Bicycle Retailer and Industry News - Electric bike

Rad Power Bikes has a new CEO, its fourth in three years

DeanYobbi — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:18:47 +0000

SEATTLE (BRAIN) — Rad Power Bikes has a new CEO as it trims its executive roster during the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, according to a brand spokesperson.

Chief Financial Officer Angelina "Angy" Smith has been elevated to the position after joining the company in April. She previously was CFO of TrovaTrip, a group travel company, and Athena Consumer Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company that merged with Next.e.Go Mobile.

This is Rad Power's fourth CEO in the past three years, following founder Mike Radenbaugh (2007-2022), Phil Molyneaux (2022-25), and Kathi Lentzsch, who was hired in March.

Rad Power's filing is in advance of completing a sale of the company and less than a month after it said it could not afford a recall on some of its older lithium-ion batteries that the Consumer Product Safety Commission deemed unsafe.

It listed estimated assets at $32.1 million and estimated liabilities at $72.8 million. Its inventory of e-bikes, spare parts, and accessories is listed at $14,226,874.73. Its top unsecured claim is with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for $8.4 million in tariffs.

Gross revenue in the past two years fell 52%, from $129,828,790.57 on Dec. 31, 2023, to $63,326,482.86 at the time of the filing.

Rad Power Bikes files for bankruptcy protection

DeanYobbi — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:29:38 +0000

UPDATED with Rad Power Bikes comment.

SEATTLE (BRAIN) — Rad Power Bikes filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday in advance of completing a sale of the company and less than a month after it said it could not afford a recall on some of its older lithium-ion batteries that the Consumer Product Safety Commission deemed unsafe.

Filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington, Rad Power Bikes listed estimated assets at $32.1 million and estimated liabilities at $72.8 million. Its inventory of e-bikes, spare parts, and accessories is listed at $14,226,874.73.

Top unsecured claims are:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection for tariffs ($8,363,749), Bangkok Cycle Industrial Co. Ltd. ($5,353,674), Jinhua Vision Industry Co., Ltd. ($1,414,356), and Fuji-TA Fushida Group Area ($1,223,881) for trade; Commerce Insurance ($1,138,000) and Lisa Gore ($3,200,000) for subrogation; Steve Jay ($1 million) and Susan Luck ($1 million) for damages.

Equity holders are founder Mike Radenbaugh (41.3%), VCVC V LLC (6.6%), Durable Capital Master Fund LP (5.8%), along with other minority holders (46.3%).

"Rad Power Bikes has navigated an extraordinary period of challenge and change, even as our riders and community have continued to show up for us in powerful ways," a Rad Power spokesperson told BRAIN. "As we work to secure a sustainable future for the Rad brand, Rad has filed for Chapter 11 protection as part of a process to complete a sale of the company within the next 45-60 days.

"This step allows us to keep operating in the ordinary course of business while we pursue the best possible outcome for the people who rely on Rad every day. Our goal is to keep the company intact and preserve the relationships we have built with riders, vendors, suppliers, and partners.

"We are not giving up. We remain deeply committed to our customers and community, and we are focused on doing everything we can to strengthen the future of the Rad brand. We are grateful for the continued support of our riders, vendors, and retail partners as we work through this moment and toward what comes next."

The CPSC issued the warning because it said the lithium-ion battery on some older models can unexpectedly ignite and explode, especially when the battery or harness has been exposed to water and debris. Rad Power Bikes did not agree to "an acceptable recall," according to the CPSC, and the brand told the agency that given its financial situation, it can't offer replacement batteries or refunds to consumers.

In early November, Rad Power told Washington state officials that it would possibly lay off 64 employees in January and could shut down if additional funding is not secured.

It's been a dizzying downfall for the brand that in October 2021 announced a $154 million financing round that brought its total investment amount to $329 million since its inception in 2007. Since then the brand has had several personal liability lawsuits, layoffs, and management changes.

Trek recalls Domane+, Checkpoint+ e-bikes for undertorqued chainring bolts

DeanYobbi — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:11:45 +0000

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Trek is recalling about 700 Domane+ and Checkpoint+ e-bike models because the chainring bolts can loosen, posing a fall and crash hazard.

The recalled 2026 models are the Domane+ ALR 5, Domane+ ALR 6 AXS, Checkpoint+ SL 6, and Checkpoint+ SL 7. Three incidents of the chainring loosening without injury have been reported.

The bikes should not be ridden until an authorized Trek dealer can tighten the chainring bolts to the correct specification. Trek will give consumers a $20 in-store credit toward Trek, Electra, or Bontrager merchandise. The credit is valid through Dec. 31, 2026.

The bicycles were manufactured in various colors and sizes. The word "TREK" is located on the downtube, and the model's name is printed on the top tube. They were sold at Independent bicycle retailers and Trek authorized stores nationwide and online from July 2025 through September 2025 for between $5,000 and $8,000.

More information: Trek | CPSC recall page

Domane+ ALR 6 AXS Electric Bicycle.
Checkpoint+ SL 6 Electric Bicycle.
Checkpoint+ SL7 Electric Bicycle.

Ducati's new line of road, gravel, e-MTB models to launch in spring

DeanYobbi — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:21:42 +0000

BOLOGNA, Italy (BRAIN) — Ducati will offer a new range of road, gravel, and e-MTB models in the spring in collaboration with Italian holding company Gruppo Zecchetto and input from three professional Italian cyclists.

In announcing the project, Ducati — which in 2020 made its e-bikes available at U.S. Ducati motorcycle dealers — said it is "dedicated to the development, production, and distribution of a new and broader range of high-performance bicycles." The longtime motorcycle brand entered the e-bike market in 2018 working with Italian manufacturer Thok Ebike under a license from Ducati.

A Ducati spokesperson declined to say if the new models will be available in the U.S. through bike dealers or D2C, adding more details will be released in the spring.

Ducati is collaborating with Diamant S.r.l., a company within Gruppo Zecchetto that brings together brands in cycling footwear (DMT), technical apparel (Alè Cycling), and carbon and composite component manufacturing (Diamant Compositi).

Road cyclists Vincenzo Nibali and Elia Viviani are involved with the road and gravel-bike development, and downhill cyclist Lorenzon Suding is one of several athletes working on the e-MTB models.

"With this new project, we aim to strengthen our presence in the cycling sector," said Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Motor Holding CEO. "The collaboration with Diamant — together with the contribution of Italian cycling champions such as Vincenzo Nibali, Elia Viviani, and Lorenzo Suding — allows us to develop high-performance bicycles designed to offer enthusiasts a level of quality and excitement comparable to that of our motorcycles. This step comes after a journey built with Thok, whom I wish to thank for the valuable work done together over the years."

The project also includes a line of accessories and technical apparel dedicated to each specialty, specifically designed for the new Ducati bicycles.

CPSC issues battery safety warning after Rad Power said it can't afford a recall

DeanYobbi — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:00:26 +0000

Embattled brand says batteries passed third-party testing, says recall would shut down company.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning to stop using some Rad Power Bikes models because the lithium-ion battery can unexpectedly ignite and explode, especially when the battery or harness has been exposed to water and debris.

Rad Power Bikes did not agree to "an acceptable recall," according to the CPSC, and the brand told the agency that given its financial situation, it can't offer replacement batteries or refunds to consumers.

Earlier this month, Rad Power Bikes told Washington state officials that it would possibly lay off 64 employees in the state in January and could shut down if additional funding is not secured.

"Rad's Safe Shield batteries and semi-integrated batteries are not subject to the agency's statement," according to a statement from Rad Power Bikes that the CPSC is including with its warning."Rad had the batteries re-tested by third-party labs as part of this investigation; the batteries passed these tests again. Nonetheless, in an effort to partner with the CPSC, Rad proposed multiple solutions to the agency in good faith. Rad informed the agency that its demand to replace all batteries, regardless of condition, would immediately put Rad out of business, which would be of no benefit to our riders. Rad is disappointed that it could not reach a resolution that best serves our riders and the industry at large. Rad reminds its customers to inspect batteries before use or charging and immediately stop using batteries that show signs of damage, water ingress, or corrosion, and to contact Rad so we can support our riders."

A Rad Power Bikes spokesperson emailed BRAIN after the CPSC warning:

"Rad Power Bikes firmly stands behind our batteries and our reputation as leaders in the e-bike industry, and strongly disagrees with the CPSC's characterization of certain Rad batteries as defective or unsafe. We have a long and well-documented track record of building safe, reliable e-bikes equipped with batteries that meet or exceed rigorous international safety standards, including UL 2271 and UL 2849. The CPSC proposed requiring these UL standards in January 2025 but has yet to adopt them. Rad e-bikes have met these standards for years."

The spokesperson added that Rad Power offered "multiple" solutions, including offering consumers an opportunity to upgrade to its Safe Shield batteries at a "substantial discount." The Safe Shield battery, the spokesperson said, incorporates new, safer, and better technology but it does not mean that preceding products are not safe or defective.

The CPSC said it is aware of 31 reports of fire, including 12 reports of property damage totaling approximately $734,500. Some of these incidents occurred when the battery was not charging, the product was not in use, and the product was in storage. The agency urges consumers to immediately remove the battery and dispose of it following local hazardous waste disposal procedures.

The batteries were sold with the following Rad Power Bikes e-bike models and as replacement batteries: RadWagon 4, RadCity HS 4, RadRover High Step 5, RadCity Step Thru 3, RadRover Step Thru 1, RadRunner 2, RadRunner 1, RadRunner Plus, and RadExpand 5.

The battery model number (HL-RP-S1304 or RP-1304) is printed on a label on the back or rear of the battery.

The batteries were sold on RadPowerBikes.com and at Best Buy stores and independent bike shops nationwide for about $550 for replacement batteries and between $1,500 and $2,000 when sold with e-bikes.

US investors acquire Pedego; Urtopia to provide technical collaboration

Steve Frothingham — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:13:08 +0000

CEO says new partnership will lead to improved products and supply chain

Editor's note: the headline of this story has been updated to clarify the relationship between Pedego and Urtopia.

(BRAIN) — E-bike retailer and brand Pedego has a new owner: the U.S.-based ownership group behind Urtopia, a start-up e-bike brand that offers high-tech carbon fiber and connected e-bikes.

Larry Pizzi, the CEO of newly formed New Pedego Holdings Inc., said Urtopia will provide engineering and supply chain efficiencies and will allow Pedego’s licensed retailers to access high-tech models that complement Pedego’s existing product line. The partnership will also create engineering and supply chain efficiencies that will benefit both Pedego- and Urtopia-branded e-bikes, he said.

In 2021 Verlinvest, an investor group established by the shareholders in the international beverage group AB-InBev, took a majority share in Pedego, which was founded by Don DiCostanzo in 2008. DiCostanzo remained on the company’s board until Oct. 20 this year and is now unconnected to the company.

Pizzi, an industry veteran and co-chair of PeopleForBike’s e-bike subcommittee, celebrated his one-year anniversary with Pedego this week. Pizzi said Verlinvest decided this spring to exit its investment and he spent most of the year identifying a new buyer. He said he had interest from four potential buyers before settling on Urtopia.

Pedego and Urtopia had already been working together as Urtopia was one of a handful of third-party brands that Pedego dealers are authorized to sell to complement Pedego’s product line. Pizzi said Urtopia models appeal to a younger, more “tech-forward” buyer than Pedego-branded models, which appeal to an older customer.

