World News Briefs – December

Man riding an ebike on street with dog in backpack.

E-Bikes Reach 30% Market Share by Volume, More by Value 30% of all bikes now sold in Europe are e-bikes according to a new report published by Bike Europe. Total analogue bicycle sales for the 27 European Union countries plus the UK were 11.7 million units in 2023, down from 14.7 million units in 2022.…

Tasmania Becomes First Australian State to Subsidise E-Bike Purchases

Person cycling on Intercity Cycleway

Hobart The Tasmanian Government has launched a rebate program for e-mobility devices. The program is a national first and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport, particularly from daily commuting. The program is an initiative of Tasmania’s Climate Change Action Plan 2023-25. Rebates of 12 percent of the purchase price are available for e-bikes,…

First Mid-Drive System Further Entrenches Hyena at Heart of E-Bike Sector

Man with display at bicycle expo

Taichung, Taiwan Taiwanese manufacturer Hyena, a supplier of e-bikes and components to some of the world’s biggest brands, recently unveiled its first full mid-drive system, as the company moves towards its ambitions to provide a full solution for systems and complete e-bikes. Hyena co-founder and CEO Charlie Chuang said the Unidrive 60 mid-drive system, for…

How Cycling Is Saving Australia: Economic Report Reveals the Figures

Three people at launch of cycling report at Parliament House

Canberra, ACT Bicycle trips replaced 3.9 billion kilometres of motor vehicle travel in Australia in 2022, saving an estimated 514,096 metric tonnes of CO2, according to the second biennial economic report released by peak cycling advocacy group WeRide Australia. The 2023 WeRide Australian Cycling and eScooter Economy Report – the largest Australian study of its…

Tasmanian Infrastructure Minister Considers E-Bike Power Boost

E-bike Motor deconstructed

Hobart, Tasmania E-Bikes with more powerful motors could be allowed on Tasmanian roads, following a commitment from the State’s Minister for Infrastructure, Michael Ferguson, to consider motors up to 500 watts. Tasmania’s Lower House recently debated a vehicle and traffic amendment Bill that, if passed, would primarily outlaw petrol-powered bicycles, but also includes a change…

microFleet Seeks Capital Injection to Launch Docking Station

Two men at expo

Melbourne, Victoria Two e-cargo bike brands, California’s Loden and Belgium’s Bike43, have been introduced to the Australian market as part of a Melbourne company’s preparations to launch a complete solution for bicycle fleet operators. microFleet’s introduction of Loden and Bike43, to complement its own house brand, Cargo Craft, and round out its fleet offering as…

VanMoof Bankrupt and Rad Power Retreats from Europe

Product shot of two ebikes

Amsterdam, Netherlands A former beacon heading the rise of urban e-bikes, VanMoof, has been declared bankrupt. On 17th July, the Court of Amsterdam declared the Dutch legal entities VanMoof Global Holding B.V., VanMoof B.V. and VanMoof Global Support B.V. bankrupt, confirming rumours about the Netherlands company that has been a darling of the industry and…

Riese & Müller Roll Out Subscription Service

Person standing with bike at expo being interviewed

Darmstadt, Germany Global e-bike heavyweight Riese and Müller has announced it will be launching its own subscription service in Germany, with plans to roll the service out to its international markets. The German manufacturer will offer a £49 fixed monthly price for its UBN Five, UBN Seven and Nevo e-bikes and Multitinker compact longtail cargo…

Bosch Unveils its Lightest Drive System

Close up of Bosch ebike

Frankfurt, Germany Bosch has targeted the lightweight e-bike market with its Performance Line SX drive system unveiled to coincide with Eurobike 2023, setting a new power-to-weight benchmark in the sector. At 2kg for the motor – and 4kg combined for the motor, battery, remote and system controller – the system produces 600w of power at…