Car Free Day: A glimpse into the city of tomorrow
Today is Car free day. A day when cities around the world showcase what the future of urban mobility could look like. Residents and visitors are invited to leave their cars behind and try alternatives such as bicycles, e-bikes, or public transport. Of course, this doesnât mean that nobody uses a car at all. Businesses and residents still drive when necessary. Car free day is more of an aspiration: a moment of awareness that shows how our cities change when micromobility and other sustainable modes of transport are given more space. Fewer Cars, More Living Space While Car free day mainly symbolizes change, more and more cities are introducing structural policies to restrict cars and reshape urban mobility. Paris, for example, is investing heavily in car-free zones, transforming hundreds of streets into green, low-traffic areas. Madrid has introduced âMadrid Central,â a strict low-emission zone that keeps polluting vehicles out of the city center. In Ghent, a circulation plan has turned the historic center into a largely car-free zone without making the city inaccessible. These measures result in cleaner air, safer streets, and above all: more room for people, micromobility, and quality of life. The Rise of Micromobility Within this transition in urban mobility, micromobility is playing an ever greater role. Where the car once dominated, bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes, and folding bikes are now gaining ground. For distances up to ten kilometers, the bicycle often proves to be faster and more practical than the car, especially in busy city centers. And the numbers speak for themselves. Research by Grand View Horizon and McKinsey shows that the European micromobility market is growing at nearly thirteen percent annually. By 2030, the global market could reach an astonishing 340 billion dollars. Whatâs more, the use of shared e-bikes and e-scooters in Europe grew by almost forty percent in 2022 compared to the year before. These figures prove that micromobility is not a passing trend but a lasting and powerful force shaping the future of how we move. The Power of the Last Mile An important element in the shift toward smarter urban mobility is the so-called âlast mile.â In the past, many people drove their entire journey by car. Now, commuters increasingly combine different modes of transport. You might take the train to the station and then cover the last few kilometers to the office or an appointment effortlessly with a folding bike or shared bike. Even drivers are seeking micromobility solutions for those final stretches. As city centers become harder to access and parking spaces more scarce, many turn to folding bikes to save time and reduce stress. This is especially true for electric car drivers, who often park their vehicles at a charging station and complete the remaining distance quickly and efficiently by folding bike. From Transport to Urban Logistics The impact of micromobility goes far beyond daily commuting. Urban logistics is rapidly transforming as well. Cargo bikes deliver parcels, groceries, and even collect waste. Where delivery vans are often stuck in traffic, bicycles and other light vehicles glide easily through narrow streets. Even independent professionals such as painters and other tradespeople are embracing cargo bikes to transport their tools and materials efficiently. This shift demonstrates how micromobility also provides smart business solutions, perfectly aligned with the broader context of sustainable urban mobility. Together, we make our cities more efficient and more livable. The City of Tomorrow Begins Today Car free day shows that the city of tomorrow is closer than we think. A city where micromobility and smart solutions for urban mobility become the new standard. At PENDLR, youâll find everything you need to adapt to this change. From high-quality parts and accessories to the knowledge and expertise that help you grow with the rising demand. Join PENDLR today and help build the city of tomorrow. Together, we make the daily commutes more flexible, efficient, and green.
