More than 80 cargo bikes take part yesterday in London in the annual Cargo Bike Cruise to accelerate the uptake of electric and pedal powered commercial vehicles. – Photo Honor Elliot

UK cargobike sector claims fair share of €115 m. fund to replace vans

LONDON, UK - The British capital has seen a 63% increase in cargo bikes from 2022 to 2023 according to analysis by Clean Cities. Not surprisingly the cargobike industry campaigns for a fair share of the €115 million fund which has been committed by Transport for London for businesses to scrap polluting vans. None of these millions have been dedicated to accelerate the uptake of cargo bikes.

“The market for cargo bikes is growing annually, with an increasing number of individuals replacing their car with electric cargo bikes,” says Niklas Hammar, COO of WeSports

WeSports acquires Swedish Cargobike for further expansion in Europe

MALMÖ, Sweden - Nordic sports performance group WeSports has announced the acquisition of a holding stake in Cargobike. In 2023 Cargobike delivered 5,000 cargo bikes generating a turnover of SEK 116 million (€10 million).

Turkish manufacturer expands its facility for battery and motor production

Turkish manufacturer expands its facility for battery and motor production

Due to the embargoes applied to China, European bicycle manufacturers turning to the domestic market for e-bike production might likely direct their attention to Turkey.

The EP5 features a sleek and light weight design. – Photo Shimano

Shimano launches new e-bike drive systems pre-Eurobike

OSAKA, Japan - Strictly planned in the week ahead of the start of Eurobike, component manufacturer Shimano presents its new e-drive systems EP5 and E5100. Both new drive trains have been developed from the concept to expand the reach, increase connectivity options and a smoother cycling experience.

Bafang unveils game-changing GVT technology for e-bikes

Bafang unveils game-changing GVT technology for e-bikes

E-bikes have gained considerable recognition in recent years, yet many of their accessories and parts remain similar to those found on ordinary bikes. Essentially, this limits their potential, which is why Bafang's GVT technology, and specifically the G500A, a new 5-speed gear hub, have set the stage to optimise the e-bike shifting experience.

BESV celebrates the journey so far at Eurobike 2024

BESV celebrates the journey so far at Eurobike 2024

Ten years may not seem very long in the bicycle industry but in many ways, BESV began long before 2014. The premium e-bike brand was started by the CEO of the Darfon Group, sharing in its legacy of eco-friendly electronics design.

Maximising mileage and minimising maintenance with Enduo's e-cargo bike solution

Maximising mileage and minimising maintenance with Enduo's e-cargo bike solution

Enduo Mobility has come up with a robust solution for e-cargo chaindrive systems called EnduoCargo. It's designed to endure heavy loads under challenging conditions alongside providing a safe and long-lasting cycle experience for the rider. It's three key components, which come as part of the system, include the EnduoCargo industrial-grade chain, Enduo chainring and Enduo sprocket.

VanDijck Mobility: Dutch bicycle brand announces revamped business model

VanDijck Mobility: Dutch bicycle brand announces revamped business model

Over the past few years, the Dutch bicycle brand Van Dijck has repeatedly made headlines with its cutting-edge e-bike technologies. To better respond to changing market conditions, the company recently revamped its business model and also changed its name to VanDijck Mobility.

“Increasing tariffs on domestic importers and manufacturers without providing incentives to shift production from China  is unfair,'"  US trade organisation PeopleForBikes says. - Photo Shutterstock

US e-bike market threatened by 25% tariff on lithium-ion batteries

WASHINGTON, USA - The latest publication by the US Trade Representative (USTR) regarding tariff action has not brought any clarification whether the import of lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes from China will be hit by a 25% additional duty. "Some ambiguity remains on what the announcement means for existing bicycle products receiving exclusions from Section 301 tariffs," writes PeopleForBikes, Policy Counsel Matt Moore in a statement today.

