Eurobike 2023 Reveals Unprecedented Period of Innovation

Frankfurt, Germany

Eurobike organisers are predicting a record number of innovations will be unveiled when this year’s event is held in Frankfurt next week.

They say while in recent years industry members have been focused on coping with a surge in sales, rather than developing new products, many of the 1,900-plus exhibitors at Eurobike 2023 have been churning out a plethora of innovations.

“This year the trade fair will chalk up the perhaps largest number of world premieres of new e-bike drives in its history.”

A statement from Eurobike says several key trends in the industry have helped drive the unusually large number of “aha moments” at next week’s event, being held from Wednesday to Sunday.

They include the development of specially designed drive systems “for practically every conceivable use case”.

“The best example are the cargo bike systems, which can now be found in the ranges of most leading providers,” the release says.

“It is already becoming clear that this year the trade fair will chalk up the perhaps largest number of world premieres of new e-bike drives in its history.

“A major focus of development for the 2024 model year is now on particularly light e-bike drives, which will one day be found on gravel and racing bikes, but also on stylish urban bikes.”

It says manufacturers have also been busy developing components specific to cargo bikes and the transportation of goods.

“Eurobike might have a thing or two up its sleeve here, in particular with regard to brakes,” organisers teased.

Shifting the Goal Posts

They said progress in gear shifting systems will also be a hotpot of exciting new development, including Campagnolo’s first wireless rear derailleur shifting system and SRAM’’s AXS mid-priced MTB shifting technology.

In addition, SRAM’s exhibit will feature its hanger-free rear derailleur.

Not to be outdone, Shimano will exhibit its Di2 automatic electronic shifters and Freeshift (shifting without pedalling) for urban e-bikes.

The race for more sustainable parts and apparel, as well as production methods, is also at the heart of many innovations soon to be revealed.

Tyre manufacturer Schwalbe will highlight its sixfold increase in the number of models produced using fairly traded natural rubber, while kids’ bike manufacturer Li:On Bikes will debut at Eurobike with a special production concept.

Sustainability Forum

Many of the greatest sustainability challenges facing the cycling industry – and its most promising solutions – will be explored at a new Big Sustainability event being held at Eurobike 2023.

The Big Sustainability Event, on Friday 23rd June, will include the launch of a Cycling Industry Climate Pledge, as well as a presentation of the prototype on a European platform for sustainable materials by Velo LAB.

A shift in European Union policy is demanding companies conform to new international standards on transparency and traceability, including batteries, critical raw materials, packaging, carbon tariffs, and digital services. Ambitious, stricter rules on environmental reporting and performance are swiftly changing the regulatory landscape.

I will be travelling to Frankfurt to report upon all five days of this year’s Eurobike, plus related events being held just before the expo’s opening day.

Look out for our detailed report in your next Micromobility Report newsletter.