It's a bitter pill to swallow: Estonian e-bike manufacturer Ampler has filed for insolvency. Several media outlets have reported this, referring to an automated email that was sent to customers. Ampler was regarded as one of the beacons of hope for smart e-bikes. Just last year, the new Ampler Nova won a Eurobike award. We were also impressed by the visually discreet and USB-C rechargeable city e-bike during the test.
Ampler Bikes confirms its entry into insolvency proceedings in an automated customer email. The filing had become legally binding after it was no longer possible to continue business operations. The company refers to difficult market conditions, economic pressure and the long-term effects of quality problems with earlier models.
Berlin rent dispute as trigger
According to Ampler, the situation came to a head last month due to a protracted dispute over the rental space for the Berlin showroom. The conflict had placed the company under considerable financial restrictions at a critical time. Other e-bike brands with smart, urban bikes have also run into difficulties recently. As a relatively small player, Ampler has probably only realised a few percent of what Vanmoof and Cowboy have been able to achieve on the market.
Support is cancelled
Existing e-bikes continue to function normally. Ampler recommends regular maintenance, keeping them clean and dry and checking wear parts such as tyres, brake pads, chain and drive. Manuals and self-service materials such as videos remain available online. Bikes that are already being worked on in the showrooms should be completed and returned.
Standard components can of course be replaced via normal specialist dealers, but regular customer support will not be available. Existing agreements with service partners are affected by the insolvency proceedings. Ampler is currently unable to provide its own spare parts directly. According to the company, it is working with the insolvency administrator on solutions for maintenance and support via third-party partners. Programmes such as warranties and insurance are affected by the proceedings and are also currently no longer available.
BIKE assessment of the Ampler insolvency
In a tense situation in the bicycle industry, Ampler is the next manufacturer to be hit. This is bitter news for customers. Smart e-bikes in particular can lose an important part of their functionality without an app and support. Nevertheless, Ampler's ideas remain good. Now that brands such as Vanmoof are back on the market after a period of insolvency, it is to be hoped that a suitable investor will also be found for Ampler.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
