Rosie Burgin

Taiwan exported fewer than 77,000 e-bike units in the first quarter of 2026. This marks a 15% year-on-year drop from 2025 and the lowest Q1 e-bike exports since 2018. This also signals that the world's bicycle manufacturer is still struggling to get a firm grip on the electrified bike market post-Covid. The export value of regular bicycles also continues to drop 17% in Q1, but little is heard about consolidations or bankruptcies in the Taiwanese bicycle industry. As the total export value dips under $10 billion for the last two consecutive quarters, could the value shift be taking place outside of Taiwan's borders?

When it comes to migrant workers in Taiwan, a core issue is how the country's domestic labour laws don't align with international standards, but measures are being taken to adjust this. "As an exporting nation, meeting international standards is our mission and our obligation," said Giant Group and Bicycle Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) Chairman Young Liu during his opening statement at the ESG Forum during Taipei Cycle Show.

Long rumoured, the second generation of Avinox's drive system has been announced this morning. Following on from the Avinox M1 e-bike drive system, which launched two years ago under the wing of parent company DJI, the next evolutions of the drive system, the Avinox M2S and Avinox M2 have officially been launched. Claiming "unmatched power, control, range and efficiency," the Chinese manufacturer's draw continues at speed as 60 industry partners confirmed integration of the newest systems.

Finnish bicycle component manufacturer, Herrmans Bike Components, has acquired the technology and business from Taiwanese lighting specialist Roxim Technologies. The move will see Herrmans expand its presence in Asia and broaden its offering in lighting solutions. The transition is now at full speed and Herrmans will officially take over the business from 1 May.

A repurposed automotive tyre factory on the outskirts of Milan was Pirelli's vision when it strategically decided to re-enter the bicycle tyre market in 2017. Operational since 2022, the factory prides itself on 'Made In Italy' premium quality bicycle tyres. Supported by "the broad shoulders" of the multi-billion-euro turnover of the Pirelli Group, the factory has a maximum capacity of 1.5 million FSC-certified natural rubber tyres annually — with plenty of opportunity for growth. What more reason to visit the factory floor at… Pirelli.

A total of 1,093,478 bicycles were sold in Spain in 2025, just 0.7% fewer than in 2024, according to data presented by industry association AMBE and Cofidis. Total bicycle sales in Spain generated €1.4 billion in 2025, a 9% increase compared to 2024. This growth was mainly driven by the mid-range and high-end segments, particularly e-bikes, which accounted for 21.5% of units sold and 35.2% of bicycle sales turnover.

The worldwide bike market experienced another turbulent year in 2025. Under these circumstances, "Pon.Bike stabilised its turnover at around €2 billion and remained a profitable business with positive operating earnings," owner Pon Holdings announced yesterday. One of the industry's largest bicycle manufacturers states that business again proved to be resilient thanks to its diversified portfolio and market position.

German innovator Fidlock, known for its magnet-mechanical fastening systems, has entered into a strategic partnership with Twiceme Technology to boost bicycle helmet safety. By embedding Twiceme's NFC-based solution directly into a component which every helmet already requires, the collaboration enables OEM partners to integrate connected safety functionality without fundamental product redesign.

Widely considered a huge growth market, e-bike adoption in the United States has been slow — but this may have turned a corner. According to figures from an independent assessment, an estimated 2.2 million units were imported into the country in 2025, representing a significant increase amid numerous changes in domestic trade policies.

The Spanish bicycle market is continuing to navigate a post-pandemic correction. As markets cool and consumer budgets tighten, Spain has again had to swallow a decrease in its bicycle production output. Spain closed 2025 with 286,100 units produced, at a production value of €233 million, according to official data published by the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism.