BRUSSELS, Belgium - The dispute on future e-bike regulations in the European committee where e-bike standards are developed, the CEN/TC 333*, has entered the next level of argumentation. Until now, many questioned the German industry association ZIV over its standpoint. Yesterday, ZIV published a statement claiming that, "our member companies once again explicitly endorsed the proposed technical parameters, giving the association a clear mandate exceeding 80%."

FRANKFURT, Germany - The e-bike industry is entering uncharted territory. In 2025, brands are no longer just selling e-bikes, they are selling access. The practice of applying after-market subscription fees for premium features or creating tiered pricing structures for e-bikes based on software differentiation has been heralded as innovative by some, and exploitative by others.

GLIWICE, Poland - Lithium-ion battery manufacturer BMZ Group has been establishing a foothold within the e-bike market since 2011. To solidify this position, the German company has expanded its e-bike operations in Poland, which has become a very important centre for the BMZ Group's global e-bike business. Considered its e-bike 'excellence centre,' Bike Europe visited the vast 77,000-square-metre location to find out more.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Cowboy's relationship with French brand partner Rebirth Group is evolving once again as Rebirth prepares to become a majority shareholder of the e-bike brand. An 80% stake in the company is anticipated. While the exact details are still under wraps, Cowboy's spokesperson did confirm to Bike Europe that discussions with Rebirth are progressing "very positively."

Germany/the Netherlands - What is the market outlook for 2026? This question was on everybody's lips at the Taichung Bike Week which took place from 16-19 September. After three years of predicting that next year would be better, industry peers have become cautious in providing any forecasts. The Global Bicycle Purchasing Index (GBPI), introduced by Eurobike, Bike Europe and IFH Cologne, provides the industry with an indicator which looks ahead at expected industry trends.

HONGKONG - Folding bike specialist Dahon Tech (02543.HK) officially debuted on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange today. It even garnered the attention of the Hong Kong capital market as a 'Star Stock' of 2025. On its first day of trading, Dahon Tech opened at 67.5 RMB (€ 8.07), a 36.4% increase from its listing price of 49.5 RMB (€ 5.92). The high and low reached 69 RMB (€ 8.25) and 56.4 RMB (€ 6.74), respectively, before closing at 60 RMB (€ 7.17). Half-day trading volume was 6.7537 million shares, totalling 455 million RMB (€ 54.4 million).

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Cowboy's 2024 annual report, finalised on 4 August and published after a significant delay a month later, shows a company scrambling to find new financiers amidst declining profits. It also sheds new light on Cowboy's recent recall and the financial toll that it took on the young Brussels-based company.

The Region of Madrid is quickly shifting gears to become one of Europe's most attractive cycle hotspots. With its abundant sunshine, diverse scenery, cultural gems and friendly atmosphere, Madrid provides a strong network of bike-friendly routes in one captivating region for every kind of rider.

OSAKA, Japan - Japanese manufacturing giant Shimano has been cited by the Japanese Fair Trade Commission for violating the Subcontract Act and failing to pay its 121 local subcontractors for storing materials on its behalf.

GIRONA, Spain - Accell Group has appointed William Perrier as managing director for Southern Europe in a role that was cut a couple of years ago. The renewed focus on the region is part of the group's strategy aimed at accelerating its development in the key markets of France, Spain, Portugal and Andorra. Perrier was presented at Sea Otter Europe as the man to boost the sales of Accell brands Lapierre, Ghost, Winora and Haibike, which are at the core of sales in the region.

ZEIST, The Netherlands - The latest edition of Bike Europe magazine (issue 3/2025) is now available to read online in our digital magazine section. The positive market expectations signalled at Eurobike in June are now under severe pressure. Inventory levels were expected to return to normal levels by early 2026. However, recent political and economic developments have caused expectations for market improvement to be pushed back.

GIRONA, Spain - The Spanish bicycle industry is facing 2025 with moderate optimism. 38.9% of companies have reported increased turnover in the first half of the year, while only 25.9% reported declines, according to the results of AMBE's second bicycle sector barometer, presented at Sea Otter Europe. Additionally, a new €20 million government subsidy has been secured to boost e-bike sales in the country.

WASHINGTON DC, United States - The number of bicycles imported into the United States in the first half of 2025 has dropped 25% year-on-year. When looking at Q2 specifically this is a 35% drop compared to 2024. The impact of tariffs and trade wars has seen China's relevance as US bicycle supplier slip considerably.

ROOSENDAAL, the Netherlands - In Q2, from April to June, the Dutch bicycle market turnover rate rose significantly, averaging around 10% per month, according to figures from national consultancy group H&L Benchmark Group. This translates to 7.7% turnover growth for the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year. In addition, about half of the H&L Benchmark Group is seeing a further reduction in excessive inventory.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - During the first six months of 2025, 312,000 e-bikes were imported into the European Union, the latest data from Eurostat shows. This is a 9% drop compared to the same period last year. As predicted, the positive signs of a full market recovery in Q1 have not continued into Q2. As Taiwan struggles to regain its dominance as the European e-bike supplier, Cambodia and China continue to increase their share of the market.

SUZHOU, China - Over the past 22 years, Bafang has consistently prioritised technological innovation as fundamental to the company's development. With this approach the motor manufacturer has successfully navigated the storm of the previous years. "Whether in good times or bad, demand-driven innovation is urgently needed," CEO Qinghua Wang explains to Bike Europe.

REUTLINGEN, Germany - Since establishing Bosch eBike Systems within the Bosch Group in 2009, the company has leveraged technological competencies from automotive electronics and sensor systems to power tool battery technology. For Bosch eBike Systems CEO Claus Fleischer, their systematic technology transfer approach, building on Bosch's foundational expertise in electric drive systems, is one of the three key elements of their success within the bicycle industry.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Serving a diverse range of clients has been a key strategy at saddle manufacturer Velo. In pursuit of improved product quality and innovative technologies, Velo has always invested in its R&D capabilities. In an interview for Bike Europe's Industry Insider series, Velo Enterprise CEO Ann Chen offered insights into Velo's market perspective and the company's future direction.

ZEIST, the Netherlands - International tire maker Ralf Bohle GmbH, and its signature brand Schwalbe, is deepening its presence in performance-oriented and emerging bicycle segments, with high-potential markets identified across North America, Southern Europe, China and Southeast Asia. Nico Simons, chief sales officer of Ralf Bohle GmbH, recently shared his thoughts with Bike Europe on how Schwalbe views the market and where the century-old German company is headed in the next few years - kicking off Bike Europe's Industry Insider series.