AMSTELVEEN, the Netherlands - The age group 25-34 made up a bigger portion of all e-bike customers in the Netherlands in 2023 compared with 2022. In Germany e-bikes enjoyed a growing popularity among women and one-person households. These are just two of the findings of the annual e-bike monitor by market research institute GfK.
ERKRATH, Germany - When e-bikes began to make a market entrance, global brand Giant determined that innovation in integrated in-house technologies would be the key to success. Since 2023 all R&D is carried out at the European headquarters in Lelystad, the Netherlands where a new development centre has been opened. Now, in-house service is an additional benefit to boost sales in saturated and fragmented European e-bike markets.
HAARLEM, the Netherlands - In times of excess stock or supply shortages, Blomson international has been in the market for many years to either provide the necessary floating capital or missing components. An online marketplace is now available for the industry to source those missing components to finish bicycle assembly.
BATH, England - Cycling marketing agency Shift Active Media's inaugural 'What's Next?' report in 2023 which uncovered the value of marketing investment during a downturn is returning this year with a webinar to launch the new findings. Aimed at enabling cycling brands to navigate the challenging landscape in 2024, the webinar presented by CSO Doug Baker is open to the whole cycling industry.
FRANKFURT, Germany - After a catastrophic 2022, many insiders were not looking ahead to 2023 with optimism. A year later it can be concluded that the global stock market performed better than expected. What role did the bicycle industry play in this development?
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Massive investments in battery production supported by state aid from the Chinese government could eventually lead to the initiation of trade defence measures, including anti-dumping duties, by the European Commission. It may sound contradictory now the market for e-bikes and e-car is rising so quickly, but battery production grows so rapidly that this could become a serious problem in the medium term.
BERLIN, Germany - Increasing regulatory challenges are once again placing a heavy burden on manufacturers of bicycles, components and accessories in 2024, states the Germany industry association ZIV. In his 2024 outlook, ZIV head Burkhard Stork calls for a more consistent industry policy on all national and EU levels.
ROTTERDAM, the Netherlands - The unrest in the Red Sea is causing container prices to rise rapidly. Attacks by Houthi rebels have made shipping companies decide to take extra safety precautions or reroute via the Cape of Good Hope. A total of eighteen logistics companies are avoiding this route for the time being.
ZEIST, the Netherlands - January is usually the time to look forward to the next 12 months. Industry peers will be happy to forget 2023 quickly. The past months gave a lot of uncertainty. The long-term outlook for the e-bike industry still created a positive mood during the Taipei Cycle Show in March 2023. How long will it take to return to this situation?
ZEIST, The Netherlands - In contrast to recent years where the 'best read' items on Bike Europe were related to high-level investments and buoyant market developments, 2023 marked a vivid turning point. This year was notable for bankruptcies, closures and concerns over financial positioning. Bike Europe looks back on the main stories which attracted interest this year…
