Author: Helene Gaspar

On the evening of July 17, a woman returned to the station where she put her bike around 23:30 to discover her bike missing from the station, with only a broken lock left behind.

However, the story took a positive turn when the police in Rivierenland, Rutten, soon found a bicycle with a Velopass ID. This ID enabled them to quickly identify the owner and return the bike. The owner was thrilled and surprised to get her bicycle back, joking, “My insurance company will be happy!”

Chamizo, a bike store in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, attaches a Velopass ID to every bike they sell to enhance customer service and deter theft. “We are very happy that we could help,” said Timothy from Chamizo.

For more information, visit www.velopass.com.

Kontich, Belgium, October 31, 2023. In the night of October 25-26, the police zone KASTZE (Kampenhout – Steenokkerzeel – Zemst) was able to recover a number of stolen bicycles and arrested a number of individuals.

The police caught a number of people red-handed in Kontich and found a dozen bicycles.

The Velopass ID on one of the bicycles enabled the police to track down the owner of the bicycle. The owner confirmed that his bicycle had been stolen and was able to prove to the police that it was his bicycle using the digital passport.

“This is a great example of how we can work together to combat bicycle theft,” said the chief inspector of the KASTZE police zone. “Thanks to Velopass, we were able to recover the stolen bicycles and arrest the perpetrators.”

“We are very happy that we could help,” said the owner of bike shop ‘t Ventiel. “We want to give our customers a sense of security.”

Bike shop ‘t Ventiel in Kontich equips all of the bicycles it sells with a Velopass ID. This means that the owners of ‘t Ventiel’s bicycles are much safer from bicycle theft.

For more information about Velopass, visit www.velopass.com.

Introduction

In a world marked by rapid technological advancement, we see that the bicycle industry has been slow to adapt to one critical aspect of modern life – registration. The surge in popularity of e-bikes, with an average price tag of around 2000 euros, has led to a concerning uptick in bicycle theft. In cities like Amsterdam, the theft rate of fatbikes has soared to a staggering 90%, prompting insurance companies to reconsider coverage for these high-value two-wheelers. However, the absence of a standardized registration system for e-bikes has created a vulnerability that thieves are exploiting, contributing to the rising number of stolen bicycles. This problem isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s affecting the entire bicycle industry.

The Registration Void

E-bikes, unlike cars, are not registered to their owners, creating a vulnerability that criminals are eager to exploit. Stealing a bicycle and attempting to sell it online has become far too easy. This vulnerability is a result of a fragmented and disjointed bicycle industry. At its core, the problem lies in the absence of a unique identification system for bicycles, rendering them anonymous and untraceable. Even when some local or national registries exist, once the bicycle crosses the border, there is no way to trace the bicycle back to the original owner. Next to that, they often lack integration with the wider industry. making them ineffective in curbing the escalating theft crisis. A status check needs to be integrated in the systems of bike stores, online marketplaces etc. so that stolen bicycles cannot be serviced and sold so easily.

A Discouraging Trend for Cyclists

The consequences of this theft crisis extend beyond mere inconvenience; it strikes at the core of the cycling ethos. As the number of stolen bikes approaches an alarming 100,000 in Amsterdam alone, it’s evident that the spirit of cycling is being dampened. Many individuals who have experienced theft find themselves disheartened less inclined to embrace the benefits of this eco-friendly mode of transportation.

The smart frame number

Velopass is an international platform that not only registers bicycles but also provides an integrated solution across all industry players through the smart frame number. The critical aspect here is not just registering bicycles but ensuring that their status is easily accessible to all stakeholders, from bike stores and law enforcement to potential buyers. This is achieved through a unique code assigned to each bicycle, ensuring that the information is both secure and accessible.

How Bike Brands Can Utilize the smart frame number

Bike brands stand to benefit significantly from the integration of Velopass into their operations. By incorporating the smart frame number provided by Velopass, these brands can streamline their processes, enhance efficient collaboration with partners and bolster their commitment to customer satisfaction. With an integrated registration system, they can offer their customers the added peace of mind that their e-bikes are not just high-quality products but also secure investments. Moreover, by actively participating in the fight against e-bike theft, these brands can bolster their reputation as responsible industry players, contributing to a safer cycling environment for all.

