World
China COVID Measures and Ukraine Invasion Keep Brakes on Shipping
Shanghai, China Strict Covid lockdowns in several Chinese cities and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has shipping experts predicting the international container crisis is unlikely to improve soon. “Global fret ensues as several cities in China go into strict lockdown, including Shanghai and Shenzen,” according to a statement by container logistics service xChange. “This…
Spanish Ministry Proposes Compulsory e-Bike Insurance
Spain The Spanish government is considering implementing mandatory insurance for e-bikes, a policy that would put it at odds with the rest of Europe. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation’s push to incorporate “personal mobility vehicles” within regular motor vehicle regulations would bring a need for compulsory insurance for electric bicycles. The controversial proposal…
Landmark UK Prosecution of Supplier of High-Powered e-Bike
Worcester, UK A UK vehicle standards authority had announced the country’s first successful prosecution of a company for illegally supplying high-powered electric-assisted pedal cycles (EPACS) not approved for road use. The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) took action against Monsterebikes Ltd for supplying Falcon-branded EAPCs fitted with motors powered up to 8,000 watts and…
Pirelli Returns Tyre Manufacturing to Italy
Bollate, Italy Large-scale bicycle tyre manufacturing returned to Italy last month, with Pirelli resuming production at its factory in Bollate. The historic factory, first opened by Pirelli in 1962, is located a few kilometres from Milan and has been overhauled and modernised. “The plant will be dedicated to the production of high-tech tyres, including all…
European Industry Bands Together for Packaging Reduction
Brussels, Belgium Nearly 70 companies have signed up to a European industry commitment to address ballooning packaging waste. By the start of this week, 67 businesses had joined the Cycling Industry Sustainable Packaging Pledge, coordinated by the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) and Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) to reduce plastic packaging and eliminate…
Strong Support for 3T Ukraine Special Edition
Presezzo, Italy Italian bike manufacturer 3T has received strong interest in a special edition road bike it has produced to demonstrate support for Ukraine during its invasion by Russia. 3T produced five of the Exploro RaceMax Ukraine – with all proceeds to be donated to Red Cross Italy to support the people in Ukraine –…
Gogoro Solid-State Battery Prototype Brings Capacity Boost
Taoyuan, Taiwan The world’s first solid-state lithium ceramic battery prototype for two-wheel battery swapping has been unveiled by Taiwanese company Gogoro, a leader in battery swapping technology. Gogoro has worked with ProLogium Technology, a global leader in solid-state battery technology and also based in Taiwan, to develop the solid-state battery prototype, which integrates with Gogoro’s…
Sinyard Names CEO Successor to Bring ‘Specialized Forever’
Morgan Hill, California, US Specialized founder Mike Sinyard is stepping aside as CEO, 48 years after starting the company. Mike announced this month he has appointed former Dyson executive Scott Maguire to replace him as CEO. Mike, now aged 72, will continue as Specialized’s chairman and will focus his energies as the company’s chief rider…
National e-Bike Battery Recycling Program in US
Atlanta, Georgia, US An industry-wide e-bike battery recycling program was officially launched in the US at the start of this month, with more than 800 retailers trained and equipped to handle expired or damaged packs returned to shops. The program is being administered by Call2Recycle, a not-for-profit consumer battery recycling and stewardship program created from…
Yamaha Unveils Electric Vehicles For Europe
The Netherlands Yamaha’s long-running association with electric-powered vehicles is entering a new chapter, with the Japanese company announcing it will launch three new e-bikes in Europe during 2022. Unveiling Yamaha’s Switched On two-wheel electric vehicles program, Yamaha Motor Europe announced all-mountain, gravel and urban e-bikes that would be released in cities throughout Europe in the…