Sep 22, 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘4 min. reading time
Cargo bikes and LEVs as a smart alternative for urban and business transport
Cities are facing stricter environmental regulations, increasing traffic congestion, and a growing demand for clean, efficient delivery options. While sustainable transport was long primarily an ambition on paper, we are now seeing a clear shift toward tangible applications in practice. New vehicle concepts, technological innovations, and smart collaborations are making it possible to truly reshape urban logistics. For fleet owners and logistics planners, this means exploring, experimenting, and investing in flexible solutions that align with the dynamic nature of the city. Sustainable Urban Mobility on the Rise More and more companies are choosing cleaner transport solutions within city centers. In addition to electric vans, cargo bikes are becoming increasingly popular. One alternative that is gaining ground is the longtail bike, an extended bicycle with a large rear rack. These bikes offer a strong combination of load capacity and agility, and are easier to park than traditional cargo bikes. They are also suitable for a wide variety of transport needs. Innovations such as smart trailers make it possible to temporarily convert a regular bicycle into a freight bike with added cargo capacity, without requiring a major investment. Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) for Efficient Urban Logistics The number of Light Electric Vehicles on the market is growing rapidly. These compact electric vehicles, known from examples like the delivery vehicles used by Picnic, are designed for efficient urban mobility. Many LEVs are equipped with pedals but no chain, using a drive by wire system for propulsion. Because they are legally classified as bicycles, no driverâs license is needed to operate them. This makes them especially attractive to employers and fleet owners, who can assign a wider group of employees to urban delivery and service tasks. Low Total Cost of Ownership and High Vehicle Availability Fleet managers are focused on keeping the cost per kilometer low and avoiding unnecessary downtime. For transporting heavier goods in urban areas, LEVs offer a strong solution. Their cargo space is often designed to fit standard roll containers. Cargo bikes can also serve well in business use, provided they maintain high availability and low operational costs. PENDLR works with a nationwide network of mobile repair partners. Through smart inventory management and next day delivery of spare parts, repairs can be carried out quickly, keeping your fleet running smoothly. PENDLR is also launching test programs to include LEV components in its product range. The goal is to soon offer a complete parts package that covers both cargo bikes and LEVs. Are you a fleet manager exploring sustainable urban transport? Get in touch with us. Together we can explore the options and share valuable insights.
Jul 14, 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘3 min. reading time
Micromobility Worldwide
This past Tuesday, we celebrated World Bicycle Day, and with summer holidays approaching, people are once again taking off across the globe. No matter where you go, one thing youâre bound to encounter is micromobility. Bicycles, e-scooters, and other compact modes of transport are universal, but how people use and adapt them varies greatly by culture. From the compact mamacharis in Japan to the spacious cargo bikes in Denmark, every country puts its own spin on micromobilityâoften enhanced with smart bicycle accessories. Japan: The Quiet Efficiency of the Mamachari In Japan, you see them everywhere: simple, practical city bikes with a wicker basket in front, a child on the back, and often a small bag dangling from the handlebars. The mamachari is the go-to mode of daily transport. Not a luxurious e-bike, but a compact bicycle that gets the job done. What stands out are the small tweaks and bicycle accessories that make life just a bit easier: a foldable footrest for children, rain covers over the seat, wind flaps on the handlebars. Everything is compact, lightweight, and efficiency-focusedâtrue hallmarks of Japanese micromobility. Italy: Elegance on Two Wheels Whether youâre in Rome or Milan, bicyclesâand especially e-scootersâare an extension of personal style. Not crowded bike lanes, but winding streets where fashion meets motion. The Italian rider loves smart, sleek bicycle accessories: a slim helmet in a pastel shade, a roomy backpack, a compact phone holder on the handlebars. Everything is designed for both convenience and appearance. Here, micromobility is not just functionalâitâs a fashion statement. Mexico City: Biking as a Connecting Mode In the bustling streets of Mexico City, public bike-share systems like Ecobici play a crucial role in micromobility. People use bicycles not only as a primary means of transport but also as a smart link between metro, bus, or workplace. Common sights include compact backpacks and lightweight helmetsâessential gear in a city where youâre constantly switching between transport modes. Denmark: The Cargo Bike as a Daily Companion In Denmark, cycling has been woven into everyday life for decades, and especially the cargo bike has become an icon of micromobility. From big cities to small towns, you see them carrying children, groceries, pets, or picnic basketsâoften all at once. What makes these bikes so successful isnât just the bike itself, but the smart accessories that surround them. Waterproof panniers, extra-comfort saddles, and reflective rainwear make cargo bikes fit for every season and purpose. Smart bicycle accessories: Essential Worldwide Wherever your summer travels take you, one thing stands out everywhere: people personalize their bike or scooter with clever additions. Bicycle accessories that make the difference between awkward and smooth, wet and dry, unsafe and prepared. The bicycle is no longer just a basic mode of transportâitâs become a complete package. More and more people are investing not just in a good bike, but in the right solutions to match: from child seats and bags to lights, rain capes, phone mounts, and locks. Micromobility is growing, and with it, the need for comfort, safety, and flexibility. At PENDLR, we understand that. With more than 23,000 products from 160 brands, we offer the right accessories for every form of micromobility, wherever it may be. Want to Help Others Get Moving Too? Micromobility is on the rise, and cyclists around the world are searching for smart, practical solutions to make their rides more flexible, efficient, and eco-friendly. Want to help your customers hit the road with the right parts and accessories? Become a PENDLR partner. That way, youâll always offer the perfect solutionâno matter where the journey leads.
