Why China?
Back then, people would frown on the words “Made in China.” However, that stigma is changing, especially in the world of tech and automotive. This is also true for bicycles.
Earlier in May, the Popcycle team visited the China International Bicycle Fair (or China Cycle) in Shanghai. The purpose of the trip was to find suppliers who could complement our lineup of e-bikes and accessories.
The grandeur of China Cycle
If you thought the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay was huge, you’d be astonished by the Shanghai New International Expo Center. China Cycle occupied a total of 13 halls, with each one roughly the same size as the WTC.
Covering it in one day was impossible. The game plan was to go through 4-5 halls per day. Spoilers: It didn’t work as three days weren’t enough.
Although the halls were organized into categories, they were loosely followed. One exhibit could have a kid’s bike, a gravel bike, an electric cargo bike, and a lineup of e-scooters in the hall designated for electric bicycles.
Going through them felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Fiido’s brilliance
Despite the multitude of e-bike manufacturers at China Cycles, Fiido wasn’t there. The absence might sound perplexing. But it made sense after we chatted with Peter, the GM of sales for Europe.
For those unfamiliar, Fiido is based in Shenzhen, China, and it sells e-bikes in regions such as Europe, North America, and Asia.
It’s like the BYD of bicycles, combining stylish design and capable performance at a reasonable price. It isn’t the most premium brand but it delivers the most value for money. The locals who were aware of the brand had high respect for it.
Rather than focusing on China, where pedal-assist bikes appear to be scarce, it caters to markets where e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular.
How is the Philippine market doing?
According to Peter, Fiido managed to sell 3,000 e-bikes in the Netherlands last year. Meanwhile, Popcycle sold 600 units last year. This is a big deal when considering that one country is a cycling utopia while the Philippines is a car-centric mess.
The demands of the Philippine market
One thing that was apparent was that the Chinese factories could make everything with the latest and greatest tech in cycling, whether it be carbon fiber, titanium, belt-drive, mid-drive motors, or internal gear hubs.
We saw all sorts of bicycles, pedal-assist bikes, and e-scooters. But the question was whether Filipinos would actually benefit from those products. Three criteria highlight just how different the Philippines is from developed countries.
1. A throttle is necessary
2. The top speed has to be greater than 25km/h
3. Battery range has to be as long as possible
One and two are crucial because Filipino cyclists are forced to mingle with impatient drivers who aren’t considerate of vulnerable road users. The third matters because a one-way commute could go as far as 20km. Metro Manila is no 15-minute city.
Exciting new products
After three days of canvassing and negotiating, we’re glad to announce that the trip was a success. The team was happy, and the new products couldn’t come soon enough to the Philippines.
What are they? Well, we can’t reveal anything specific as of the moment. But in line with our motto, you can be sure that, just like our tagline, they’ll be changing people’s lives—including yours—one ride at a time.