What could be the future of e-bikes?

Research and development have led the e-bike to incredible evolutions, from performance to design and it is now increasingly clear that cars will have less and less importance on city streets, moving bikes to center stage.

The B2B Bike Europe magazine interviewed the two Dutch designers Bastiaan Kok and Petr van der Veer, asking them for a projection on what the future may hold for these jewels on wheels.

The two experts found 9 trends that could be great future developments in the sector:

1. Cargo Bike

E-Cargo will become increasingly important on the scene, despite the fact that they are already widely used in the Netherlands and, in general, in Northern European countries.

They will be purchased by more and more parents to transport their children or to carry expenses and by commercial businesses for the movement of goods and heavy and bulky objects.

2. Four-wheel covered cargo bike

These vehicles will become fundamental for couriers.

They will be cargo e-bikes that will transport parcels from loading hubs to densely populated urban areas, capable of transporting goods safely and quickly, thanks also to infrastructures suitable for this type of service.

3. Hydrogen as an energy source

According to the two designers this could be the primary source for long-range cargo bikes.

Roadside vending machines will allow for quick and easy tank replacement and infrastructure will include service points, catering facilities and mobility centres.

4. Future cargo variants

The cargo vehicles can be covered and available in different variants, with two or four wheels, with the possibility of carrying more people and luggage.

5. Cycle highways

From residential areas, citizens will be able to have access to cycle highways where they can cover long distances and where they can cycle at a speed of 45 km/h. All designed to guarantee safety and practicality, as well as an impeccable design.

6. Cycle lanes with different lanes

There will be wider cycle lanes and the lanes to travel will depend on speed.

7. Special parking spaces for bicycles with rapid charger on the pavement

The e-bikes will be parked in designated parking spaces and, as soon as the bike is parked, it will begin charging wirelessly via rapid chargers embedded in the pavement.

8. Safety for the elderly.

The e-bikes dedicated to older people will have lower access and will be equipped with an anti-fall stabilization system, a warning system for vehicles coming from behind and automatic speed regulation.

9. Connected bicycles with information always available

All bikes will be connected, so a stolen bike can be traced immediately. Furthermore, the cyclist will receive detailed information on obstacles and traffic, dangers and weather forecasts. In this way you will be able to have all the information to ensure an easy and safe route.

A future that winks at sustainable mobility that is increasingly tailored to man and his needs!