“Fifty-eight dealers took on Urtopia and it was like magic: Store operators were saying, ‘it’s great, it’s not confusing (to the customer) because they can offer a distinct brand and curated experience that appealed to a different consumer.' So it was sort of like a great marriage that blossomed into more cooperation and discussion about an opportunity to acquire Pedego,” he said.

Urtopia was founded by Owen Zhang and backed by several rounds of private equity investments and a crowdfunding campaign. Pizzi said it was a strategic investment by the ownership group behind Urtopia and that Urtopia e-bikes will continue to be sold by independent retailers in Europe and the U.S., and consumer-direct online from Urtopia’s website. Meanwhile, Pedego will continue to offer its dealers Pedego-branded e-bikes, Urtopia e-bikes, and a small number of third-party brands.

Rebuilding dealer count

After reaching a maximum of about 220 dealers during the pandemic, Pedego now has about 120 following the post-pandemic slump. Pizzi said the company plans to begin a new push to grow its dealer count late next year, and is forecasting dealerbase growth in 2027-2029, with a goal of reaching 500 U.S. stores.

Pizzi said Pedego hasn’t launched a new e-bike model since 2023.

“We’ve got a lot of catching up to do to get in front of the market again,” he said.

File Attachment:

Pedego press release PDF

Upway closes $60 million funding round; plans e-bike refurb centers in Denver and other US cities

DeanYobbi — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:49:09 +0000

NEW YORK (BRAIN) — Refurbished e-bike seller Upway closed a $60 million Series C funding round last week led by an investment by Copenhagen's A.P. Moller Holding. The company said it is looking for U.S. growth and plans to open used e-bike refurbishment centers in Denver and other U.S. cities.

Other investors are U.S.-based Galvanize and Ora Global, with continued support from Sequoia Capital and other global firms. The new round brings total funding to more than $125 million since Upway's founding in 2021.

Upway said it is doubling down on U.S. growth, expanding operations, creating jobs, and building circular mobility. This aligns with U.S. rebate programs in states like California and Colorado and supports city-level investments in bike infrastructure in New York and Minneapolis, the company said.

"We founded Upway with a simple idea: light mobility can only be sustainable if it's circular," said Upway co-founder Stéphane Ficaja and Toussaint Wattinne in a joint statement. "This round allows us to scale that vision and make second-hand the first choice for millions of riders. We're building the industrial and technological infrastructure that gives e-bikes a second life, with the same quality and safety standards as new ones. We're excited and ready to continue establishing this entirely new category: one that combines purpose with performance and sustainability with scale."

Operating across France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Spain, and the U.S., Upway has industrial refurbishment centers called UpCenters in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Berlin, Mechelen, and Düsseldorf. Six additional facilities, including Denver, will open within two years as part of a plan to reach 12 UpCenters across Europe and North America by 2027. This will support a network that will employ over 2,000 mechanics and operations specialists by 2030, Upway said.

Upway buys used e-bikes, refurbishes them in-house, and sells them online with a one-year warranty and home delivery. Inventory includes more than 200 brands and 2,500 models. With an average discount of 45% versus retail, Upway says its customers save an average of $1,000 per bike.

"Upway's ability to industrialize second-hand e-bike refurbishment and deliver the highest level of customer trust globally truly sets them apart," said Chetan Mehta, head of Growth Investing at A.P. Moller Holding.

Man sues Specialized over injuries caused by alleged e-MTB motor defect

DeanYobbi — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 19:28:54 +0000

SEATTLE (BRAIN) — A Washington state man is suing Specialized Bicycle Components after suffering injuries following a crash on a Turbo Levo e-MTB he said was caused by a known motor defect.

