Rosie Burgin

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission has officially declared that Ouxi V8 fatbikes are considered an 'unauthorised' vehicle in the European Union. This means that anyone riding these vehicles is driving illegally and uninsured on the road. The China-made vehicles have risen in popularity in the Netherlands this year.

MADRID, Spain - Retail giant Decathlon and trade association AMBE have joined forces to promote the use of bicycles as a means of transport, leisure, tourism and sport. With this collaboration, the company and the association seek to develop common strategies that promote the use of bicycles and share market strategies.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Renowned Taiwanese bicycle component manufacturer Glory Wheel Enterprise Co., Ltd. (GW) has acquired the bicycle accessory brands, Spank Industries and Fratelli Industries. Through the acquisition the Taiwanese aims to reinforce its position in the high-end bicycle components market. Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - The Public Prosecution Service in the Netherlands has decided to discontinue its criminal investigation into cargobike manufacturer Babboe B.V. The company was suspected of producing and marketing certain types of (electric) cargo bikes that allegedly had safety issues.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - Europe Cycle Company B.V. (ECC), the manufacturer of Vogue cargo bikes, must immediately stop the sale of all its cargo bikes, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has determined. The company must also recall cargo bikes that pose a serious safety risk.

SUZHOU, China - The Z series launched by Vinka at this year's Eurobike is a new generation mid-motor system. The newest model in the series, the Z60, unlike previous products in the S, C, V and E lines, is compatible to fix to a Bosch bottom bracket. Besides the latest innovations, the motor manufacturer is also eyeing a move to close-to-market production.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Overall e-bike exports from Taiwan grew 5% between Q1 and Q2 of this year, according to the latest customs data. However, exports to Europe in the same period dropped 5%. More worryingly the trend looks set to continue as key markets in Europe see imports plummet in July.

LONDON, England - Skarper, which was founded in 2020, has secured £4.5m (€5.1 million) in additional financing from a syndicate of prominent investors for developing its portable drive system. The start-up will use the investment to deliver its first products to the market in Q4 of this year.

FRANKFURT, Germany - A sign of more advanced technology entering the e-bike market was Star Union's magnetic gear motor at this year's Eurobike. The motor uses magnetic force instead of mechanical force to offer maximum efficiency of 90%. The prototype displayed is being targeted for mass production in Q2 2025.

MILAN, Italy - Last Autumn concerns were raised by ABS manufacturer, Blubrake that Bosch could restrict competition in the e-bike ABS market by limiting the use of alternative technologies. A case opened by the Italian Antitrust Authority has now determined that e-bike manufacturers will now be permitted to integrate Blubrake ABS with Bosch BES3 kits.