schemes that had been introduced. A referendum in 2023 led to a total ban on shared e-scooters in the city. Following the ban, demand for shared bicycles has increased, indicating a continued need for the flexibility of micromobility options. The city is now focusing on the management of remaining micromobility services with designated parking zones and stronger enforcement, backed up by public space occupation agreements.

    Private e-scooter ownership in France remains among Europe’s highest, indicating their popularity as personal mobility devices. Private e-scooters’ prevalence in French cities reinforce the need for effective management of public space and enforcement tools which go beyond regulations for shared mobility scheme operators.

    Berlin – structured integration

    Berlin is attempting to implement a structured integration of shared e-scooters, though is somewhat hampered by the lack of a strong national regulatory framework which limits its enforcement powers.

    The city is developing a sharing strategy designed for longevity, with the creation of a network of dedicated parking stations, and measures which include geofencing, requirements for precise tracking technology, and operator cooperation. Data-sharing agreements with operators, and integration with the city’s mobility platform Jelbi, have helped support multimodal journeys.

    Stockholm – structured integration

    Sweden’s capital has created a comprehensive operational framework for shared e-scooters, clearly outlining operators’ responsibilities and providing greater predictability for the city’s authorities. The framework consists of:

    • A bi-annual permit system
    • A citywide fleet cap of 12,000 e-scooters
    • Clearly defined parking rules, plus a relocation fee mechanism in the case of incorrectly parked scooters

    The study states that these measures have improved the oversight of shared e-scooters and supported their integration into the city’s active mobility strategy, though there remains a persistent problem with parking violations. It is also noted that, as with the case of Berlin, the lack of national regulation poses some constraints on the city’s ability to handle the shared e-scooter offering effectively.

    Brussels – a region-wide and data-driven approach

    Under Brussels’ Good Move mobility plan, the regional authorities have established a strong micromobility framework which is effective across multiple municipalities. Measures include mandatory parking zones, a unified data framework, and coordinated rules; these aim to enhance public space management, and guide the behaviour of shared scheme operators.

    The framework is reliant on data provided by shared scheme operators, which constitutes a significant limitation.

    Summary of challenges, benefits and transferability

    Key challenges include:

    • Parking compliance and enforcement
    • A lack of clear or comprehensive national regulatory frameworks

    Benefits include:

    • A large share of trips provide a commuting solution
    • Connections and integration with public transport networks and systems enable smooth multimodal travel
    • A major contributor to the drive towards decarbonised travel, first- and last-mile access and sustainable urban mobility

    The diverse range of experiences of these cities can provide practical lessons and governance models for other cities considering introducing shared e-scooter services, or refining systems already in place.

  2. QWIC kicks off 2026 with new CEO and product line

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    Source: Nieuwsfiets

    LEVA-EU Member QWIC has announced Steven Uitentuis as its new CEO and announced their appearance at Velofollies 2026, where they will present brand-new models, segments and range-wide updates.

    The e-bike designer and manufacturer has already kicked off the new year, announcing that Steven Uitentuis has joined the company as QWIC’s new CEO. Steven brings extensive experience in the mobility and technology sectors, combined with a strong entrepreneurial background. In a LinkedIn post welcoming the new CEO, QWIC wrote:

    “As we continue to strengthen our organisation and enhance our service and dealer support, Steven will play a key role in driving our strategy forward. His return to the cycling industry comes at a pivotal moment, as QWIC gets ready to launch new models and introduce Bosch technology into the line-up. We are confident that under his leadership, QWIC will continue to innovate and deliver e-bikes that combine personal style, riding pleasure, and smart technology – staying true to our belief that everyone should be able to ride their style.”

    The company also announced their appearance at Velofollies 2026 in Belgium this January, where they will formally launch new e-bike models, introduce a new segment, and announce several updates across their existing range.

  3. Microlino founders speak at EU Business School

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    Source: Microlino, EU Business School

    The co-founders of LEVA-EU member Microlino, Wim and Merlin Ouboter, recently spoke to students at the EU Business School in a Learning From Leaders event, in a session that allowed the attendees to learn directly about the innovative shaping of the world of sustainable mobility.

