Micromobility in urban areas: how infrastructure and mobility are changing
Micromobility in urban areas: how infrastructure and mobility are changing Anyone who looks around sees it immediately: micromobility is growing. And fast too. From cargo bikes and cargo bikes to e-bikes and folding bikes. This is not a random trend. It is a structural shift in how we move in and around the city. So the question is not whether micromobility has an impact. The question is: how big is that impact actually? Why is micromobility becoming more popular? The growth of micromobility is no coincidence. Our cities are becoming less car-focused. Municipalities are increasingly choosing less space for cars and more space for cyclists and pedestrians. What does that mean in concrete terms? Less parking spaces. More bike lanes. Stricter environmental zones. New residential areas with lower parking standards. The car is no longer the automatic starting point of urban development. And that is exactly where space is created for micromobility: light, compact, emission-free and perfect for short, everyday trips. Micromobility requires new infrastructure and regulations More different means of transport also means: more different speeds, weights and forms of use. An e-bike rides faster than a normal bicycle, a cargo bike transports children and delivery companies are also focusing on longtails. This brings together different speeds, needs and forms of mobility. You can see this directly reflected in regulations and infrastructure. Municipalities adjust speed zones and reconsider the place of certain vehicles on the roadway. At the same time, bike lanes are being widened, separate parking zones for shared vehicles are being introduced and car parking spaces are disappearing to make room for micromobility. In Amsterdam, for example, thousands of parking spaces have been removed in a few years to create space for cyclists and pedestrians. That is not a detail, that is a redistribution of scarce urban space. What is the result? The city is gradually being designed differently. Less focused on stationary cars, more on movement. More people-oriented. And with that, a new dynamic is also emerging on the bike path: busier, faster, more diverse. This requires clear frameworks and smart solutions. The last mile: where everything comes together Perhaps the most visible change? The rise of the last mile solution. More and more travelers combine train or bus with a shared bike or folding bike. The bicycle is no longer an alternative to public transport, but an extension of it. In the Netherlands, tens of thousands of shared bikes are spread across hundreds of locations and millions of trips are made annually. What does that mean? That mobility is no longer a separate choice, but a chain. We switch effortlessly between modes of transport. The city becomes more flexible and more accessible as a result. Cities that are accelerating now The change we are talking about? It is happening now. And you can see it reflected in very concrete choices in Dutch cities. Amsterdam has been visibly accelerating towards a less car-focused city in recent years. Parking spaces are disappearing from the streets neighborhood by neighborhood to make room for bicycle parking, wider bike lanes and greenery. More and more streets are designed as 30 km/h zones, allowing e-bikes and cargo bikes to flow more safely. In addition, the city works with fixed parking zones for shared bikes and other shared vehicles to guide the growth of micromobility in the right direction. Here you see how regulations, infrastructure and street design come together. Groningen has been building further on its strong cycling position in recent years with new bike streets, additional parking capacity around Groningen station and improved cycling routes towards surrounding villages. Efforts are also being made to create faster and more comfortable connections for e-bikes, so commuting distances remain attractive without a car. The city center is increasingly designed for pedestrians and cyclists, while car traffic is guided via the ring road. Houten shows that smaller cities also continue to innovate. The existing, separated cycling infrastructure is further optimized with better lighting, safer intersections and direct connections to new residential areas. Around the station, the focus on high-quality bicycle parking solutions and good public transport connections is growing. In this way, the bicycle remains, even with the rise of e-bikes and longtails, the fastest and most logical choice for daily travel. Seize opportunities together? Do you want to stay informed about all opportunities and developments in mobility? And do you want to respond to this structural shift with a matching assortment of 23,000 products from more than 160 different brands? Become a customer at PENDLR.
