With numerous investments, Central Europe is seeking to play a bigger role in (e)bike production. - Photo Bike Europe

Proximity and efficiency: Central Europe attracts more bike production

WARSAW, Poland - In 2025 a series of significant industry trends will mark the future development of the bicycle and e-bike industry. One of these trends is the ongoing reshoring of production and improving market flexibility by manufacturing in Europe instead of Asia.

Central Europe as an e-bike production hub

Central Europe as an e-bike production hub

For reshoring production and improving market flexibility by manufacturing in Europe instead of Asia, the central European countries have always played a key role. Although no country has taken a leading role, like Portugal, that does not mean that the region plays a secondary role within the industry. Several new facilities were started in recent years and existing ones upgraded their output quality.

BFI operates 10 assembly lines plus one for pre-assembly. – Photos Bike Europe

Bike Fun International transforms to a more versatile manufacturer

KOPRIVNICE, Czech Republic - The two buildings housing the offices, production and warehouse of Bike Fun International (BFI) are hidden behind the big entry gate of the Tatra truck factory in the Czech Republic. BFI is probably the only bicycle factory which is located in a former test facility for trucks. Founded by a group of Dutch investors in 2001, the company developed into a leading city bike manufacturer based in central Europe, without losing sight on the sports bike market.

“For our OEM customer we can take full control of product development, logistics, assembly, and provide delivery in the right place on time, so they can focus on sales,” says BFI CEO René Gasser. – Photo BFI

Bike Fun Int'l to accelerate growth thanks to "know-how in city bikes"

KOPRIVNICE, Czech Republic - The long-time experience in the production of city bikes for a leading Dutch brand, gave Bike Fun International (BFI) a strong position in the expanding urban mobility cycling market. Bike Europe talked with CEO René Gasser about the manufacturer's ambition to serve the central European markets as a leading distributor, but also how they can distinguish themselves as an OEM supplier.

Despite an interruption in production due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Bike Fun International, has reported record sales figures for the fiscal year 2019/2020. - Photo BFI

E-bikes bring record sales and profit for Czech BFI

KOPRIVNICE, Czech Republic - The recently sold and the country's largest manufacturer Bike Fun International (BFI) has presented its fiscal year report 2020. Despite some discrepancies in the time period of reporting company figures, the overall result is clear.

Bicycle manufacturer, Bike Fun International, has changed hands from its Dutch founders to a Czech-based billionaire. - Photo Bike Fun International

Bike Fun International now in hands of billionaire investor

KOPRIVNICE, Czech Republic - The founders of Bike Fun International, the largest bicycle manufacturer in the Czech Republic, have agreed on a transaction whereby Consillium, the Czech-based company owned by billionaire, Tomas Němec, will acquire a 100% share in BFI.