    The father-and-son duo shared what it means to build a family-led company that is challenging the preconceptions and habits of an entire industry. They spoke of Microlino’s journey from initial sketches, to the compact electric light electric vehicle becoming a familiar sight on the streets of Europe. The journey involved “bold ideas, sleepless nights, resilience, and the belief that sustainable mobility should be accessible, compact, and fun.”

    In a LinkedIn post, Microlino thanked EU Business School for inviting Wim and Merlin to the stage, and speaking of the student attendees, it said, “We’re excited to see where these young minds drive mobility next.”

  4. How MAHLE is transforming Palencia with sustainable mobility

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    Source: MAHLE SmartBike Systems

    LEVA-EU member MAHLE SmartBike Systems’ Director of Strategy and Business Development, Marco A. de la Serna, was interviewed by Spanish media Diario Palentino about how the company is improving the city of Palencia with various initiatives.

    MAHLE SmartBike Systems’ operation and R&D centre is situated in the Spanish city, where it develops lightweight and efficient micromobility solutions to scale globally. From this work, the centre creates processes to reduce environmental impact, encourage regular bicycle use, as well as generate a skilled workforce for the region.

    On a wider business and educational scale, the brand has spoken of strengthening of its partnerships with local universities (Salamanca and Valladolid) and institutes, enabling local talent to be employed by its team. Furthermore, it is working on establishing the Cycling Roundtable for Castilla y León, a project which aims to bring administrations, businesses and cycling groups to progress regulations, standardisation and awareness initiatives in the Spanish region.

    With these developments, MAHLE states its intention of making Palencia a benchmark for sustainable urban mobility with local employment and investment opportunities, by inviting administrations, citizens and companies to collaborate with them.

    The Diario Palentino interview marks another highlight of a successful year for MAHLE Smart Bike Systems, with key achievements including:

  5. Mobility insights from the Smart City Expo World Congress

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    Source: Zag Daily

    The Zag Daily team attended the recent Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, reporting on developments, innovations and discussions on a variety of urban mobility-related topics.

    The scheduled sessions during the World Congress included a diverse range of discussions on mobility topics including electric and shared mobility, last-mile delivery logistics and the encouragement of behavioural change.

    Nudging people towards sustainable mobility

    One session explored how cities can make use of behavioural insights to promote shifts in everyday travel choices. In a keynote speech opening the session, Michael Semmer of Urban Places Lab described a typical commuter’s experience, which reveals the psychology behind the struggle to avoid the default position of choosing the car: “You’re already running late, the bus is four minutes behind, your e-bike battery was dead last time so you grab the car keys.” He continued, “the real challenge isn’t building more options. It’s helping people choose differently.”

    In the following panel discussion, Ola Rynge, Chief Technology Officer of behavioural tech firm Nudgd, outlined how lasting modal shift can be achieved by combining physical infrastructure with soft interventions or prompts, also known as nudges. “You can build the bike lanes and mobility hubs but that doesn’t mean people will use them. Nudging makes it easier to choose what’s good for you and society.”

    Rynge emphasised that more context-appropriate nudges are more successful than a blanket approach: “When messages are adapted to specific workplaces, schools or neighbourhoods, behaviour change can jump from 10% to 40%.”

    Another panelist, Lukas Neckermann of Urban Places Lab and Neckermann Strategic Advisors, referred to strategies that combine nudging with key infrastructural policies such as removal of parking spaces – making driving less attractive, while creating more space for shared mobility stations. “The key is to build for where you want to go, not where you are.”

    The tipping point for a community’s modal shift was identified at the quarter mark by Neckermann. “When 25% of your neighbours start cycling, suddenly it feels normal. Social tipping points are incredibly powerful.”

    Semmer outlined how a mobility hub co-created by Urban Places Lab and EIT Urban Mobility in Basel was a collaborative effort with local residents. The hub, which houses shared bikes, e-scooters and cars, has seen good vehicle utilisation rates. He also emphasised that lasting transformation requires a flexible approach. “Mobility change is never finished. You have to measure, measure, measure and then adapt.”

    Mobility resilience

    Another session explored how cities can keep populations moving when crises hit. The speaker panel included Karen Vancluysen, Secretary General of the POLIS network, who highlighted how extra transport capacity, rather than being an inefficiency, is the main foundation of mobility resilience. “A resilient urban transport system should function during normal times but also in crisis – in an integrated, flexible and sustainable way.” She outlined how Europe’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) are a strategic way to prepare for unexpected scenarios. “The pandemic was a wake-up call. Cities that had multi-modal options recovered faster.”

