Jan-Willem van Schaik

“We gave our members a new tool to collect necessary information about the international market developments,” says TBA Secretary General Gina Chang. – Photos TBA

Biking Challenger online expo puts Taiwanese brands in spotlight

TAIPEI, Taiwan - For the third consecutive year, the Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA) developed an online marketing campaign in close cooperation with its members. Bike Europe discussed the impact of this project and the industry's changing approach towards the market with TBA Secretary General Gina Chang.

Bosch has seen a steep sales curve during the pandemic and is now enlarging its production capacity. – Photo Bosch eBike Systems

Bosch invests in new factory in Slovakia for e-bike drive units

REUTLINGEN, Germany - Bosch is investing in a new facility in eastern Slovakia to expand its production of e-bike components, the Slovakian Ministry of Economic Affairs has announced. Production should start in late 2023.

A growing number of people cycling or using e-kick scooters/e-steps, monowheels and hoverboards has put the topic of regulations high on the agenda in Brussels. – Photo Bike Europe

European Commission discusses e-bike regulations with industry...

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Currently several important legislations with a considerable impact on the European and global bicycle industry are being discussed at the in EU in Brussels. "The next years will be crucial for the bicycle industry to ensure that the boom of e-bikes can continue and will not be hindered by disproportionate regulatory requirements," states the Confederation for the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI).

The lower container shipping prices will have a positive impact costs of importing bicycles and components from Asia. – Photo Shutterstock

Container rates drop to close to pre-COVID levels

ROTTERDAM, the Netherlands - After the price records of recent years during the pandemic, container rates are now dropping rapidly. The price decline has a major impact on the market conditions and probably also on the shipping capacity. For an industry that strongly depends on shipments from Asia, these strong fluctuations add to the existing uncertainties in the market.

Swapfiets is working behind the scenes on a fully circular product line and climate-neutral business operations by 2025. – Photo Swapfiets

Pon brand Swapfiets awarded B-Corp status for its sustainability...

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - Swapfiets, the Pon owned bicycle concept known for its recognisable blue front-tyred rental bikes and e-bikes, has been awarded the international sustainability label B Corp. With the certification, they now join the impressive list of sustainability pioneers such as Patagonia, Tony's Chocolonely and KeepCup.

CCCB published their latest study on expanding the reach of cargo bikes in Europe. – Photo Schwalbe

Industry consortium outlines market potential of cargo bikes

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Cycle logistics and the use of cargo bikes in general is expanding rapidly throughout the EU and beyond. The industry consortium City Changer Cargo Bike (CCCB) forecasts an annual growth of around 60% per year up to 2030.

The 3,200 square meter annex of the Moustache Bike facility. – Photo Moustache Bikes

Moustache Bikes invests in additional space for production

CAPAVENIR, France - Moustache Bikes has outgrown its existing facility within 3 years since it moved into the building in Capavenir. Next year summer, the company expects to expand into the annex which is currently under construction.

Shakeouts can often occur after a period of rapid growth in demand followed by overexpansion by brands and retailers. – Photo Shutterstock

Shakeout imminent in US bicycle retail?

NEW YORK, USA - On the outside, it looks like the bicycle industry has learned to adapt to the new reality with higher transport costs, irregular supplies and a constant search for new suppliers to meet unexpected shortages. But there is more going on. "The financial wrecking ball has been released among IBDs and brands," says US market specialist Jay Townley.

The new Yamaha line up has been holistically developed with the PW Series drive units. – Photo Yamaha

Yamaha brings own branded e-bikes to the European market

IWATA, Japan - Yamaha prepared the long awaited introduction of its e-bike on the European market step by step. In the past years, they never made a secret about it, only the moment of introduction remained unclear. Now the Japanese company launches a range covering the MTB, gravel and urban sectors.

According to Bosch, the specially developed ‘Race’ mode offers direct response and uncompromising support. – Photo Bosch

Bosch introduces limited edition e-MTB race motor

REUTLINGEN, Germany - The Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition is an exclusive evolution of Bosch's Performance Line CX. The new Race mode offers energetic, direct support up to 400% of the rider's power. Riders reach maximum support faster and can use it to the cut-off at 25 km/h.