According to the lawsuit filed Oct. 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, Steve Ruggiero of Bainbridge Island was riding his Turbo Levo in June on the Alpine Trail in Oakridge, Oregon. While in Eco mode, Ruggiero descended a steep section of trail and decelerated over a long flat section of loose shale. Beyond the shale, he encountered a loam surface when the rear wheel "spun out, due to the manufacturing flaw" called overrun, according to the complaint. That occurs when an e-bike accelerates beyond the mode set by the rider and can result in the wheel receiving excessive and unexpected power.

Ruggiero lost control, crashed, and heard the sound of ribs cracking. "When he opened his eyes and looked back, he saw the Turbo Levo on its side with a long 'J' shaped rut spun into the dirt where the rear wheel had suddenly accelerated and spun while driving him into the hillside," according to the lawsuit.

A couple days later he went to an urgent care clinic for x-rays that were negative. Later that night after awakening in more pain and fearing internal injuries, paramedics were called and he was taken to St. Michael's Hospital in Silverdale, where he was diagnosed with seven broken ribs on his left side but no other internal injuries. He remained in the hospital for three days.

The lawsuit alleges the design flaw that Specialized has been aware of was discussed on several online mountain bike forums since 2017 and continues to be discussed with several forum comments being included in the complaint.

Specialized has not responded for comment as of Wednesday afternoon.

After slowly healing, according to the lawsuit, Ruggiero has just started to resume some physical activity but he doesn't know if he'll be able to return to his previous level.

He asks for a jury trial and the awarding of general and specific damages in amounts to be proven; punitive damages in an amount to be shown at the trial; reasonable costs and attorneys' fees; any and all applicable interest on the judgement; and any further relief that the court determines proper.

eBliss will assemble in the US, but that’s just part of the story

Steve Frothingham — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000

A version of this article ran in the October issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News.

UTICA, N.Y. — In a time of tariffs, July’s announcement that eBliss Global will open an e-bike factory in this upstate city garnered considerable mainstream media attention.

The startup’s founders — who include an array of U.S. specialty industry veterans — announced they will invest $4.1 million to begin assembling e-bikes, initially using imported frames and components.

eBliss Global has been selling imported e-bikes for several years under the Always Bikes brand through a variety of channels. The e-bikes that will be assembled in Utica will be sold exclusively at IBDs and bear the Ride label, a brand initially developed by former boutique bike maker Tony Ellsworth, who is a partner and chief design officer at eBliss.

In September, eBliss and state, county and local entities announced an “eMobility Technology Region” in upstate New York to support more manufacturing in the region.

The domestic assembly vibes are headline-worthy, and if it evolves to frame welding and the coveted “Made in USA” label, it will be a rare accomplishment.

Several e-bike companies assemble in the U.S., including Electric Bike Company in California (Editor's note: EBC closed down in early October, after this article went to press) and Life EV in Florida. Before shutting down, Detroit Bikes also made e-bikes in the U.S., using a steel frame made in-house. Guardian also assembles bikes and builds some frames at its Indiana plant. High-end e-MTB brands like Pivot and Yeti also assemble bikes in the U.S., and Blaupunkt recently announced plans to assemble its folding e-bikes in the U.S.). But we are aware of no e-bike brand currently with U.S.-made frames and assembly.

eBliss’s plan is to reach that milestone in several steps, said Bill Klehm, the company’s CEO and chairman. “It’s a progressive roadmap,” Klehm told BRAIN.

Phase 1 is assembling e-bikes from imported parts including frames and wheels. By Federal Trade Commission rules, these bikes can be labeled “Built in the USA with Global Parts.”

By early 2026, the company plans to start building wheels in New York. And Klehm said running changes will add “four to six” U.S.-made components to the bikes next year. That will allow a “Built in the USA with USA and Global Parts” label. He declined to say which parts he expects to be able to source from the U.S.

The final phase includes frame welding and finishing, allowing the “Made in the USA” label.

Klehm said he’s not intimidated by domestic frame building.

“That’s not a big scary ghost. Laser welding or automated welding of frames: It's been done a few times around the world. There’s no unobtainium in frames,” he said.

