TAIPEI, Taiwan - The relevance of product award ceremonies at international trade shows has developed into a key communication topic. The Taipei Cycle d&i awards are a fixed event at the opening of the Taipei Cycle Show. After an intensive two-day selection process, Bike Europe sat down with four jury members and discussed how they evaluated the entries to recognise the award-winning innovations.

Recognising the demand for better-integrated and lighter components in the e-bike market, AUTORQ has responded to industry trends. Building on its success in providing the widest range of standard bottom bracket torque sensors, the company has developed an innovative integrated hub motor torque sensor.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - In a circular economy it is often a challenge to find a new purpose or customers for recyclable waste. ZIPP owner SRAM had been looking for a source of the waste which comes from the production of its carbon components, including wheelsets, handlebars, stems and seat posts. This issue was addressed through their collaboration with Velo.

OTTOBRUNN, Germany - This time, car manufacturer Porsche AG seems to be taking the e-bike subject really seriously: Porsche eBike Performance GmbH, which was founded in 2022, has just announced its intention to set up its own e-bike battery production facility in Croatia. This is scheduled to start at the beginning of 2026 - "at the same time as the market launch of the first Porsche e-bike drive system."

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The fierce discussion 2 years ago on the new battery regulation implemented by the European Commission seem to have moved to the background. The challenging market conditions appear to be more relevant than a new European regulation which will be implemented in January 2027. One element in this regulation is that the single cell replacement for e-bike batteries would cause serious safety issues according to many industry insiders.

EDINBURGH, UK - Following eight years of product development, Intradrive has revealed the production-specification design of its GD8 gearbox drive unit. "We are building up pilot production units to ship to bike brands for internal testing right now," explains IntraDrive founding director Mark Ravilious.

REUTLINGEN, Germany - The 2024 business development of Robert Bosch GmbH was adversely affected by the fact that growth markets such as electromobility developed much more slowly than expected. While the company serves a wide range of industries, it regards their technologies for mobility, which includes e-bikes and homes of the future as key growth areas. Claus Fleischer, CEO Bosch eBike Systems highlights specific details on the e-bike market.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Which battery cabinet provides sufficient protection when an e-bike battery catches fire? Many bicycle industry entrepreneurs are uncertain about the products available. The German VDMA 24994 standard is intended to help separate the good from the bad. According to Bart van de Broek of Dutch financial services provider Nationale-Nederlanden, it will soon be clear whether this standard will also apply across all of Europe.

SUZHOU, China - The oversupply in the industry, even for the category e-bikes, is still resulting in a slowdown in demand for component manufacturers. The excess inventory situation was already reflected at Taichung Bike Week last September but also came forward in Bafang's nine months earnings result which did not improve compared with 2023.

MÜHLTAL, Germany - Riese & Müller is setting new standards in sustainable logistics by becoming the first bicycle manufacturer to adopt reusable packaging for e-bike shipments across Europe. Following successful multi-month trials, the BikeBox will now be the standard packaging for over 1,000 dealers in Europe, significantly reducing environmental impact.

MADRID, Spain - Two Rotor Bike Component founders have launched a new performance cycling brand. Pablo Carrasco and Ignacio Estelles merged their vision and manufacturing expertise carbon manufacturer YMA to develop bicycle components. QO's first product line is a series of carbon fiber cranksets on display at Velofollies earlier this month.

REHE, Germany - Welcoming almost 5,000 people at their head office in Wetter, Germany, bike security company Abus celebrated their 100th anniversary in the first week of December. On this occasion the company also opened their doors to visitors of their newly built high-tech production hall for mobility products.

JAKOBSTAD, Finland - European component manufacturer, Herrmans Bike Components continues to expand its sustainable product portfolio. The latest addition sees three of its existing chainguard models transition to using 100% recycled ABS plastic.