    This has been demonstrated recently in cities such as London and Brussels, where transit disruption as a result of strike action has been mitigated by populations taking to shared bike and e-scooters, seeing ridership hit record highs.

    Collaboration and scaling up

    One session looked into which mobility innovations look to endure into the next decade, with the contributing speakers in agreement that transport’s future will not depend on a single breakthrough technology, but instead on the way cities interlink innovation, people and policies.

    Othman AlDahash, the CEO of iot squared, recommended a partnership approach, where cities, citizens and industry players work in collaboration to design and test mobility solutions. This was echoed by EIT Urban Mobility CEO Marc Rozendal, who outlined how the organisation supports cities in prototyping and scaling mobility initiatives via six-month pilot programmes in collaboration with start-ups. “Cities that are innovation-ready but lack resources can still experiment, learn and scale solutions. If we want startups to succeed, we must also innovate in public procurement.”

  6. LEVA-EU Statement on the Future of Eurobike

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    LEVA-EU does not wish to comment on the individual decisions of ZIV, Zukunft Fahrrad, Bosch, or other companies that have chosen not to participate in Eurobike. What matters is the broader question of how the light mobility sector chooses to engage with a rapidly evolving landscape.

    Eurobike remains the only truly international trade show in Europe that brings together companies and visitors from around the world. There is continued value in maintaining such a platform, and Eurobike has fulfilled this role effectively for many years. While improvement is always possible, there is no reason to dismiss the platform outright. Its relevance can and should be strengthened by ensuring it fully reflects the wider world of light mobility, including emerging developments, challenges, and opportunities.

    At the same time, concerns within the sector should not be ignored. The steadily rising cost of participation has become a barrier for many companies, particularly smaller and innovative ones that are essential to the future of light mobility. The relocation from the more intimate and compact setting in Friedrichshafen to the much larger and more impersonal Messe Frankfurt has likewise had clear consequences. Because the distances between halls and meeting locations are much greater, exhibitors and visitors now spend significantly more time walking from one appointment to the next. This reduces the total number of meetings they can realistically conduct and limits the spontaneous interactions that once characterised Eurobike. These developments raise the question of whether the aspiration for ever-increasing economic scale should be reconsidered in favour of qualitative growth, with greater emphasis on relevance, accessibility, and meaningful exchange.

    LEVA-EU represents the Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) sector rather than the bicycle industry alone. Electrically assisted cycles are one important segment, but LEVs extend far beyond bicycles. Our mission is to advance sustainable mobility by promoting the broader adoption of LEVs. The form these vehicles take is secondary to their contribution to reducing reliance on heavy, resource-intensive transport. This transition cannot be driven by bicycles alone.

    For that reason, Eurobike should continue its evolution beyond a purely bicycle-focused event and embrace the wider LEV sector. There is no valid argument for excluding LEVs; on the contrary, the bicycle and LEV industries can reinforce each other and stimulate innovation. A broader focus on mobility solutions could also attract new groups of professional visitors. Cities and local authorities, logistics and delivery companies, fleet operators, public transport providers, real estate developers, last-mile delivery specialists, and corporate mobility managers all have growing interest in light electric mobility. Their involvement would expand the show’s reach and enhance its relevance across the wider mobility ecosystem.

    The development of heavy-duty cargo bikes illustrates the importance of this shift. These vehicles require specialised components not yet available from traditional bicycle suppliers. Highlighting such emerging needs would help Eurobike attract new participants and strengthen its role as a forward-looking platform.

    LEVA-EU will continue to attend Eurobike, as it remains the only European event offering a comprehensive opportunity to meet and engage with a broad international audience. Our members will make their own decisions based on their individual business needs.

    The situation surrounding Eurobike reflects a wider challenge within the bicycle industry. Parts of the sector appear to be struggling to adapt to a changing mobility environment, particularly in the current economic climate. There is a perception that the market is contracting and that more participants must now compete for smaller shares.

    LEVA-EU does not share this view. We are convinced that the market can grow substantially if the industry focuses on advancing light, sustainable mobility. Both bicycles and LEVs have significant potential to support individuals and businesses in shifting toward cleaner transport.