Insurance Companies and the smart frame number

Insurance companies have a crucial role to play in reducing e-bike theft and increasing the likelihood of recovery. By partnering with Velopass, they can incorporate the smart frame number into their insurance policies. This integration can enable insurance providers to offer more comprehensive coverage to policyholders, effectively addressing the growing concerns related to e-bike theft. Reduced theft claims and increased recovery rates will not only benefit insurance companies financially but also bolster their reputation for providing robust and innovative insurance solutions, ultimately creating a win-win scenario for both insurers and their customers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current situation regarding e-bike registration is undeniably perplexing. In a world where technology enables seamless connections and information sharing, the bicycle industry remains tethered to outdated practices. Velopass, with its comprehensive and integrated approach, presents a promising solution to a pressing problem. It’s time for the industry to unite against the epidemic of e-bike theft and for cyclists everywhere to regain the peace of mind they deserve.

Introduction

The recent bankruptcy of Vanmoof, a well-known direct-to-consumer (D2C) eBike brand, has once again shed light on a recurring issue in the D2C market. While the convenience of buying directly from the manufacturer may seem appealing, customers have often found themselves let down by inferior products and limited aftercare. As eBikes become increasingly popular, it is crucial to understand the importance of efficient maintenance and repair processes. The fragmented nature of the bike industry and the lack of a standardized data exchange system make collaboration challenging, but solutions like the smart frame number hold the key to improving the industry’s after-sale service.

The Pitfall of D2C Brands and Limited Aftercare

D2C brands like Vanmoof have captivated customers with their sleek designs and the promise of cutting out the middleman. However, this direct approach can backfire when it comes to aftercare and maintenance. eBikes are intricate machines that may require periodic repairs or servicing, yet customers often find themselves at a loss when faced with maintenance issues. Relying on third-party repair shops or navigating remote customer service processes can be frustrating and time-consuming, leaving customers feeling abandoned by the brand they once trusted.

The Importance of Efficiency in Maintenance and Repair

The bike industry, much like any other, can benefit significantly from efficient maintenance and repair processes. With the rising popularity of eBikes, it is crucial for brands to provide customers with accessible and reliable aftercare solutions. However, the industry faces a unique challenge due to its fragmented nature. With numerous manufacturers, retailers, and repair shops operating independently, there is no standardized way to store and exchange vital maintenance data.

Unlocking Collaboration with the Smart Frame Number

The absence of a unified data exchange system hampers collaboration within the bike industry. This is where the smart frame number comes into play. A digital ID connected to the bicycle. The smart frame number can revolutionize the way data is stored and shared across the industry. By embracing this technology, bike brands can bridge the gap between manufacturers, retailers, and customers, fostering efficient communication and improving aftercare services.

The Winning Strategy: Prioritizing After-Sale Service

In an increasingly competitive market, bike brands that prioritize after-sale service will undoubtedly gain a competitive edge. The smart frame number acts as a key enabler, enhancing collaboration between brands and dealers. With a comprehensive digital maintenance logbook accessible at their fingertips, dealers can make informed decisions about repairs and provide personalized recommendations to customers. This streamlined process ensures faster service delivery, increased customer satisfaction, and ultimately, greater loyalty to the brand.

Conclusion

The bankruptcy of Vanmoof serves as a stark reminder of the importance of efficient maintenance and collaborative aftercare in the D2C bike industry. As eBikes continue to grow in popularity, brands must recognize the significance of providing accessible, reliable after-sale services. The fragmented nature of the industry calls for innovative solutions, and the smart frame number holds immense potential in revolutionizing maintenance processes and improving collaboration between brands and dealers. By embracing this technology and prioritizing after-sale service, bike brands can gain the trust and loyalty of their customers, securing a brighter future for the industry as a whole.

Introduction
In the dynamic world of cycling, the bike industry often draws inspiration from the automotive industry to enhance its practices and deliver better services to customers. One such innovation that exemplifies this cross-industry learning is the smart frame number. By incorporating efficiency measures inspired by the automotive industry, we bring together bike retailers, manufacturers, and owners to streamline maintenance processes and improve the overall management.

Efficiency in the Bike Industry
Efficiency is crucial in any industry, and the bike industry is no exception. As the number of bicycles on the roads continues to grow, ensuring effective and streamlined maintenance becomes increasingly challenging. Traditionally, bike owners rely on physical maintenance logbooks or their own memory to keep track of service records. However, this manual approach is prone to errors, inconsistencies, and loss of information.

Enter Velopass and the Smart Frame Number
Velopass addresses these challenges by introducing the smart frame number—a unique identifier connected to the bicycle. This smart frame number serves as a digital passport for the bike, containing important information about its Bill of Materials, maintenance history, service contracts and ownership status.

