Ernst Brust specifically mentioned the e-bikes of the Chinese brand Fiido. Their design easily allows to change the motor support limit from 25 km/h to 50 km/h. – Photo Fiido

Will the e-bike become a victim of its own success?

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - The import statistics of the European Union clearly indicate that China regained its leading position as e-bike supplier for Europe's market. At the same time, the market is drowned with cheap and non-compliant China made e-bikes whose sellers shamelessly advertise the presence of a throttle and how to circumvent the maximum support of 25 km/h. How should the industry respond to these market developments?

The reorganisation of the Pon owned GT Bicycles resulted in much speculation regarding the future of the US brand. – Photo GT Bicycles

Pon reorganises GT Bicycles: 'Laying a solid foundation for GT's next...

ALISO VIEJO, USA - The reorganisation of the Pon owned brand GT Bicycles has resulted in much speculation regarding the future of the brand. Some even assumed that GT Bicycles would shut down once all inventory is sold. According to a Pon spokesperson, the decision to restructure this subsidiary was taken, "to lay a solid foundation for its next chapter."

“The team’s entrepreneurial energy and dedication to innovation align perfectly with my vision for growing impactful brands,” said Tomi Viiala when introduced as advisor to the Board of Ahooga. – Photo Ahooga

Former Stromer CEO Tomi Viiala partners with Belgium Ahooga

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Folding bike specialist Ahooga has welcomed Tomi Viiala, former CEO of Stromer, as an advisor to the Board. Known for his instrumental role in transforming Stromer into the global leader in speed pedelecs, Viiala will support Ahooga in advising on driving strategic growth across Europe.

This duo will steer Simplon's future: the newly designated CEO Christoph Mannel (left) and CFO Gerhard Buchmüller. – Photo Eva Sutter

Austrian investor takes over ailing compatriot Simplon

VIENNA, Austria - After a three-month restructuring process a new investor has secured the successful restart of Austrian custom-bike builder, Simplon. SOL Capital Management GmbH announced an undisclosed capital injection by one of its funds securing the future of the bike manufacturer.

Team Picnic PostNL manager Iwan Spekenbrink (left) and Accell Group CEO Tjeerd Jegen signed the 4-year contract. - Photo Accell Group

Accell Group returns to UCI World Tour team sponsoring

DIJON, France - The news came out already earlier, but was only published officially today. Accell Group's brand Cycles Lapierre is making a return to the to the UCI World Tour as the official bike sponsor for Team Picnic PostNL. The team will compete on Lapierre bicycles for the next four years.

“The French government puts the production relocation of bicycles in France in jeopardy.” – Photo Union sport & cycle

France eliminates all subsidies on bicycle purchases

PARIS, France - The budget crisis in France which led to a lot of political turmoil recently has a big impact on the bicycle and e-bike industry as well. With no previous warning, the Government announced that all state subsidies for the purchase of bicycles and e-bikes will be eliminated on very short notice. The 'Alliance for Cycling' warns of a significant consequence of such a decision for the whole cycling industry.

Providing an emission-free alternative to delivery vans, Onomotion's ‘Ono’ heavy-duty e-cargobike. – Photo Emoving

Takeover secures insolvent Onomotion's future

BERLIN, Germany - Due to a sales slump and the resulting financial bottleneck Berlin-based (cargo-) LEV manufacturer Onomotion GmbH had to file for insolvency on 26 September. A subsidiary of a corporate group already backing other bike manufacturers, Emoving GmBH, has added the last mile delivery solution provider to its portfolio.

After an initially successful quest, it now turns out that CIE needs to relaunch their search for a new CEO immediately. – Photo Shutterstock

CIE re-opens search for Kevin Mayne's replacement after candidate...

BRUSSELS, Belgium - A setback has occurred for Cycling Industries Europe during the process of leadership change after the candidate to succeed Kevin Mayne as CEO of Cycling Industries Europe withdrew. The organisation was informed on short notice that he will not take up the post due to a family issue.

John Zopfi (r.) the new chief commercial officer at Gravaa and CEO Gertjan van Ginderen (l.). – Photo Gravaa

Gravaa appoints new chief commercial officer

EINDHOVEN, the Netherlands - Adaptable tyre pressure technology firm Gravaa has ap-pointed John Zopfi as its new chief commercial officer. With more than 20 years of experi-ence in outdoor and cycling industries, Zopfi took up the role earlier this month after spend-ing the past six years at 7mesh Industries where he most recently served as general manager for global wholesale.