When e-bikes drive e-trucks: Kuehne+Nagel’s partnership with Riese & Müller

Amidst the chaos of the pandemic, a curious phenomenon emerged: the 'bicycle boom'. With entertainment options limited, there was a surge of interest in accessible outdoor activities, with cycling leading the charge. 

The result? A sudden spike in bicycle orders, causing shortages across the market. Yet, Riese & Müller kept the wheels turning during the lockdown, supplying e-bikes to stores across Europe with Kuehne+Nagel as their logistics partner. 

How? Well, according to Tobias Kuhn, Key Account Manager at Kuehne+Nagel, it's all about their approach. "They manufacture their e-bikes similarly to the automotive industry: just in time. And they also configure each bike individually," he explains, beaming with pride about working closely with this prestigious electric bicycle brand. 

Bicycle dealers often have to order their stock of configured two-wheelers a year ahead of time. Unlike most bicycle manufacturers, however, Riese & Müller can deliver in short timelines. The premium e-bike manufacturer configures and assembles the bikes individually at their campus in Mühltal near Darmstadt, Germany, as soon as an order is received.

Founded in 1993 by Markus Riese and Heiko Müller, the owner-managed company now employs almost 900 people at its premises and sells its products worldwide through an exclusive dealer network. The company is synonymous with a sustainable lifestyle, user-focused product development and innovative E-Bike technologies.

With sufficient components in stock, they dodged issues engendered by the pandemic like production stoppages in Asia and shipping container constraints.  

 Tobias describes this success as one of several milestones in the partnerships between the two companies. 

A long-standing partnership 

When Riese & Müller was growing with double digits, the surging need for components and customer deliveries required nimble supply chain planning in sea, air and road freight.  Both companies managed to keep up thanks to close communication. 

In the early 2020s, Kuehne+Nagel joined Riese & Müller in their quest to conquer new markets, orchestrating the inaugural shipments to North America and Australia.  

Europe, however, remains the biggest market.  Each day, the team orchestrates the movement of 6 to 12 full trucks, consolidating cargo destined for every corner of Europe. 

Going electric 

Amidst this bustling activity, the latest partnership milestone shines brightly: the introduction of an electric truck exclusively dedicated to serving Riese & Müller.  

Sustainability has long been a focal point in the ongoing discussions between these two partners, and the introduction of the electric truck marks a significant milestone in their shared commitment. 

The truck is set to cover approximately 300 kilometers daily, shuttling between Riese & Müller's manufacturing hub in Mühltal and Kuehne+Nagel's warehouse in Mainz, where the bicycles are prepared for distribution to stores.  

It's important to acknowledge that this is no small feat. Electric trucks still face numerous challenges, including limited driving range, payload restrictions, and a lack of charging infrastructure. However, Kuehne+Nagel remains dedicated to finding solutions for their customers.

“We are always delighted when customers come to us and ask to put electric trucks on the road together with them. Today it is the most impactful way to reduce transport emissions from road freight,” Tobias Jerschke, Managing Director at Kuehne+Nagel Germany, said.  

“It requires our team to look at those parts of that customer’s operations where it is feasible and efficient, like the leg between Darmstadt and Mainz. Sometimes we need to install additional charging stations like we did recently in Mainz. With this investment, Riese & Müller and Kuehne+Nagel are sending a strong signal: that we take decarbonisation seriously.” 

Sebastian Leschinger, Head of Supply Chain at Riese & Müller, said: “We have a long and trusting partnership with Kuehne+Nagel and are therefore delighted that we are taking the next step towards sustainable logistics together.  

With the new electric truck, which will be used exclusively for all deliveries from our site to the distribution center, we are taking another important step towards becoming the most sustainable company in the e-bike industry.”