The Power of Integration
One of the key strengths of Velopass is its ability to integrate all actors within the bike industry. From manufacturers and retailers to insurance and leasing, the system seamlessly connects everyone involved in the lifecycle of a bicycle. This integration ensures that maintenance records are consistently updated and easily accessible to authorized parties.

Streamlining Processes for Bike Shops
Bike shops also benefit greatly from Velopass. When a bike with a smart frame number is brought in for service, the shop can easily access its complete maintenance history. This allows mechanics to make informed decisions and provide tailored service recommendations. By eliminating the guesswork and potential miscommunication, Velopass streamlines the repair process, resulting in faster and more efficient service delivery.

Efficiency and Convenience for Bike Owners
For bike owners, Velopass simplifies the process of managing maintenance and service requirements. Through their digital passport, owners can access a comprehensive maintenance logbook for their bike.This system eliminates the need for manual record-keeping and provides peace of mind, knowing that their bike’s maintenance history is accurate and up to date.

Collaboration and Data Sharing
Velopass facilitates collaboration and data sharing among various actors in the bike industry. Manufacturers can gain valuable insights into the performance and maintenance needs of their products, enabling them to improve future designs. Retailers can provide personalized recommendations based on a customer’s bike history. Furthermore, aggregated data can be utilized to identify trends, anticipate component failures, and enhance overall product quality.

Conclusion
With the use of the smart frame number, we can enhance bike maintenance and efficiency in the industry. By connecting all actors in the industry, it brings unparalleled efficiency and convenience to the process. With a comprehensive maintenance logbook accessible, bike owners can enjoy hassle-free record-keeping, while bike shops can provide faster and more accurate service. This way we can create a more interconnected and streamlined bike industry, ultimately enhancing the cycling experience for all stakeholders involved.

Introduction
In an era driven by digital transformation, where industries are constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies, it is surprising to find one sector that has lagged behind in terms of organizational efficiency and data management. Bicycles, unlike their automotive counterparts, have lacked a unique identification, which has made it nearly impossible to track, manage, and share vital information across all parties involved in the industry. This article explores the potential of digital ID’s and how it can revolutionize the bicycle industry.

Fragmented Industry, Collective Challenges
The bicycle industry is marked by fragmentation, with numerous stakeholders collaborating on a single bicycle throughout its lifecycle. Astonishingly, the top five bicycle manufacturers in Europe only account for a mere 11.9% of the e-bike market. This fragmentation raises several critical questions: How do these diverse actors work together? How can they gain insights into the bill of materials and the historical background of each bicycle? How can they ascertain the connected contracts related to a specific bicycle?

Escaping the Information gap
Currently, the lack of a clear information framework has made it very complicated for industry participants to access accurate data easily. There is an urgent need for collaboration among all actors to establish an efficient, secure, and sustainable industry. Fortunately, such collaboration is a win-win situation, as it provides insights into bicycle activities beyond individual ecosystems.

The Role of Digital ID
To bring the industry together and overcome these challenges, a digital ID offers a beacon of hope. This unique identifier enables all actors within the bicycle industry to connect on a single platform. With the digital ID, crucial information such as bike data, service contracts, and ownership details can be stored and exchanged seamlessly among partners. By embracing this unified identifier, the industry can work more efficiently, securely, and sustainably.

Forging New Connections
But where does one begin? How can every stakeholder connect? Initiating this transformative process requires a cohesive effort. The digital ID serves as the catalyst for this unification, offering a common ground for all participants to connect. By embracing this digital infrastructure, the bicycle industry can bridge the gaps that have hindered progress and establish a stronger foundation for collaboration.

Efficiency, Security, and Sustainability
The advantages of a digital ID for bicycles are far-reaching. Enhanced efficiency can be achieved through streamlined data management, enabling stakeholders to access vital information swiftly and accurately. Security measures can be strengthened, safeguarding confidential data and protecting against theft and fraud. Moreover, this unified platform paves the way for sustainable practices, encouraging greater accountability and traceability throughout the bicycle’s life cycle.

Conclusion
The bicycle industry has long awaited a transformational change to address its organizational inefficiencies and information gaps. The advent of a digital ID for bicycles offers a unifying force that can reshape the industry’s landscape. By facilitating collaboration, streamlining data management, and bolstering security and sustainability, this innovation promises a brighter future for all stakeholders involved. It is time for the bicycle industry to embrace this technological leap and embark on a collective journey toward progress.