8. März 2026
â˘Rick Leerkes
â˘4 Min. Lesezeit
Bergsma Folding Bicycles and PENDLR: partners in micromobility
In Zwolle, Pieter and Helena gradually built up a unique bicycle company. No racing bikes and no e-bikes in all shapes and sizes, but one clear choice: folding bikes. It turned out to be a golden opportunity and, at the same time, a glimpse into the future of micro-mobility. They work closely with PENDLR, a partner that, like them, is committed to compact and sustainable mobility solutions. Through PENDLR, they purchase brands such as Bohlt, UGO, Dahon and UTO and supplement their range with parts and accessories to provide their customers with a complete service. From living room to shop floor It started out as a bit of fun, refurbishing used folding bikes in their flat and reselling them for âa few quid moreâ. âWe loved figuring out how these bikes worked and then sending them back out into the world in better shape,â says Helena. The hobby grew to fill their living room. Customers literally came to their home to look, and registration with the Chamber of Commerce followed. During the coronavirus pandemic, the duo moved from a temporary garage to a cosy building in Assendorp. Soon, that too became too small. They are now in their current building with more space, but even here they have less and less room, Helena admits with a laugh. Why only folding bicycles? âYou buy a folding bicycle as a solution to a mobility issue,â says Pieter. Customers are often goal-oriented. âPeople come here because they want to take their camper van on the road, take a boat out on the water or find a smart way to cover the last stretch from the station to work, for example.â The perception that folding bikes are difficult to pedal disappears as soon as someone takes a test ride. âMany people are surprised at how comfortable and stable they are to ride. After a few minutes, they often say: I would feel confident cycling to work on this,â adds Helena. New target groups are also discovering the advantages. âElectric car drivers are coming to us more and more often. Because charging stations are not always close to their destination, they use the folding bicycle from the car park as a convenient means of transport,â says Pieter. âWe are also seeing increasing demand for folding bicycles in urban areas. The folding bicycle is increasingly seen there as the answer to flexible and sustainable transport.â City on the move The urban environment is changing rapidly. âYou see cities becoming more compact and there being less and less space for cars,â says Helena. âPeople want to remain mobile, but in a way that suits the hustle and bustle of the city.â The folding bicycle fits in perfectly with this. It can be taken on the train or tram, fits in the lift or under a desk, and makes the last part of the journey easy. âFor many commuters, it's a relief that they no longer have to depend on a bus or parking space. They unfold their bicycle and they're there,â explains Pieter. As a result, the folding bicycle is evolving from a recreational product into a fully-fledged means of transport. âWe really see it as a permanent solution,â says Pieter. âThe demand for compact and smart mobility is only increasing, and the folding bike fits right in.â Service above all else Bergsma Folding Bicycles advertises modestly via Marktplaats, a camper club magazine and local channels, but relies primarily on craftsmanship and word-of-mouth advertising. The promise is clear: personal advice, fast service and honest repairs. On fixed days, there is room for maintenance. Customers schedule an appointment, have a cup of coffee and pop into town. Often, the bicycle is ready within a few hours. This results in loyal fans who even come back from Limburg. The customer base is broad and demonstrates the versatility of the folding bicycle. Motorhome owners, water sports enthusiasts, commuters, lorry and coach drivers, as well as the fire brigade, police and local authorities rely on Bergsma Vouwfietsen. Pieter developed practical carrier solutions and crates for the fire brigade. Everything to help their customers get on their way. A proprietary brand with a recognisable image In addition to the shop, Pieter and Helena developed their own line under the same name as the shop. Frames that fit, parts that can take a beating, and specifications that were shaped by talking to their customers. The result is a series of models that are often considered the best. The models were given playful personal names, named after their children, and a clear signature. There is a blue version with three gears and a black one with seven gears. Recently, a foldable balance bike was added to the range. âWe tailor each production run to what customers really want, from chain guards and anti-puncture tyres to the seating position,â says Helena. Smart components and circular solutions What cannot be purchased, they make themselves. Think of extra-long and stiffer seat posts for classic diameters and special handlebars that allow for a straighter posture. When a frame can no longer be salvaged, parts are carefully reused. This results in boxes of rare parts from specific brands. Exactly what a customer with an older folding bicycle needs. The result is sustainable and service-oriented. Collaboration with Kruitbosch and PENDLR The collaboration with Kruitbosch played an important role for Bergsma Folding Bicycles from the very beginning. âKruitbosch was the first wholesaler we registered with,â says Helena. âThat gave us access to new products and helped us make the transition from hobby to a real business.â That initial collaboration instilled confidence and provided the opportunity to establish the shop professionally. Pieter and Helena now work with PENDLR, the new name under which Kruitbosch is continuing to develop. For them, this fits in seamlessly with their own vision. âPENDLR is strongly committed to micro-mobility, and folding bikes are naturally part of that,â says Pieter. âIt's great to see a large player choosing the same direction as us, namely offering solutions that suit how people want to get around in and around the city.â PENDLR stocks various folding bicycle brands, including Bohlt, UGO, Dahon and UTO. They also source the necessary parts and accessories, so they can always offer their customers a complete and reliable range. Growing while maintaining proximity The ambition is great. Plans include larger premises, further expansion of their own line and collaboration with other shops. One condition remains unchanged: assembly and service must always meet the standards that Pieter and Helena themselves strive for. âWe want to grow, but not through mass production. Personal contact and careful finishing are part of this product.â
