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Revving Up for the Future: BMW’s Mini Electric Bikes Could Hit the Market This Year
BMW is partnering with French e-bike maker Angell Mobility to produce Mini-branded electric bicycles, according to Bike Europe. The Mini bikes will be produced at Angell’s factory and could be ready by the end of the year. Angell Mobility was founded just three years ago and has already made a name for itself with two e-bike models featuring tech-forward features like app connectivity, integrated anti-theft systems and turn signals.
A surge of automakers join the ebike market
BMW has previously unveiled concepts for high-powered electric bicycles, smaller electric scooters and electric cargo bikes. Several other automakers have joined the e-bike market, including Toyota, Peugeot, GM and Rivian. Motorcycle manufacturers Harley-Davidson, Ducati and BMW Motorrad have also launched electric bicycles and scooters. Swedish electric car maker Polestar has announced that it is set to develop its own e-bikes.
As the market for lightweight two-wheeled electric vehicles continues to expand rapidly, automakers are seizing the opportunity to enter the e-bike industry and claim their own share, taking advantage of the relatively low barrier to entry. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), e-bike sales have surged in the last decade, with 40 million sold in 2020, up from 17 million in 2015. The IEA projects that e-bike sales could reach 60 million by 2030.
E-bikes are a perfect fit for urban mobility, providing a low-carbon, affordable, and convenient transportation option. In addition, they are environmentally friendly and require less infrastructure than cars. With bike lanes and other infrastructure being built in cities around the world, e-bikes offer an excellent opportunity for automakers to tap into the market.
One of the biggest challenges facing automakers entering the e-bike market is competition from existing players. Many established e-bike makers have years of experience and have already built a loyal customer base. Automakers must offer something unique to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
BMW’s partnership with Angell Mobility to create Mini-branded e-bikes based on Mini’s design are likely also to feature innovative technology, such as app connectivity and integrated anti-theft systems, which could make the Mini-branded bikes stand out in a crowded market.
Other automakers have taken a different approach, creating cargo e-bikes, heavy-duty hauling bikes or front-loading bikes for commercial activities. These designs cater to a different market segment, which could provide automakers with an edge over their competitors.
Automakers are rushing to bring e-bikes to market, hoping to grab a slice of the rapidly expanding market. While the low barrier to entry is attractive, competition from existing players is fierce. However, innovative technology, unique designs, and catering to different market segments could give automakers an advantage. With e-bike sales projected to reach
60 million by 2030, this isn’t the last time we’ll see a car company’s badge on a two-wheeler.
While the prospect of BMW and other major brands bringing electric bikes to the market is undoubtedly exciting, pushing the industry forward with new and exciting technologies. Existing major players such as Haibike, Riese and Muller, Cube and Raliegh are already bringing incredible and exhilarating eBikes to market. As the UK’s first eBike only retailer, we have established partnerships with fantastic brands meaning we can get you the very best in prices. So check out these exciting models that we have in stock right now!!
Who did BMW team up with once they realised that eCargo bikes will replace many of their cars?
BMW have already teamed up with a German bike manufacturer (who actually know how to make good ebikes) for a secret project soon to be revealed. The German electric bike manufacturer in question is ofcourse Cube.
