Harry Kooros
This year’s Taipei Cycle Show, held from March 6 to 9, was the biggest yet, with a record 950 exhibitors spanning over 3,500 booths.
With a supercharged focus on positioning the industry towards a green future, the show was centered around innovation and sustainability.
It was broken down into four main themes and key messages:
Micro-mobility
Bicycle products are increasingly integrating smart technology, diversifying transport options with e-application. Many products in this field were featured at the show, including cargo bikes, e-cargo bikes, logistics solutions, and even an e-bike demo area.
Green Action
Sustainability is clearly at the forefront of many manufacturers’ minds these days. Many brands are now looking to reduce their burden on society via recycling and using renewable materials where possible. Mammoth global tyre brands Schwalbe and Vittoria showcased their efforts with their newly released tyres.
Startup & Innovation
With innovation driving growth in the bicycle industry, the d&i awards were a key facilitator in connecting innovators with the global market. The d&i awards showcase leading innovative products from a number of categories, including Bikes, eBikes, Micro-mobility, and several others.
Culture & Lifestyle
This year’s show promoted cycling culture, encouraging people from all walks of life to integrate cycling into their daily routines.
Industry Update
Felix Chiu, the Executive Vice President of TAITRA (Taiwan’s External Trade Development Council, who were nice enough to send us over for the show), noted that while Taiwan had seen a decrease in exports for both bicycles and parts in 2023, it is clear that the sector is beginning to align itself with shifts toward sustainable practices, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The reduction in imports year-on-year can be put down to stock adjustments after the Covid boom, and while 2023 was a tough year for the global bicycle industry, there is a lot of excitement about what is to come in 2024 and beyond, as the industry aligns itself with green practices.
I’m already counting down the days until the 2025 show, which will be held from March 26-29.
