Giant shunts electric bike production to Europe

Giant will alter the focus of its Lelystad manufacturing facility in the Netherlands to deliver its European electric bike business, reports Bike Europe.

Legislative turbulence from Brussels in relation to electric bikes has contributed to the decision, which will see the facility – capable of producing some 200,000 units per year – shunt its focus from premium Giant, Liv and private label OEM work to electric bikes.

Speaking to the European trade portal, Giant’s European General Manager Willem Buitenhuis said that increased demand, particularly in Europe, for electric bikes also strongly played a part in the decision. The unit will supply all of Giant’s distributors in Europe, as well as subsidiaries.

With ongoing uncertainty relating to dumping tariffs on electric bikes sourced from the Far East Giant isn’t alone in its decision to move production closer to home. This, in turn, is a cause for concern for many as supply shortages on batteries and motors will be a likely consequence if numerous brands turn their back on Far Eastern supply in quick succession.