Circular Business Models for Remanufacturing in the Electric Bicycle Industry

The rising popularity and strong increase in the number of electric bicycles make it necessary to consider the built-in resources as well as possible treatments after the use phase. The time lag between the purchase and the occurrence of relevant defects suggests significant increases in defective components. Especially the great dynamics of the market due to regular innovations, product renewals, and the lack of spare parts availability for older models make the long-term use by customers much more difficult than for conventional bicycles. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze circular business models for the electric bicycle market. In this way, the required structures for a sustainable electric bicycle industry can be created so that valuable materials do not go into disposal but undergo a new use phase. Based on the results of “AddRE-Mo–Value Preservation Scenarios for Urban Electromobility of Persons and Loads through Additive Manufacturing and Remanufacturing,” a research project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, this paper addresses four circular business models, two sales models, and two service models. The guiding research interest of this paper is the combination of remanufacturing and additive manufacturing from a business model perspective, analyzing the extent to which additive remanufacturing can be considered a solution for electric bicycles' circularity. After describing the approach and methods used to develop these four circular business models the business models are described and analyzed using the Business Model Canvas. Based on this analysis, it is shown that the combination of remanufacturing and additive manufacturing can be applied to the electric bicycle market and be integrated into both sales and service models. The description of these business models will help managers design viable business models in the context of sustainable electric bicycles. It also shows that the individual partners within the value chain must collaborate more closely. In the electric bicycle industry, a single company will probably not be able to close the product cycle completely. Further research is needed to develop concepts of the business models and examine their practical feasibility in technical and organizational operations to achieve a circular economy.

Bicycle Industry As a Post-pandemic Green Recovery Driver in an Emerging Economy: A SWOT Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed socioeconomic vulnerabilities around the world. After fighting the coronavirus for more than one and a half years now, the countries are recovering from the epidemic with the help of cutting-edge medical research. The policymakers are implementing stimulus packages for post-pandemic economic recovery. However, sustainable ‘green recovery’ plans are yet to get adequate attention. Sustainable investment in green industries can create green jobs, promote a low-carbon economy, and foster long-lasting economic growth in the post-pandemic world. The COVID-19 affected countries with emerging economies call for even more focus on such investments. In Bangladesh, the bicycle industry - a growing low-carbon industry – has been showing promising potential for growth since the beginning of the pandemic. Both the local and global markets of Bangladeshi bicycles have seen substantial growth during the epidemic. In this paper, we analyze the potential of the Bangladeshi bicycle industry as an effective green recovery driver. We conduct semi-structured interviews with relevant experts and professionals, analyze their opinions, and perform a ‘strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT)’ analysis. The analysis reveals valuable insights regarding post-pandemic sustainable economic and environmental recovery which will be beneficial to the policymakers of Bangladesh and similar developing countries.

Bicycle Industry in India and its Challenges – A Case Study

Background/Purpose: Bicycles are a popular means of transportation in rural areas, especially among low-income populations, but they are also gaining popularity in metropolitan areas, especially among the fortunate and affluent. The Indian bicycle industry is dominated by roadsters, fancy, teenagers, and other types of bicycles such bicycles include mountain bikes, sports bikes, hybrid bikes, touring bikes, and other motorcycles. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of India's bicycle industry and examined it in depth. Objective: To observe the growth and challenges of Bicycle Industries and review the contributing factors that helped this growth. Design/Methodology/Approach: Analysis and presentation of information collected from various scholarly articles, web articles, and using SWOT framework. Findings/Result: Based on the analysis of facts and figures and also by looking at the various scenarios of expansion of the Bicycle industry in India, it is seen that this industry has seen considerable growth and progress in various avenues such as the country's economy, the contribution of the international economy, research in bicycle area. Few recommendations are also suggested to take the concept further. Originality/Value: This paper study provides a concise overview of the bicycle industry based on the different data gathered, as well as information on its existing state, needs, and potential for future improvement. Paper type: A Research Case study paper on growth, challenges of the bicycle industry in India.

Assessment of the competition level in the sector of bicycle manufacturers in the Slovak Republic

Bicycle industry has recorded significant boom recently, mainly as a consequence of global pandemic situation, but also as a result of green policies of countries. The popularity of cycling is on its all-time high, which also transferred to rising sales of bicycles worldwide. This paper evaluates current situation of bicycle industry in Slovak republic, mainly with the objection on performance of Slovak bicycle producers. With use of appropriate indicators, the paper aims to assess the rate of competitiveness among Slovak bicycle producers. For this purpose, relevant indicators as market share, concentration ratio CR3, CR5, and Herfindahl index are calculated and evaluated. The aim of this paper is to analyze financial results of Slovak bicycle industry producers, then measure the degree of concentration of whole industry in order to explain industry competitiveness in context of Slovak economy.