Klehm said in five years, the roadmap calls for only about 8-10% of the value of eBliss bikes to be imported (and subject to tariffs). That includes tires, wiring harnesses, controllers, and rear hub motors that he doesn’t expect to be made in the U.S. soon.

IBD-friendly plan

The company reckons its leadership team has 600 years of experience in the IBD channel, informing product and program decisions and more.

Industry veterans include Klehm, who was CEO of Fallbrook Technologies, which launched the NuVinci Continuously Variable Transmission.

Tony Ellsworth spent 30 years building handmade bikes under his name and eBliss Vice President Steve Richey is a former VP at Denago eBikes, a product and purchasing director at KHS Bicycles, and founded a California retail chain with six locations.

Tom Roth, owner of an independent sales agency, is leading eBliss’s team of 18 sales reps. Roth is well known by retailers, having worked with brands including ASI/Fuji, Haro, Univega USA and Trek. Roth started in the industry as a shop mechanic.

The brand’s inside support staff includes a supply chain advisor and a dealer advocacy representative who is a former bike shop owner. A third internal advisor is a former bike mechanic whose job is to ensure shop mechanics’ concerns are heard.

Klehm said the e-bikes are being designed thoughtfully for long-term retailer and consumer confidence.

The Ride lineup includes nine models retailing in the $2,000-$3,000 range, including a folding model. Where possible, the models share components, including electrical parts, to simplify life for shops. Parts have a three-year warranty and the company promises any unique components will remain available for five years after the date of the model’s last sale. Components like seatposts were chosen in sizes that are readily available in the industry.

The e-bikes are shipped as Class 2, with throttles, but the throttles can be easily removed to turn the bikes into Class 1. And dealers (but not consumers) will have access to modify them to Class 3 assist levels. A “customer comfort” feature lets users adjust the motors’ top assist speed from 28 mph down to 11 mph if desired, for owners who are uncomfortable with higher speeds.

The sales pitch to retailers includes average margins of about 36%, and a 30% margin for fulfillment of “click-and-collect” e-bike orders. A program allows shops to return grips and saddles that were exchanged during a bike sale for credit, instead of letting them languish in a parts bin. Similarly, a $100 computer display upgrade option will be available, and shops can return the original displays for credit.

Claudia Wasko to leave Bosch, but don't call it a retirement

Steve Frothingham — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:00:37 +0000

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (BRAIN) — Claudia Wasko, the longtime leader of Bosch’s e-bike motor program in the Americas and a pioneer in the U.S. e-bike market, is retiring from the German company.

But don’t count out the energetic Wasko, who said though she is leaving after 34 years with Bosch, she isn’t retiring. She isn’t even thrilled with BRAIN’s go-to epithet for anyone who has been in the industry more than about five years.

“Some people call me a veteran. I don’t know if I like that term,” she told BRAIN. “I just felt it was the right moment to turn the page and open a new chapter, explore new passions and directions. I don't feel like retirement yet. But I will take all my experiences from my Bosch years and channel that into the next chapter. That's still in an exploratory phase.”

Wasko is going to kick off the exploration with the Big Sugar gravel race in Arkansas this weekend, which follows the PeopleForBikes Shift'25 event she's attending in Bentonville this week. She’s also signed up for a half Ironman triathlon in Oregon.

“The ride is my favorite. I’m not an epic swimmer. I do like the run. But at the moment I’m doing a lot of gravel riding,” she said.

Career retrospective

Wasko has spent almost half her career at Bosch focused on e-bikes. Before that she worked in various Bosch business divisions in Germany in the auto sector, including in sales and marketing.

“One of my proudest moments was in 2009, when I was able to be part of the very beginning of Bosch’s e-bike story. I was one of the initial project leads and our task was preparing the decision paper for the upper management board. We essentially were trying to determine whether Bosch should enter the EV market at all.