12. Jan. 2026
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘6 Min. Lesezeit
UTO and PENDLR join forces to strengthen micromobility in Flanders
From 1 January 2026, UTO will be taking a new and powerful step forward in Flanders. The brand, which recently changed its name from Eovolt to UTO, has opted for an exclusive partnership with PENDLR to strengthen distribution in the region. Together, we are building a future in which micro-mobility becomes even more visible, accessible and impactful. Direct access to the full UTO range This partnership gives Flemish dealers direct access to the full UTO range. From compact and foldable e-bikes to the latest innovations for smooth and healthy travel in and around the city. PENDLR supports dealers with logistics, commercial advice and a strong after-sales service. Everything to prepare them for tomorrow's opportunities. âWe are excited to enter a new phase of growth in Flanders together with PENDLR,â says Luca Chevalier, founder of UTO. âTheir strong local presence, broad product knowledge and passion for micromobility make them the ideal partner to realise our ambitions.â PENDLR expands international role PENDLR already distributes UTO in the Netherlands and is now expanding these activities to Flanders. This represents another major step towards creating an international network that strengthens and accelerates the micromobility movement. âWe are proud to be able to further expand our collaboration with UTO to Flanders,â says Erik Westerlaken, UTO Brand Ambassador at PENDLR. âAfter a successful collaboration in the Netherlands, this is a logical next step in making UTO more widely known. Together, we will ensure that even more people can experience the power and freedom of micro-mobility.â Bring UTO to your shop At PENDLR, dealers can find the entire UTO range clearly organised in one place. We not only ensure a smooth purchasing process, but also provide support, advice and service when you need it. In this way, we help you seize opportunities and serve your customers optimally. Together, we will put UTO even more firmly on the map in Flanders and continue to build a city that keeps moving.
18. Dez. 2025
â˘Rogier Hoeksma
â˘2 Min. Lesezeit
PENDLR and Beta join forces: building the workplace of tomorrow together
Sometimes the right partners cross paths at exactly the right moment. Thatâs exactly what happened with PENDLR and Beta. What started as a coincidental encounter grew into a collaboration built on trust, expertise and a shared ambition: helping bicycle dealers move forward and shaping the workplace of the future. âIt actually began very coincidentally,â says Brian van Boeckholtz from Beta with a smile. âOne of our account managers ran into a former colleague at the B2B Festival, who now works at PENDLR. They started talking, and from there the idea to continue the conversation emerged. Those spontaneous moments often spark the most valuable partnerships.â From first conversation to shared vision What began as an exploratory chat quickly evolved into a shared vision for growth and quality. Remco Lagendijk, Category Developer at PENDLR: âIt started very practically just seeing whether we could mean something to each other. But soon we realised that we share the same ambition: to support dealers better with solutions that truly make a difference in their day-to-day work.â That connection became concrete almost immediately. Brian adds: âFor us, PENDLR instantly felt like a natural partner. They have a vast network and deep expertise in the bicycle industry, and are known as a preferred supplier. We bring specialist knowledge and a complete range for the workplace from tools and compressors to safety shoes. Together, we can help dealers elevate their workplace to the next level.â Specialist expertise in practice Beta is not your average supplier. The company focuses entirely on professionals, mechanics and workplaces, offering everything needed for a safe, efficient and future-proof working environment. More and more retailers recognise that a well-designed workplace directly boosts profitability: with a logical layout and the right tools, you can accomplish more work in less time. And with the rise of high-end e-bikes, cargo bikes and longtails, the demand for specialist tools and knowledge is growing rapidly. With a dedicated team of account managers and sales promoters on the road every day, dealers can see and test products and receive direct advice on the best solutions. Remco: âFor our retailers, this means they donât just receive products â they gain a partner who thinks along with them. From advice on workplace layout to full implementation, together we make sure the workplace is ready for the future.â Ready for tomorrow From 15 December onwards, Betaâs solutions will officially be available through PENDLR. It marks a new step in our shared mission to help bicycle dealers grow with smart, safe and future-ready workplaces. Remco concludes: âWe look forward to introducing our dealers to Betaâs range. This is exactly the kind of collaboration that makes everyone stronger: united, ready for tomorrow.â Interested in Beta as well? With Beta on board, weâre taking the next step toward a future-proof workplace that truly works for you. Interested in Beta? Become a PENDLR customer!
