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?
BERLIN, Germany - Eyeing the upcoming federal elections, the advocacy organization Zukunft Fahrrad (Bicycle Future), issued a position paper campaigning for more political support for the bicycle industry. The new government in Germany will have to make clear policy choices as the cycling industry is not the only sector that's facing challenges and thus calling for support.
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.
AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - Imports of fatbikes which do not comply with EN standards and road safety regulations has prompted the Dutch bicycle industry organization RAI Association to introduce a new e-bike quality mark. The use of illegal and tweaked fatbikes has caused a major increase in e-bike accidents and a lot of irritation amongst the Dutch public.
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - The Dutch Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) framework has been postponed once more, according to the RAI Association, the professional organization for (e-)bike manufacturers in the Netherlands. Initially set to take effect on January 1, 2025, the framework is now delayed until July 2025. Implementation of the new framework will have implications for amongst others, e-cargobike users in the country.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Finalising the trade agreements currently under negotiation is one of the tasks of the next Trade Commissioner, Maros Sefcovic. The agreements with Malaysia and Thailand will certainly be part of that commitment. The best-known company in the bicycle industry based in Thailand is Vittoria while Malaysia is the home of Shimano's supplier Kwang Li Industry.
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.
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.
LONDON, UK - The anti-dumping duty on bicycles and bicycle parts from China in the UK is now also under review. Last May the British Trade Remedies Authority already advised to revoke the anti-dumping duties on China made e-bikes in a preliminary recommendation. In case the same would be suggested for bicycles, it would bring a lot of uncertainty in the UK.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Trade agreements with India and Indonesia would disrupt the bicycle industry supply chain for EU-based companies. Usually concluding such agreements is a long-term process but the EU attributes great importance to these types of agreements. Discussion between the EU and the countries continue.
