Integration and digitisation transforming product development

Integration and digitisation transforming product development

In a competitive market, drive system manufacturers have focused on various strategies during 2023. Development has focused on both an optimal riding experience and integrated technologies. After electrification, connectivity is the new standard for high-end and mid-range e-bikes, meaning a new generation of smart mobility devices are being created. Also an increasing average retail price and rising e-bike thefts have given a boost to the market of digital anti-theft devices. In this online magazine the latest innovations are explored.

Highlights in this latest online magazine (Issue 29 | October 2023) include:

  • Design trends in longtail, cargo and fat bikes
  • Integration at core of drive system development
  • Digital anti-theft devices improve e-bike usability
  • Safety and security pushing connectivity solutions
Delivering groceries is very demanding and requires more from a cargo-bike than what’s possible with a standard model. – Photo Formula

Formula and Ello Mobilité partner in Carrefour cargo bikes

PRATO, Italy - Delivering groceries transporting up to 100kg and covering around 80 kilometers a day demands more from a cargo-bike than what's possible with a standard model. Italian engineering firm Formula and Ello Mobilité took up the challenge and built a fleet of bikes for French supermarket giant, Carrefour.

In its latest step towards greener cycling, Herrmans Bike Components has transitioned three of its chainguard models to using 100% recycled ABS plastic. – Photo Herrmans Bike Components

Herrmans continues to decarbonise its portfolio with 100% recycled...

JAKOBSTAD, Finland - European component manufacturer, Herrmans Bike Components continues to expand its sustainable product portfolio. The latest addition sees three of its existing chainguard models transition to using 100% recycled ABS plastic.

“I wanted to bring fashion and style into this product category,” says Tex-Lock CEO and co-founder Alexandra Baum. – Photo Bike Europe

'Locks should be more than just a safety feature'

LEIPZIG, Germany - For Tex-Lock a bicycle lock is not just that standard heavy weight safety device in black that needs to be used by any cyclist to protect their bike. "I wanted to bring fashion and style into this product category but also improve the usability," says Tex-Lock CEO and co-founder Alexandra Baum. "Locks needed a soft feeling instead of bulky steel."

Circular Logistics has been recognised at the German Design Awards for the company’s zero waste reusable boxes for bicycle shipping, which result in up to 80% reduction in CO2 emissions. Photo: Circular Logistics

Circular Logistics' reusable bike transport box wins design award

PÖCKING, Germany - Circular Logistics GmbH, a pioneer in sustainable packaging solutions, has been awarded in two categories at the German Design Awards 2025 for their innovative design of a reusable transport box for new bikes.