Wrapping up 2023 and pedaling onwards to 2024
2023 hasn’t been the easiest year for the bicycle industry, especially compared to the last few incredible growth years. This year we saw bike sales hitting a standstill and inventory levels spiking. But despite the challenging year, things are looking optimistic for the cycling industry in the long term. The future looks especially bright for e-bikes, as the electric two-wheeler market is predicted to triple by 2030, already outselling regular bikes in several countries.
Recently, we held a panel discussion with several bike industry insiders on what needs to happen to achieve the predicted 3 x growth. Here’s the summary of the insightful conversation.
Comodule highlights
Voted best IoT provider for Mobility - 2023 kicked off on a good note: Micromobility Industries awarded Comodule as the best IoT and connectivity provider for micromobility. Thanks to everyone who voted for us!
New Head of Product - Our product team has a new captain, Alex Gmelin. With a proven track record in IoT product management and a deep understanding of the mobility and technology industries, Alex is well-positioned to lead Comodule's product team and develop the smart bike concept further. We’re happy to have you, Alex!
We delivered large volumes of IoT solutions - Despite the market turndown, demand for IoT keeps up. Our factory was in full production mode and we made cycling more secure and convenient for many people. Talking of our factory, if you didn’t know yet, it’s based in Tallinn, so all Comodule’s IoT modules are made in Europe. In 2023 Bureau Veritas Certification re-certified our Quality Management System (ISO 9001), Employee Safety (ISO 45001), and Environmental Management System (ISO 14001), making sure we meet high standards in quality and sustainability.
Introduced IoT across the globe - We went truly global in 2023 and visited mobility events on almost every continent, our team traveled to Germany, France, Spain, The Netherlands, Italy, the US, and Taiwan and got inspired by people everywhere. One of the highlights was the annual Eurobike show in Frankfurt, where we displayed a variety of smart bikes and had a memorable networking event to celebrate together with the awesome people in the mobility industry. At the end of the year, we had an industry shapers gathering at our Nuremberg office to share some knowledge.
Working with amazing e-bike brands - We work with some of the most innovative brands in micromobility, and in 2023 we made new amazing partners - for example together with Canyon we equipped the first performance bike with connectivity.
Collaboration with Nexsurance - we’ve partnered with an insurance provider Nexsurance, to make e-bike security even better for cyclists. Adding Comodule’s smart security features to the e-bike gives a 40% discount on the bike's insurance.
We had fun - It’s not all work around here! Comodule’s team took a day off for an internal hackathon and let’s just say, imagination had no limits - cargo scooters, AI integrated into IoT, antennaless IoT solution, and many more ideas were pitched. We also had quite a few parties, sauna nights, winter swimming sessions, yacht rides, and ping pong tournaments to keep the spirit fresh.
Product updates
A New App - Comodule’s software team worked hard on releasing a new companion app, and we mean a total rebuild with improved design and user experience. What’s changed? Mostly the look and feel of the app, and there’s also a lot more flexibility in how bike brands want to set it up and what data they want to display, the app is now more suited for future feature releases.
More standardized IoT solutions - We want to make e-bike connectivity accessible for as many brands as possible and to do that, we’re working on making Comodule’s IoT solutions as simple to integrate as possible. Our standard solutions are compatible with most major drivetrains, so any e-bike can be smart without custom effort. The first step of this project is a standardized IoT solution that can easily be integrated with e-bikes using Shimano drivetrains.
Guardian in mass production - Comodule’s most compact IoT solution, Guardian, is now in mass production. From an idea to full-scale manufacturing in a year - impressive!
What will 2024 bring for Comodule?
Product updates - In 2024, we will have some product updates planned, focusing on reliability and scalability. We will launch new smart features and we have ambitious plans to reach a million connected e-bikes.
We’re moving - In spring 2024 Comodule’s HQ will move to a new building. We’ll still be based in Tallinn, Estonia but we’ll have a lot more room. We’re excited to invite you all to visit us there!
