Reporting from Taichung, Taiwan: Nestled in Taichung, Taiwan – often hailed as the “Heart of Asia” – lies a pivotal, yet perhaps lesser-known, institution driving innovation in two rapidly evolving sectors: cycling and health technology. The Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center (CHC), a non-profit organisation co-founded by the government and industry in 1992, has quietly become a global force, assisting manufacturers in developing cutting-edge products and shaping industry standards.

At its core, CHC’s mission is multifaceted: to serve as an innovative design service platform for bicycles, conduct extensive R&D in bicycle and manufacturing technologies, establish crucial industry standards, provide rigorous testing and certification services, and cultivate future talent for these dynamic fields.

A Hub of Expertise and Advanced Testing
What truly sets CHC apart is its deep well of human expertise and state-of-the-art facilities. With a team of 99 employees, an impressive 55% hold Master’s degrees, and a significant 46% boast over a decade of experience. Their specialties span mechanical engineering, material science, electrical and electronic engineering, computer science, and design, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern product development.

This intellectual capital is matched by an array of 12 specialised R&D labs. From the Material Analysis Lab and Medical Performance Lab to the Smart Machines Lab and Electrically Power Assisted Cycle Lab, CHC covers every facet of bicycle and health tech development. Their commitment to quality is evident in their international accreditations from bodies like TÜV SÜD, UL, TAF (Taiwan Accreditation Foundation), and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC-MRA), ensuring their testing and certification services meet global benchmarks.

Driving Innovation: From Olympic Tracks to Everyday Wellness
CHC’s innovative spirit is visible in a range of compelling product examples:

1. E-handcycle: A testament to inclusive design, this electrically power-assisted, foldable, and lightweight handcycle is specifically crafted for disabled individuals, offering them enhanced mobility and leisure opportunities. Its design incorporates aerodynamic principles with CAD and CAE simulated analysis.
2. Track Bike for Olympic Athletes: Showcasing high-performance engineering, this track bike is designed for low wind resistance and high stiffness, giving elite athletes a competitive edge.
3. Functional Learning Pushbike: A multi-patterned kid’s bike made from bent wood, it transforms into a rocking horse, baby walker, pushbike, or traditional kid’s bike, adapting to a child’s growth from one to seven years old.
4. CHC Climber (Indoor Training System): This innovative trainer simulates outdoor riding by incorporating inclinations and vibrations, mimicking asphalt, brick, gravel, plank-road, and off-road scenarios. It’s compatible with any FTMS (Fitness Machine Service Protocol) supported trainers or software, offering simulated slopes of +20% to -10%.
5. The Handcycle 2.0: An advanced version featuring torque assistance for starting, integrated safety detection and warning systems, dual disc brakes, an adjustable seat position with lower span height, and a dual-battery system.

Beyond individual products, CHC is actively pushing boundaries in broader technological themes like Electrification & Connection (especially for e-bikes) and Smart Manufacturing. Their smart manufacturing initiatives leverage technologies such as APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling), IR (Industrial Revolution), CPS (Cyber-Physical Systems), M2M (Machine-to-Machine), IoT (Internet of Things), Traceability, Cloud, and Big Data.

Fostering Sustainability and Global Collaboration
CHC’s influence extends far beyond product development. They organise the International Bicycle Design Competition (IBDC), which has run for 25 editions, fostering global participation and developing future industry talent. They also play a crucial role in promoting sustainability. As the Secretariat of the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS), established in 2022 with major manufacturers like GIANT, MERIDA, and KMC as members, CHC drives efforts to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net-zero transformation within the bicycle industry. This includes conducting seed personnel training and carbon footprint assessments.

“Our new R&D project integrates the human-bicycle-environment interface, resonating with the ‘Go Healthy with Taiwan‘ initiative,” states a CHC representative, highlighting their commitment to holistic health solutions. The center actively engages with international partners, fostering cooperative ties with associations across Europe, the U.S., and Japan. They regularly exchange information and participate in major international exhibitions like EUROBIKE 2025, where they will deliver keynote speeches on health and bicycle technology trends. CHC is also a member of influential international associations such as Cycling Industries Europe (CIE), LEVA-EU, CAN in Automation (CiA), People For Bikes (USA), LEVA (USA), and JBPI (Japan).

The Future: Smart, Sustainable, and AI-Driven
Taiwan’s bicycle industry, largely clustered in the central region, is known for its export-oriented focus on mid-to-high-end products. With an annual production value of approximately $4.8 billion (2024 data), Taiwan remains a significant player. However, the industry faces the challenge of transitioning from traditional manufacturing to mechatronic integration and AI-driven intelligence.

CHC identifies intelligentisation, electrification, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) trends as primary influencing factors for the future. They are actively developing smart products, open communication protocols, advanced testing technologies, and environmentally friendly materials. “Achieving net-zero emissions and addressing issues related to environmental sustainability have become the primary challenges faced today,” a CHC spokesperson noted.

Through its extensive R&D, adherence to global standards, commitment to sustainability, and strategic international collaborations, the Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center (CHC) continues to solidify Taiwan’s position as a global leader, powering the next generation of healthier and more technologically advanced cycling and health solutions.