The Oloo CycleBoard comes in an e-scooter and e-bike version, both with a front and rear drive. – Photo Bike Europe

C-Tech develops cargobike, but from a different angle

TAIPEI, Taiwan - For portable battery module manufacturer and distributer C-Tech United Corp. the e-bike industry means new business. To distinguish itself from the many other battery pack suppliers, C-Tech also developed a final product to showcase the features of its batteries.

SGS’s braking performance test with machine method is a customised braking performance test facility designed for cargo bikes, to adopt the wider and longer dimension than a typical two-wheeled bicycle. – Photo SGS

Shifting gears: Europe's new standard for e-cargo bikes

GENEVA, Switzerland - E-cargobikes are becoming an increasingly common sight on our city streets. They offer a sensible and sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. However, without strict safety standards, they also present a risk to riders and other road users. Chih-Hao Lien, Assistant Manager at SGS Hardlines Lab in Taiwan asks: What does the publication of the EN 17860 series of standards for carrier cycles mean for suppliers of e-cargo bikes and the safety on our urban streets?

Babboe has entered the final phase of research into the safety of its cargo bikes. – Photo Babboe

Babboe offers replacement for 22,000 cargobikes after inspection

AMERSFOORT, the Netherlands - Accell Group subsidiary Babboe has issued a recall and replacement program for in total 22,000 cargo bikes. The first batches will be collected in the Netherlands and Germany in mid-April, after which the recall campaign will be rolled out in the other countries. All owners of these models will be offered a new bicycle or cargo bike.

Market dynamics remained challenging throughout 2023 for hGears and were characterized by slower than expected destocking. – Photo hGears

E-drive maker hGears gives cautious outlook after revenue decline

SCHRAMBERG, Germany - hGears AG, the European precision e-bike transmission parts and components manufacturer, reports a 16.9% year-on-year decrease of its 2023 consolidated revenue of € 112.5 million. hGears faced an extremely challenging years in its e-bike business.

ePack4 is now available for business lease. – Photo ePack4

Cityshuttle launches the ePack4, the last-mile delivery innovator

LONDON, United Kingdom - A remarkable sight in London's streets: ePack4 which surpasses other last-mile delivery innovators by doubling the standard payload to 350 kg and a capacity of 4 square meters.

New cutting-edge tracker on Apple 'Find My' network offers peace of mind

New cutting-edge tracker on Apple 'Find My' network offers peace of mind

Even in a lunchroom, a museum or a beer garden, a glance at his smartphone could tell a cyclist that his high-quality e-bike is still in the same place where it was parked. The more expensive the bike, the more reassuring it is to know that it can be tracked at any time, especially when it is out of sight.

Babboe has announced that compensation will be given for the inconvenience caused. – Photo Babboe

Accell recalls Babboe cargobikes while over 8,000 claims are looming

AMERSFOORT, the Netherlands - Babboe has announced the inevitable recall of its cargo bikes after receipt of numerous reports of frame breakage as reported last week. For now, it regards the City, City E, Mini and Mini E models only. Whether all other Babboe cargobikes will follow in this recall is not clear yet. "We are currently consulting with the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) on taking further steps."

Timyo: taking the next step

Timyo: taking the next step

Over the last few years, the international Timyo Group and its brands, Van Dijck, Keola and Muon, have gained a notable presence in the market. One reason for this impressive development is their innovative Kreutzer HyperShift drive unit, which will become even better in the future, as Timyo-CEO Steve Zhu said in an interview during the recent Velofollies show in Belgium. He also revealed that the company has big plans for its business structure.

“We believe e-bike brands and sellers of lithium-ion batteries testing, certifying, and labeling their products as complying with UL 2849 and UL 2271 will help the US market,” says Heather Mason of the NBDA. - Photo Bike Europe

E-bike fires unites US Congress in vote for battery safety legislation

WASHINGTON, USA - The number of e-bike battery related fires in the city of New York has resulted in bipartisan support in Congress for legislation to develop standards for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries. According to safety experts this regulation is the only option to limit the number of e-bike fires. What do cycling organisations and the industry expect of this legislation?