Tsinova

About Tsinova

Tsinova, a Beijing-based company founded in 2014 by Chen Tengjiao, Du Lei, and Nick Chen, entered the market to develop smart electric bicycles. Chen Tengjiao's background as a former car designer for Infiniti shaped the company's direction, focusing on creating lightweight, aesthetically pleasing e-bikes for the urban middle class who already own cars but seek a convenient alternative for city commuting. This approach differentiated Tsinova from traditional, heavier e-bikes aimed at those who couldn't afford cars.

The company secured significant financial backing, raising a total of $29.3 million over two funding rounds. A Series A round in September 2015 brought in $6.27 million, followed by a substantial Series B round of $22.6 million in August 2016, led by THG Ventures and Tsinghua Holdings. This capital was intended to fuel the company's expansion into international markets, including South Korea, Singapore, and several European countries.

Tsinova's business model revolves around the design, manufacturing, and sale of high-tech pedal-assisted electric bicycles (pedelecs). The company's products, such as the TS01 and the foldable ION model, were engineered for urban mobility. A key feature is the proprietary VeloUP! smart drive system, which uses automotive-level technology and a triple-sensor mechanism to intelligently analyze road conditions and rider intent, adjusting power output in milliseconds for a smooth experience. The bikes are powered by Panasonic lithium-ion batteries, similar to those used by Tesla, offering a range of up to 70km with a two-hour charge time. At around 14-15kg, they weigh significantly less than typical e-bikes. A companion smartphone app connects via Bluetooth, providing GPS tracking, security features, ride data, and system diagnostics.

The company targeted style-conscious urban professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, with a price point starting around $1,699. While primarily selling in China, Tsinova made efforts to enter the European and other Asian markets, gaining certifications like the European EN15194 standard. Despite these achievements, including winning a Red Dot Design award, the company's UK entity, TSINOVA.LONDON CO., LTD, was dissolved in mid-2018, and recent information on the parent company's operational status is scarce.