Leading automotive supplier and partner to automakers worldwide, Valeo has won contracts from 14 bicycle manufacturers for its electric assistance technology. The high-performance system combines efficiency, intelligence, comfort, robustness and ease of use.
As per the communication from the company, the contracts from customers include La Manufacture Française du Cycle (through its Sunn brand), Ateliers HeritageBike, VUF Bikes, Cycleurope and FUELL.
The first of its kind, Valeo's technology comprises a 48V electric motor and a seven-speed automatic, adaptive gearbox (developed in partnership with French company Effigear) in a single unit located in the pedal assembly. Valeo's electric assistance system will be found on all types of bikes, including trekking, mountain, and cargo bikes.
In December 2020, the Group announced that it was revolutionising e-bike drivetrains with its 48V automatic gearbox system. Just over a year later, this major innovation in the new mobility landscape has taken another step forward. From May 2022, Valeo's technology will enter series production. The order book should lead to the delivery of more than 100,000 units in 2024 to all customers. The Group has adapted its 48V technological platforms, dedicated to the automotive industry, to the bicycle industry. Assembly will take place at the Isle d'Abeau plant (Isère, France), the company said.
Alongside the launch of e-bikes fitted with the Group's 48V technology, Valeo will also make its expertise available in the aftermarket. The company will roll out the necessary technical assistance to all the bike distribution networks chosen by bike manufacturers, wherever the Group's customers are located, to make it easier to service and maintain the drivetrain system.