Jun 5, 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘3 min. reading time
Visiting Madame VĂŠlo: How a passion for cycling grew into a successful business
On March 8, 2025, it was International Women's Dayâthe perfect moment to highlight a female entrepreneur. And who better than Sylvie from Madame VĂŠlo? The name says it all: Sylvie has been passionately working on bicycles for 25 years. Where It All Began Her journey in the bicycle industry started in 2000 when her then-boyfriend opened a moped shop. Sylvie joined the project, on the condition that bicycles would also be sold and maintained. âIt was the golden age for mopeds, but I felt their popularity would decline.â After gaining the necessary training and experience, Sylvie became a fully qualified bicycle mechanic. Four years ago, she opened her own shop: Madame VĂŠlo, located on Gentpoortstraat in Bruges. "The name, of course, comes from French, but in the Bruges dialect, these words are also commonly used. By now, people simply call me Madame VĂŠlo, and I love it!" A Complete Range for Every Cyclist At Madame VĂŠlo, the focus is entirely on electric bikes, speed pedelecs, and electric folding bikes. She has deliberately removed traditional city bikes without electric assistance from her assortment. The collection of accessories is carefully curated and perfectly matches the bicycles available in the shop. âLocks and panniers are the most important additional purchases, and Iâve noticed a significant increase in demand for helmets. Awareness around this is growing rapidly!â Developments in Micromobility Sylvie sees the bicycle industry evolving but also recognizes significant challenges. She believes there is work to be done both in terms of regulations and technology. "A lot still needs to change at the government level. Take speed pedelecs, for example: they simply donât have a proper place in traffic. They donât fit on the bike path, but they also donât belong on the roadway. Yet, hardly anyone is thinking about this, even in new developments." According to Sylvie, this creates a dangerous and illogical situation. âHow does it make sense that speed pedelecs have to share the road with pedestrians, children on bikes, scooters, and cargo bikes? There is an urgent need for better infrastructure and clear regulations.â Besides challenges in traffic infrastructure, Sylvie also sees opportunities within the bicycle industry itself, particularly in battery technology. "The bicycle industry has already made huge strides, but batteries can and must continue to evolve. A bike battery has to endure a lot: it needs to be as compact and stylish as possible to match the bike, but this often comes at the cost of performance and durability." Still, she is optimistic about the future. "I expect breakthroughs in this area in the coming years. There is still a lot of potential in battery technology, and it could have a major impact on the bicycle sector." The Strength of Madame VĂŠlo In an era where large chains and online shops are expanding, personal service is becoming increasingly important. This is where Sylvie truly stands out. "I know every customer and understand exactly what they need. Whether they call or walk in, they always get me on the line or face-to-face. I sell the bikes myself, repair them myself, and personally answer all their questions." This direct, trustworthy approach ensures that customers always know what to expect. It also allows her shop to provide that extra level of service. "That is becoming increasingly rare in all sectors nowadays. But a bicycle is a product that requires intensive service. You also need to be able to solve any issues from the manufacturer. Thatâs why I know every product in my store inside and out." A Source of Inspiration At home, Sylvie has clearly passed on her passion for a hands-on profession. Her eldest daughter will start higher education next year and, like her mother, does not want a desk job. âShe wants a career where people think: wow, a woman doing that?!â This makes Sylvie a source of inspiration for her daughter and for other women who want to stand out in traditionally male-dominated professions. Finally, Sylvie shares a golden tip for bicycle mechanics: âI recently got a brake bedding machine, and itâs truly worth its weight in gold. Once you have one, you canât live without it!â PENDLR: the partner in micromobility At PENDLR, we share the vision of Syl from Madame VĂŠlo: personal service and a passion for quality are key. As an entrepreneur, Syl knows better than anyone how important it is to constantly innovate and respond to her customers' wishes. Would you like to take your passion for bicycles and customer-oriented service to the next level? Or would you like to buy a brakeman yourself? Become a customer at PENDLR and discover how we can support your business with more than 23,000 products, 160 top brands and reliable service.
