Germany
Sinking in the Boot for High Brow Commuting
Frankfurt, Germany Cycling shoes have hit a new high for fashion, with shoes specialist QUOC releasing the first elastic-sided boot with SPD compatibility. The UK-based business, with an office in Brisbane, released its Chelsea Boot just three weeks before displaying them at Eurobike. Founder Quoc Pham, who previously worked in the fashion industry, said the…
Maxxis in the Loop for Commuting
Frankfurt, Germany Rising numbers of bike commuters and cargo bikes around the world have triggered another major bicycle tyre brand to release an urban-specific range. The Metropass and Metroload ranges were a centrepiece of the Maxxis display at this year’s Eurobike. The Metroload tyres for cargo bikes come in 26-inch options, with a maximum load…
Igus Unveils First Bike Constructed Entirely From Recycled Plastic
Cologne, Germany The world’s first urban bike made entirely from recycled plastic has been unveiled by German company igus. The igus:bike, scheduled for release later this year, is being promoted as “tomorrow’s mobility from yesterday’s waste”. With recycled plastic used to construct everything from the frame to the bearings and toothed belt, igus says the…
Porsche Completes Fazua Purchase
Ottobrunn, Germany Sports car manufacturer Porsche has escalated its stake in e-bike drive system specialist Fazua, purchasing all the company’s shares. Porsche had acquired a 20% stake in Fazua in January and last week announced it had claimed the remaining shares. Fazua’s prominence as a manufacturer of particularly light and compact drive systems was enhanced…
Ford Urges Workers to Choose Bikes for Short Trips
Cologne, Germany Ford of Europe is encouraging its employees to leave their cars at home and to commute by bike. Its new Park the Car initiative is asking workers to cycle, rather than drive, for journeys less than 5km, to promote healthier lifestyles and cut pollution. “It is probably the last thing many people would…
Mahle Claims Title for Lightest e-Bike Drive System
Stuttgart, Germany German manufacturer Mahle is claiming the title of the lightest e-bike drive system on the market, releasing the 3.2kg x20 last month. The x20 also set a new benchmark for power-to-weight ratio, according to the Stuttgart-based automotive supplier’s e-bike division, Mahle Smartbike Systems. A statement from Mahle says the x20’s hub motor weighs…
Berlin Superhighway to Ensure Time is Right for Switch to Cycling
Berlin, Germany A new east-west cycle superhighway to cross Berlin is expected to enable cyclists to make the 38km journey in about the same time as cars. The new “high-speed bicycle route”, from Hönow through the city centre and out to Spandau, was announced recently by the city’s state-owned cycle planning company, Infravelo. A statement…
Spin Purchase Lifts TIER to World Leader
Berlin, Germany Berlin company TIER Mobility has become the world’s largest multimodal micromobility operator, following its purchase of Ford-owned micromobility operator Spin. TIER now operates more vehicles and in more cities than any other operator, after this month’s acquisition boosted TIER’s global footprint by 106 communities in North America. It was TIER’s third acquisition in…
Ford Trialling Unique Directional Driver Alerts
Aachen, Germany Ford Motor Company is developing onboard speakers and specific sounds to alert drivers to other road users around their vehicle, including cyclists and pedestrians. Ford of Europe is trialling “smart driver alert technology” that uses in-car audio to clearly identify the type of road user and their location. The trial includes intuitive sounds…
Porsche Acquires Share of Fazua to Further Build e-Bike Involvement
Ottobrunn, Germany Porsche has further expanded its involvement in the rapidly growing e-bike market by acquiring a stake in drive systems manufacturer Fazua. Porsche is acquiring 20% of the shares in its fellow German company, with an option to purchase further shares which would allow Porsche to take over Fazua completely. Fazua, based in Ottobrunn…