Cycling industry bets on smart bikes to boost sales

Cycling industry bets on smart bikes to boost sales as manufacturers showcase AI-enabled technology at Eurobike 2026 in Frankfurt, aiming to reverse years of weakening demand. Artificial intelligence is moving beyond cars and smartphones into areas such as electric drive assistance, safety alerts, and automated services. At Avinox, a motors supplier, the company says sensors monitor rider motion and terrain to adjust e-bike assistance automatically, and it can transmit real-time heart-rate data so assistance changes on the fly. At Germany’s Canyon, prototype systems use cameras and radars to warn riders of hazards such as opening car doors, through frame visuals, handlebar vibrations, or a helmet visor. Canyon is also developing vehicle-to-bicycle communication with Volkswagen, planned in about three years. AI is also reshaping insurance and repairs, as Linexo expects around 90% of claims handled automatically by year-end.