트렉 그룹, 도시 모빌리티 시장을 겨냥한 전략적 구조 거래로 EAV 자전거 인수

Man riding an EAV four-wheeled electric cargo bike with enclosed cabin and rear box compartment, designed for last-mile urban deliveries.

프레야
2025-06-06
Ebike 뉴스

June 5, 2025 — London, UK — In a significant development for the European e-mobility sector, U.S.-based bicycle giant Trek Group has stepped in to acquire the assets and operations of EAV Bikes, a UK-based manufacturer of electric cargo quadracycles. The acquisition, announced earlier this week, marks a turning point for EAV, which had faced mounting financial pressures over the past 12 months.

A Lifeline Amid Financial Struggles

Electric Assisted Vehicles Ltd. (EAV), founded in Oxfordshire in 2018, has built a reputation for developing innovative four-wheeled e-cargo vehicles aimed at last-mile delivery, municipal use, and urban logistics. Despite a strong product lineup and visible presence in pilot programs across Europe, the company struggled to scale amid supply chain delays and capital shortfalls.

According to EAV’s 2024 financial statements filed with Companies House, the firm recorded operating losses of £3.1 million, driven largely by rising production costs and missed rollout targets for its flagship EAV2Cubed model.

With mounting debt and no successful funding round in 2024, EAV entered administration in April 2025, prompting concern among logistics firms and sustainability advocates who saw the brand as a pioneer in clean urban transport.

Trek Group’s Strategic Entry into Utility E-Mobility

Trek Group, known globally for its performance bicycles and e-bikes, has made clear its ambition to expand beyond traditional consumer markets and into utility-focused e-mobility. The acquisition of EAV fits that strategy.

“This move aligns with our long-term view that urban logistics and micromobility will play a major role in shaping sustainable cities,” said Laura Reynolds, Vice President of Business Development at Trek Group. “EAV has already done the hard work of developing a compelling platform. We intend to bring scale, manufacturing stability, and global distribution to the table.”

While the exact acquisition value remains undisclosed, sources close to the deal suggest a figure in the range of £4–5 million, covering IP, remaining inventory, and key engineering personnel. Trek will operate EAV as a wholly owned subsidiary, retaining the brand name and its Oxfordshire R&D base.

What’s Next for the EAV Brand?

Trek plans to restart production of EAV2Cubed and EAVRoRo models by Q1 2026, initially targeting the UK, Netherlands, and Germany—markets where e-cargo bikes are rapidly replacing diesel vans for short-range urban deliveries.

According to the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), more than 420,000 cargo bikes were sold in Europe in 2024, a 16% increase over the previous year. Of these, nearly 70% were purchased by businesses, municipalities, or fleet operators.

EAV’s design philosophy—focused on lightweight quadracycles with enclosed cabins, modular storage, and pedal-assist technology—offers a distinct alternative to larger, less nimble electric vans. Their vehicles are legally classified as e-bikes under EU regulations, allowing them to operate in low-emission zones and bike lanes without a driver’s license.

“The timing is right,” said Erik Müller, a mobility consultant in Berlin. “Fleet managers are under pressure to decarbonize, and cities are redesigning space to prioritize non-motorized transport. With Trek behind them, EAV is now in a stronger position to serve that demand.”

Impact on Industry and Competitors

Trek’s move puts pressure on both traditional cargo bike manufacturers and emerging light electric vehicle (LEV) startups. Companies like Urban Arrow (Pon Holdings), VUF Bikes, and ONO Motion have seen significant fleet growth across Europe, but few have the manufacturing scale or global reach of Trek.

Furthermore, the acquisition signals a trend of consolidation in the fragmented LEV market, where smaller startups have often struggled with capital access and regulatory complexity.

“It’s a smart rescue,” said Sophie Grant, transport analyst at Clean Mobility Watch. “Trek gets access to a growing category without starting from scratch. And for EAV, it’s a second chance with a stable backer.”

EAV Staff and Operations to Remain in the UK

As part of the deal, Trek confirmed that it will retain EAV’s core engineering team and continue operating from the company’s Kidlington site near Oxford. The existing facility will serve as a center of excellence for cargo vehicle R&D, with additional investment planned in composite materials and drivetrain optimization.

Discussions are also underway with several former clients—including DPD, Ocado, and DHL Supply Chain—to resume paused vehicle trials and service contracts. Trek’s broader global supply chain and after-sales support may offer reassurance to these operators, many of whom had raised concerns about EAV’s reliability under financial stress.

결론

In an era where cities are demanding cleaner, smaller, and more versatile delivery solutions, the marriage between Trek’s scale and EAV’s innovation appears timely. While much depends on execution in the coming 12 months, the acquisition not only saves a promising UK firm but could help set the tone for the next phase of urban micromobility in Europe.

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