By Grace S. Ruan
President of Wheel Giant, Taiwan
LEV Conference, Taipei, March 2005
 

 
In her speech, Grace S. Ruan provided an overview of the Taiwanese bicycle and electric bicycle industry. A big issue for Taiwan is, of course, the competition from China. The People’s Republic produced 78.5 million bicycles in 2004, two thirds of the world production. 51 million were for export, 80% to the American mass market. 45 % of the exported bikes came from Taiwan-owned companies. Since 1988, about 300 companies moved from Taiwan to Mainland China and Vietnam, most of them to China. Taiwan exported 4.3 million bicycles in 2004, which is about 85% of the island’s production. The EU cancelled anti-dumping sanctions against Taiwan’s bicycle companies in Febuary 2004 but the rising raw material costs are posing another challenge. As key factors for the future of Taiwan’s bicycle industry, Grace S. Ruan required a clear positioning, innovative product design, brand marketing and international strategic alliances.

As far as electric bicycles are concerned, Taiwan manufactured less than 30,000 units and exported less than 5,000 pedelecs in 2004. Taiwan is still the World’s leading exporter of electric motors. The quality of controllers and batteries is increasing, quality and safety certificates are mandatory.


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