The future of the micro mobility market at Eurobike 2023 in Germany

The future of the micro mobility market at Eurobike 2023 in Germany

HL Mando participated in ‘EUROBIKE 2023’ held in Frankfurt, Germany for five days from June 21st to 25th (local time). Eurobike is a large-scale event that is considered one of the world's top three bike fairs along with Interbike in the US and Shanghai International Bicycle Fair. More than 1,500 bicycle-related companies from all over the world participate to promote new products and technologies, and more than 60,000 people visit this event, which is an opportunity to meet various overseas buyers. HL Mando participated in the expo consecutively following last year, and demonstrated HL Mando's technology to the world. 

Following last year, HL Mando introduced the SPM (Smart Personal Mobility) platform ‘Pedalrite’. Pedalrite is the world's first SPM-only platform to which chainless mass production technology was applied. It is a technology that is attracting attention in various micro mobility markets, including the e-bike market, where chain drive systems are still the mainstream. 

The Pedalrite uses by-wire technology, in which each component is connected with an electrical signal. Therefore, it is characterized by securing the freedom of design based on the chainless system. It can be applied to various designs such as 2-wheel, 3-wheel, and 4-wheel, and is free from load applied by passengers or objects. For this reason, it is evaluated as an optimized platform for e-Cargo mobility for logistics transportation. 

At Eurobike 2023, HL Mando focused on improving the performance of the pedal light and exhibited new parts such as high-power motors, large-capacity batteries, and rear detection sensors. HL Mando's 2.4kWh high-capacity battery, high-performance motor, and rear detection system are the parts scheduled to be officially delivered sequentially from the fourth quarter of this year, and contain HL Mando's independent technology. The large-capacity battery adopts the LFP (Lithium iron phosphate) type, which is more stable than lithium-ion batteries, and has a large capacity of 2.4kWh, which provides sufficient battery performance with only one battery, unlike the conventional type in which two batteries are installed. can pay. It is superior in terms of price and performance and satisfies various market demands. The new motor was also a high-performance motor with a maximum torque of 120N.m or more, drawing much attention from visitors. 

Until now, the Pedalrite platform was sold with HL Mando's e-Pedal equipped with a motor and battery from another company. HL Mando plans to supply products equipped with HL Mando parts, including e-pedals, motors, and batteries, starting next year with the release of large-capacity batteries and high-performance motors. 

Pedalrite system to drive yourself 

HL Mando took a look at various demo vehicles equipped with pedalrite at this Eurobike and allowed them to drive on the test track. Among the 7 demo vehicles that applied Pedalrite, ECCOV's four-wheeled vehicle attracted attention by applying the new product introduced this time. 

ECCOV's four-wheeled vehicle can drive two motors with one battery, and not only received favorable reviews for its motor's high-output acceleration performance, but also brilliantly implemented differentiated functions such as driver alarm and motor automatic braking of the rear detection system. 

German Eurobike visitors taking part in a demo vehicle test drive Booth visitors took a close look at HL Mando's parts and SPM system and participated in the survey after experiencing them. HL Mando's SPM system has been applied to various companies and vehicles, and it has received high praise for being easy to design and having the advantage of being able to reverse. In particular, large logistics companies such as Amazon in the US and DHL in Germany also visited the booth to experience HL Mando's SPM system. After a test drive, all of them gave favorable comments, saying, “It is an optimized system for e-cargo.” In addition, we received orders worth about 3 million euros from customers who are supplying e-cargo to them. 

The future of micromobility at Eurobike 2023 in Germany 

What technologies did the other companies gathered at Eurobike 2023 showcase? With various micro mobility technologies gathered in one place, the e-cargo market has received a lot of attention. The e-cargo market continues to grow every year. In particular, it is known that the European cargo market has been growing by more than 40% every year since 2018. According to the German Federal Automobile Association (ZIV), 78,000 e-cargos were sold in Germany alone in 2020 and 120,000 in 2021, and 165,000 units were sold last year. Judging from the fact that the German e-cargo market accounts for about 40% of the entire European market, it can be seen that it continues to grow significantly every year. 

As e-cargo is a compact mobility that is only 1/5 in volume and 1/31 in weight compared to electric vehicles, it is easy to park and free from the effects of traffic congestion. The fact that the design of the vehicle can also be customized as desired is a positive factor for future growth potential. In addition, it is possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by using eco-friendly power, and it is known that energy consumption is only 1/16 of that of electric vehicles. In addition, since various subsidy benefits provided for eco-friendly mobility can be expected, transportation and commerce industries that are paying attention to last mile delivery are showing great interest. 

Many companies are improving user convenience, such as pedal noise, pedal feel, and direct connection. We were also able to get a glimpse of high-quality prototype products. New companies also introduced high-performance chainless systems, predicting fierce competition in the chainless system market. In addition, as it was announced that chainless systems will be officially included in the next-generation European standard, an agenda was raised on how companies will respond to European laws and standards, such as battery safety standards, which are expected to be gradually strengthened. 

So far, we have looked at the micro mobility market through Eurobike 2023. Through this exhibition, HL Mando achieved good results, such as obtaining various feedback from real customers about pedal lights and signing contracts for about 1,700 units. HL Mando will continue to develop technology for clean and safe movement for everyone, just like the meaning of the name Pedalrite, which means 'appropriate and correct pedal'.