Mar 9, 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘4 min. reading time
Maximum Speed Day: What do different speeds mean for micromobility
Today is Maximum Speed Day! While you might initially think of car traffic, speed is also playing an increasingly important role in micromobility. With the rise and growing popularity of new forms of micromobility, different types of vehiclesâeach with varying speedsâare increasingly sharing the same roads and bike lanes. Additionally, cities continue to grapple with a complex mix of motorized traffic and micromobility. So how do we ensure that all these modes of transport can coexist safely and efficiently? Micromobility: Faster Through Smart Infrastructure Cities like Amsterdam have taken steps to improve traffic flow for cyclists. One example is the âknipâ in Weesperstraat, where the street was temporarily closed to through car traffic. This measure resulted in an 18% reduction in car traffic and improved the area's livability and air quality. Such initiatives help reduce congestion and allow cyclists to reach their destinations more quickly. Read more on indebuurt.nl Challenges of Varying Speeds on the Bike Path With the rise of e-bikes and speed pedelecs, new dynamics are emerging on bike paths, particularly regarding speed differences. While a regular cyclist rides at an average speed of 15 to 20 km/h, e-bikes easily reach 25 km/h, and speed pedelecs can go up to 45 km/h. These differences can create tensions and unsafe situations on busy bike lanes. In Amsterdam, a pilot program is underway where faster cyclists, such as speed pedelecs and high-speed e-bikes, are redirected to the roadway instead of the bike path. Early results show that many cyclists view this change positively: bike paths feel safer and more comfortable, while fast-moving cyclists benefit from better flow on the road. Read more on amsterdam.nl Belgium is also working on solutions. Special traffic signs have been introduced to indicate whether speed pedelecs are allowed on bike paths or must use the road. This clear regulation helps cyclists understand where they belong, reducing confusion and improving safety. Read more on wegenenverkeer.be Micromobility as the Key to Accessible Cities While speed is an important factor in mobility, the real focus should be on efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Micromobilityâincluding bikes, e-bikes, speed pedelecs, and shared scootersâoffers solutions that not only reduce travel time by avoiding congestion but also contribute to a healthier and cleaner urban environment. By investing in infrastructure improvements, such as wider bike lanes, smart traffic lights, and low-traffic zones, cities can make micromobility safer and more attractive. At the same time, clear regulations are essential to managing speed differences on roads and bike paths. Initiatives such as speed zones, dedicated signs for speed pedelecs, and pilot projects that relocate faster cyclists to roadways demonstrate how cities are adapting. Stay Ahead of the Future of Mobility with PENDLR The way we move is changing rapidly. Whether itâs the role of speed in micromobility, smart infrastructure, or the latest innovations in bike parts and accessoriesâPENDLR keeps a close eye on these developments. Would you like to gain more insight into how micromobility is shaping urban transport? Or are you looking for high-quality bike parts and accessories to provide the best service to your customers? Become a PENDLR customer today! Together, we can make daily commutes more flexible, efficient, and sustainable!
Mar 4, 2025
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘3 min. reading time
We make the daily commutes in and around the city more flexible, efficient and green. We are your partner in micromobility.