“Despite the challenging circumstances, the board decided to move forward and I think it’s probably fair to say they never regretted it. That early decision turned into a global success story that’s made a meaningful contribution to sustainable mobility. That really has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.

As a privately held company, Bosch doesn’t share sales numbers, but Wasko noted that after launching at the 2010 Eurobike show with one motor and one battery that came in two colors, Bosch now offers more drive unit systems than she can count, for every type of bike. Globally Bosch supplies nearly 100 brands with motors, including more than 40 in the U.S.

After helping launch Bosch’s e-bike effort in Europe, Wasko worked on setting up a footprint in the U.S. She came to California in 2014 to scout locations for a North American headquarters.

“California was the obvious location for the business unit for several reasons,” she said, including the climate and the state’s reputation as a style setter.

She initially didn’t plan to stay.

“For me personally in the beginning it was not on my radar … but I was scouting locations and I went running in the morning and I saw all the cyclists riding in Carlsbad, and I thought that would fit into my lifestyle. And I thought, after being a co-founder of the e-bike project in 2009, this would be another chance to start from scratch again,” she remembered.

Wasko planned to stay in California for three years, but after that she wanted to continue her work here, especially on e-bike advocacy and regulations in the U.S., so Bosch extended her contract. Eventually she decided she wanted to be in the U.S. for good and got her green card in 2018 and then this January became a U.S. citizen.

On the business side, Bosch put a focus on service and education for retailers — a counter-intuitive move because as an OE supplier, Bosch sells to bike brands, not retailers.

“In 2010, when the e-bike business unit was just started I introduced the concept of a dedicated technical representative. The role was to directly support bicycle dealers carrying Bosch-equipped e-bikes. No other company offered anything comparable. So even though we didn’t sell directly to the retailers, we still invested in building a relationship with them and supporting them. And that decision really paid off, and our reputation for quality with the dealers remains an important part of our success."

Wasko is also proud of her work in e-bike advocacy. As co-chair of PeopleForBikes’ e-bike subcommittee she had a role in pushing most U.S. states to adopt a three-class e-bike system, and later in developing a strategy for battery and rider safety and standards.

Wasko will remain with Bosch until the end of the year, when Dave Howard, currently the general manager of Bosch’s Asian e-bike business, will take over as head of the North American office.

On-going challenges

In recent years the U.S. e-bike industry first dealt with a rise in lithium-ion battery fires, a crisis that has eased somewhat thanks to local and industry regulations, education, and standards adoption. More recently, national and local media reports are suddenly full of stories about kids recklessly riding out-of-class e-motos, which reflects poorly on the adoption of legal e-bikes.

Wasko said there actually are two concerns when it comes to high-powered electric two-wheelers. First, some brands are offering e-bikes that are within the three-class system and within the federal limit for e-bikes power (750 watts) but maximize torque and power due to the federal limit's language, which she said is ambiguous. A second concern is e-motos, also called out-of-class machines, which are often described as e-bikes even though, legally, they are electric motorcycles.

On the first issue, PeopleForBikes and others initially hoped that the CPSC could better define the power limit that separates e-bikes from e-motos, but under the current administration that’s become unlikely. Advocates now are looking to states to pick up that work.

“We see a huge, huge risk here because those bikes are moving away from the character of a bicycle and what muscle power on an acoustic bike can do, and we see more and more accidents on those vehicles,” she said.

The German industry has voted to adopt a more stringent and better-defined power limit of 750 watts of maximum mechanical power. The German proposal also aims to limit the ratio of human power to electric assist. Wasko said something similar is needed in the U.S. to protect the active mobility character of the eBike.

On the e-moto issue, Wasko said education is needed to let the public and the media know that these machines are not e-bikes.

“You see a lot of confusion in the media. They write about e-bikes and then you see the picture and you know immediately: This is not an e-bike, this is an out-of-class vehicle. So we need to educate, not only the media but also the public and parents.”