Eurobike 2017: two-wheel trends

People love biking, although overall sales figures have been down a bit this year. But there's no doubt that the market for e-bikes will grow, with the technology involved becoming more and more reliable. And on top of it all you don't have to pedal like mad anymore!

The battery is integrated in the frame and thus saves space. Eurobike official Stefan Reisinger says "e-bikes are the future." An estimated 680,000 e-bikes will be shifted in Germany thoughout 2017. That would mark a 12-percent rise on the year.

There's a growing demand for carrier bikes - good for moving loads of up to 180 kiograms (397 pounds). And good for transporting whatever you need to buy from the stores near you. No car needed anymore, especially when you have electric support.

Whoever believes that e-bikes are only something for those well advanced in years get it completely wrong. Many suppliers at the fair are presenting mountain bikes and racing bikes with an electric drive directed at sports aficionados and even children.

Sales figures for e-bikes may have dropped slighly over the past few years, but revenues have increased on rising unit prices. At the Eurobike 2017 fair, around 1,400 exhibitors will present their newest inventions and trends in e-bikes.

Bike-related accessories and equipment is also a good source of profit, with digitalization making inroads fast. Getting connected bikes is no problem anymore. They can feature GPS navigation services and keep you informed about your speed and the distance covered.

The Eurobike 2017 fair is a four-day event in the town of Friedrichshafen in southern Germany. It continues until September 2 and is attracting and bringing together around 60,000 experts, manufacturers, retailers and ordinary cycle enthusiasts alike.