    Rather than withdrawing, the sector should concentrate on realising this potential. Eurobike provides a valuable platform to support that effort. It should not be abandoned, but further developed in a way that prioritises quality, inclusiveness, and future-oriented mobility solutions.

  7. MAHLE participates in Palencia sustainable mobility event

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    Source: MAHLE

    Marco A. de la Serna, Head of Strategy and Business Development at LEVA-EU member MAHLE SmartBike Systems, spoke at the recent “Palencia se mueve. Sustainable Mobility” event.

    Translating as “Palencia is on the move. Sustainable Mobility”, the event was organised by El Norte de Castilla at the Lecrác Cultural Centre. The session brought together municipal representatives and industry experts to explore the challenges and opportunities facing medium-sized cities like Palencia in their transition towards cleaner, more efficient and people-centred mobility models. Marco shared MAHLE’s perspective on the bicycle as a key tool for urban transformation, highlighting that every kilometre travelled by bike is a step towards a more human-centred city. The event also highlighted the value of local talent and Palencia’s potential to become a testing ground for new cycling technologies.

    Marco stated: “At MAHLE SmartBike Systems, we are deeply committed to supporting Palencia in its journey toward more inclusive and sustainable mobility. We believe there is a real opportunity for the city to become a benchmark in urban transformation—provided that the right policies are implemented to embrace all forms of mobility, rather than limiting emerging alternatives. We’re proud to be considered a relevant stakeholder in this strategic dialogue and will continue working to ensure that technology helps build cities that are more accessible, equitable and people-focused.”

  8. The benefits generated by European bike sharing amount to €305 million per year, study shows

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    Sources: Zag Daily, Cycling Industry News, SAZ Bike

    A new study has shown that the substantial positive benefits of Europe’s bike sharing sector include an annual saving of 46,000 tonnes of CO2, a reduction of 760,000 hours of traffic congestion, and the creation of 6,000 jobs. An annual value of €305 million has been attributed to the benefits, alongside a significant contribution to environmental, public and economic health.

    The research, carried out by EY, aims to quantify both the economic and social returns on investment into bike-sharing schemes in 150 cities across the European Union, the UK, Switzerland and Norway. The combined fleet size is 438,000 shared bicycles, enabling millions of trips for users to connect with work, education and public transportation.

    Key annual highlights of bike-sharing benefits

    • 46,000 tonnes of CO2 and 200 tonnes of harmful air pollutants saved
    • Active mobility helps prevent 1,000 chronic diseases, leading to €40 million of healthcare savings
    • 760,000 hours of productivity saved thanks to reduced traffic congestion, valued at €30 million
    • 6,000 full-time equivalent jobs created in roles supporting the bike-sharing sector, both practical (e.g. mechanic, logistics) and in HQ environments (e.g. customer service, marketing)
    • Mobility expenses for users reduced by up to 90% compared with cars
    • Current 10% annual return on investment: €1 spent generates €1.10 in positive external outcomes

    Projected factors for further growth

    The study also looks to the future, forecasting that with continued investment and expansion, by 2030 a further 224,000 tonnes of CO2 can be saved, over 4,200 chronic diseases prevented, and almost 13,000 jobs created. This is calculated to a €1 billion annual benefit – or, put another way, a 75% return on public spending investment.

    This forecasted growth would depend on four conditions being met:

    • Growing demand due to urbanisation
    • Regulatory support and network expansion
    • Electrification of fleets
    • Integration with public transport networks and systems

    Nick Brown, CEO of bike-share operator services provider Velogik UK, acted as Study Project Lead on the research, and spoke of the report’s significance for Europe’s transport systems, and cities in general.

    “The first step is simple but crucial – recognise cycling as a form of transport, not just recreation. It deserves the same strategic investment and policy attention as roads, rail, or public transport. If governments start treating bike share and cycling infrastructure as part of the transport ecosystem, then funding follows and so do results.

    “Cities have always felt that bike share delivers social and environmental benefits – but until now, they haven’t been able to prove it in financial terms. That’s what’s been missing: a way to demonstrate the true success of bike share schemes through hard data and credible economic modelling.

    “Thanks to this study, we now have a methodology that does exactly that – it quantifies the benefits in euros and ROI. Once decision-makers can see those numbers, the case for investment becomes undeniable.”

    The EY study was commissioned by EIT Urban Mobility and CIE, and can be downloaded here.

  9. 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.