Two-Wheel Industry Debate: Europe Towards Sustainable Mobility with Portugal at the Forefront

At a time of rapid transition, in which sustainable mobility is no longer just a trend but a strategic necessity, the city of Águeda took center stage on May 28, 2025, for an urgent and structuring conversation about the future of the two-wheel sector. The International Conference “The Two-Wheel Sector in Europe: Present and Future”, promoted by BIKiNNOV – the Value Innovation Centre for the Bicycle – together with ABIMOTA and CONEBI, proved to be much more than an event: it was a collective affirmation that the sector is lively, aware and mobilized.

The opening session set the tone for the day’s debates. Vital Almeida, president of ABIMOTA, was direct in underlining the urgency of adapting in a context of global uncertainty:

“We live in an increasingly unstable world. This conference is more than just a conference – it’s a
platform for action

Portugal: from outskirts to European leadership

Portugal’s position as one of the main European players in the bicycle sector was highlighted throughout the day. BIKiNNOV, based in Águeda, is not just a technology center – it is the reflection of an ecosystem that has made a name for itself through its production capacity, institutional cooperation and entrepreneurial ambition.
Gil Nadais, executive director of BIKiNNOV and secretary general of ABIMOTA, highlighted this commitment:
“We want to be an engine of innovation. BIKiNNOV exists to support Portuguese and international companies, and helps the sector respond to technological challenges with practical and effective solutions.”

On behalf of the national institutions, Fernando Alfaiate, president of the Recovering Portugal Mission Structure, stressed the importance of the RRP as a catalyst for innovation:
“The RRP is fundamental for innovation in the mobility sector. And this transformation is only possible with centers like BIKiNNOV.”
Jorge Brandão, from the Centro Regional Coordination and Development Commission, praised the strategic importance of the host city:
“The success of the Centro Region is linked to Águeda’s productive capacity and the work that has been done in this territory.”

Europe on the Move: What Europe’s Partners Think

The European dimension of the conference was not limited to its name. Representatives from countries such as Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and Spain shared diagnoses, strategies and visions, showing a sector that, although diverse, faces common challenges – from the energy transition to digitalization, from technical regulation to attracting talent.
Manuel Marsilio, director of CONEBI, was clear:
“The two-wheeled sector has a bright future. Sustainability, innovation and institutional representation are our priorities.”

The International Panel presented a comprehensive picture of the two-wheel industry in various geographies.

Maximilian Schrapel, a researcher at the University of Karlsruhe, highlighted the technological advances underway:

“One of the main focuses has been the integration of cruise control into bicycles, with the aim of making
mobility safer, more efficient and more adapted to user requirements.”

Daniela Leveratto, from CONEBI, appreciated the link between technical developments and the work of European regulation:

“It’s a demanding process, but essential to guarantee harmonized growth in Europe. I was very
pleased to arrive at BIKiNNOV and realize that our work is being closely followed here – it’s a sign that Portugal is truly aligned with the sector’s evolution.”

On a more critical note, Phillip Darnton, president of the Bicycle Association of Great Britain, lamented the impact of Brexit on the British sector:

“We made a mistake by leaving the European Union – it deeply affected our ability to grow and coordinate efforts. I am truly impressed by the dedication and motivation that Portugal is showing.”

From Spain, Jesús Freire Valderrama, from AMBE, pointed to promising Iberian synergies:
“The two-wheel sector in Portugal is a real inspiration for Spain. Collaboration between our countries can strengthen the sector’s position at European level.”

Piero Nigrelli, from ANCMA (Italy), praised the Portuguese leadership:
“ABIMOTA and BIKiNNOV are doing an excellent job – it’s this kind of initiative that we want to replicate in Italy.”

Finally, Burkhard Stork, CEO of ZIV (Germany), stressed the need for a systemic approach:
“It’s crucial to understand that cycling, the cycling industry and associated businesses are part of an ecosystem.”

The National Force: Technology, Cooperation and Ambition

On the national panel, companies such as SRAMPORT, Triangles, RODI and Polisport shared concrete cases of how their proximity to BIKiNNOV is speeding up the development of new products, validating technical solutions and
qualifying their teams.

Isabel Gomes, from SRAMPORT, was objective:
“Whenever there are new developments, the center is there to validate our products with laboratory tests. Innovation is key.”

Pedro Araújo, CEO of Polisport, summed up the critical moment the sector is experiencing:
“The bicycle is competing with other forms of mobility. It’s by combining synergies – between companies, technology centers and infrastructures – that we’ll be able to win this competition. BIKiNNOV is the missing link to ensure that victory.”

Luís Pedro, from Triangles, highlighted the proximity:
“BIKiNNOV is a close Portuguese partner with a high level of technical capacity. We monitor the center almost daily.”

Armando Levi, from Rodi, was clear about the impact of the creation of the center:
“The creation of BIKiNNOV marked a turning point in the sector.”

Amílcar Ramalho, from the University of Coimbra, summed up the academy’s vision:
“We are totally willing to develop joint projects. The bridge between science and industry is essential,
and BIKiNNOV is that link.”

A mobilizing agenda with real impact

The AM2R agenda, supported by the Recovery and Resilience Plan and the NextGenerationEU funds, served as the backdrop for the event. According to Ana Reis, chair of the AM2R technical-scientific committee:
“The creation of BIKiNNOV was a direct consequence of the strategy outlined in AM2R. This agenda has helped to structure the sector and guide investment in R&D with visible results.”

César Coutinho, BIKiNNOV’s technological director, announced new advances:
“We are increasingly prepared to respond to the sector’s challenges. New equipment is on the way to further strengthen our capacity.”

The day culminated with a technical visit to BIKiNNOV, where participants were able to get a closer look at the projects, methodologies and technologies underway – in a practical demonstration of what it means to prepare for the future of sustainable mobility.
At a time when Europe is discussing its industrial sovereignty and sustainable mobility, the two-wheel sector is positioning itself as an example of resilience, innovation and transnational cooperation. Portugal, through BIKiNNOV and the companies that surround it, is showing that it is possible to think globally, produce locally and turn challenges into opportunities.

The conference was held as part of AM2R – Mobilizing Agenda for Business Innovation in the Two-Wheeler Sector, of the Recovery and Resilience Programme (PRR), financed by European funds from NextGenerationEU.
More information: https://recuperarportugal.gov.pt

BIKiNNOV is a Technology and Innovation Center dedicated to the two-wheel sector, based in Águeda.
Created under the PRR, it is part of AM2R – Mobilizing Agenda for the Two-Wheeler Sector, and its mission is to support technological innovation, digitalization, sustainability and the competitiveness of national and international companies.

More information: www.bikinnov.pt
Press contact: geral@bikinnov.pt | +351 234 248 960
Full conference program on the conference landing page: https://www.pages.bikinnov.pt/