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 ‘a few quid more’. ‘We loved figuring out how these bikes worked and then sending them back out into the world in better shape,’ 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? ‘You buy a folding bicycle as a solution to a mobility issue,’ says Pieter. Customers are often goal-oriented. ‘People 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.’ The perception that folding bikes are difficult to pedal disappears as soon as someone takes a test ride. ‘Many 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,’ adds Helena. New target groups are also discovering the advantages. ‘Electric 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,’ says Pieter. ‘We 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.’ City on the move The urban environment is changing rapidly. ‘You see cities becoming more compact and there being less and less space for cars,’ says Helena. ‘People want to remain mobile, but in a way that suits the hustle and bustle of the city.’ 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. ‘For 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,’ explains Pieter. As a result, the folding bicycle is evolving from a recreational product into a fully-fledged means of transport. ‘We really see it as a permanent solution,’ says Pieter. ‘The demand for compact and smart mobility is only increasing, and the folding bike fits right in.’ 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. ‘We tailor each production run to what customers really want, from chain guards and anti-puncture tyres to the seating position,’ 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. ‘Kruitbosch was the first wholesaler we registered with,’ says Helena. ‘That gave us access to new products and helped us make the transition from hobby to a real business.’ 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. ‘PENDLR is strongly committed to micro-mobility, and folding bikes are naturally part of that,’ says Pieter. ‘It'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.’ 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. ‘We want to grow, but not through mass production. Personal contact and careful finishing are part of this product.’