8. Dez. 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘3 Min. Lesezeit
Tradekar & PENDLR: A powerful connection in mobility and brand vision
In the year that Kruitbosch, PENDLR's parent company, celebrates its 70th anniversary, we thought it would be a good time to reflect on partnerships that contribute to our vision for the future. One of the most promising new partners is Tradekar, supplier of Pro-User and Spinder bike carriers since 1 January 2025. A conversation with Jeroen van Dongen (Business Development Manager) and Marjolein Razenberg (Marketing & Communications Manager) not only provided valuable insights into their history, but above all an inspiring outlook on what is possible together. Shared roots: two family businesses under one brand umbrella Both Kruitbosch and Tradekar are companies with a strong, personal identity. Both are family businesses through and through, where commitment, long-term employment and direct lines of communication are a matter of course. At Tradekar, the second generation of the Van de Kar family is now coming to the fore, and at Kruitbosch, too, people with years of dedication are working towards the same goal: sustainable growth with a focus on people. There is another striking similarity: in recent years, both companies have developed into fully-fledged Houses of Brands. Kruitbosch carries PENDLR as a wholesaler and Cortina for bicycles, of course, while Tradekar has brands such as Spinder and Pro-User under its wing with House of Leisure Brands. This organisational structure makes the exchange of knowledge, strategy and branding even more valuable. Pro-User & Spinder: Two brands, two characters Tradekar is proud of its House of Leisure Brands, within which Pro-User and Spinder each have their own identity. Pro-User focuses on broad availability, including via online channels, while Spinder is positioned more exclusively. It focuses in particular on selected dealers where personal contact and experience are central. âWe see it as a strength that we can offer both volume and exclusivity,â says Jeroen. This positioning fits seamlessly with PENDLR's ambition to be at the forefront of micro-mobility and smart urban mobility solutions. A rich history, with an eye on the future Tradekar has been in business for over 40 years and is a typical family business. Originally starting out as an importer of automotive products from Asia, in recent years they have made a clear shift towards the leisure market. Bike carriers, camping accessories and off-grid solutions now form the core of their product range. The acquisition of Spinder in 2013 proved to be an important turning point. The brand was revitalised with a strong rebranding and a clear focus: products that you want to see, feel and experience in the shop. This approach fits perfectly with PENDLR's vision of customer experience and dealer support. Quality and innovation, with the user at the forefront Developments are happening fast: from new mounting systems to instructional videos that make use easier. Attention is paid to ergonomics, safety and changing bicycle types. Input from customers and dealers is actively sought. âIt just has to be simple: put your bicycle on, click, go. That's what it's all about,â says Marjolein. Tradekar and PENDLR are also working together to find the right course in terms of sustainability. Tradekar is taking a more sustainable approach to packaging, considering lighter materials and calling in experts to provide insight into their impact. At PENDLR, we recognise this ambition. With initiatives such as the âSustainable Choiceâ label, we believe that real progress lies in collaboration. A partnership built on trust What makes this partnership so powerful is the open communication and mutual trust. âThe lines of communication are short, mistakes are resolved, and we keep a close eye on each other's interests,â says Jeroen. Whether it's logistics, service or marketing, there is coordination at every level. And that pays off. Finally: the same language, the same course As family businesses, Tradekar and PENDLR share a DNA of commitment, flexibility and customer focus. We speak the same language: whether it's about brand building, mobility or simply âgetting things doneâ. This collaboration feels like a logical step forward, and at the same time, it is only the beginning. Together, we want to continue to grow: with strong brands, smart innovations and an ever-increasing impact.
3. Nov. 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘4 Min. Lesezeit
We make the daily commutes in and around the city more flexible, efficient and green. We are your partner in micromobility.
