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
7 biggest micromobility trends
Whether it's riding an electric bike from the train station to work, using a cargo bike for trips to the market, or zipping around on a scooter to reach the city center quickly, micromobility is everywhere, and we expect it to keep growing. Here are the seven major trends in micromobility. We describe micromobility as: "Light, healthy and sustainable means of transportation for daily travel within the city and its surroundings." Emission free urban centers Car-free city centers and low-emission zones are already familiar to us. In order to significantly reduce air pollution in cities, urban areas are becoming more environmentally friendly by taking a more conscious approach to emissions. These so-called low-emission zones mean that cars, trucks, and other goods transport can only enter certain areas if they are emission-free or use less polluting transport. If this is not the case, it is advised to park outside these zones and continue into the city center using alternative transportation. In some cities (e.g., in Belgium), a day pass can be requested to enter the zone. In zero-emission zones, all vehicles within the area must be emission-free. This means that gas and diesel-powered goods transport must switch to electric vehicles or find alternative ways to deliver packages, supplies, or hot food. First and last mile City centers are getting increasingly congested, cars are being restricted more often, and traffic jams are getting worse. This leads us to the next trend: using lightweight transportation for the first and last miles of your journey. In other words, combining various modes of transportation to reach your final destination more easily, quickly, and sustainably. Last mile You start your trip by car, park it at a mobility station, and then continue with a pre-booked electric bike. The benefits? Avoiding traffic jams in city centers and maintaining flexibility. First ĂĄnd last mile You commence your journey with a (foldable) bike, then switch to public transportation, and finally, complete your trip on a scooter. The benefits? No waiting for bus connections, enjoying the scenery, and steering clear of traffic congestion. Rising popularity of lightweight transportationďťż Fat bikes are zipping past, e-bikes are becoming fashion statements, and we canât wait for the day e-scooters hit public roads. The bike path is now shared with dozens of new types of vehicles. Add to that the helmet law for mopeds, and itâs no wonder people are opting for other forms of micromobility. Micromobility is on the rise, and investing in high-quality, enjoyable-to-use modes of transportation is becoming increasingly essential. One could say that micromobility is becoming a way of life, wouldn't you agree? đ Avoiding traffic congestion We've already discussed this, but congestion around city centers, industrial areas, and popular routes is on the rise. You end up spending more time in traffic, and other modes of transportation are becoming more appealing. Sometimes, even those who aren't keen on biking at all find it an attractive option to reach their destination faster and with less frustration. Plus, it's a healthier choice. The growing importance of accessories and maintenance More and more people are opting for lightweight transportation, whether to replace their (second) car or to make their daily commutes more efficient, flexible, or enjoyable. Making stops along the way isn't an option, and practical accessories that make travel easier or more comfortable are a great addition. A breathable raincoat, a laptop bag that can easily be attached to your rack, solar-powered lighting, or a cargo fork that turns any bike into a compact cargo bikeâall these accessories enhance the experience. Investing in such accessories and proper maintenance ensures lasting enjoyment! Packed and loaded Whether it's a cargo bike for parcels, mail, or deliveries, or a longtail bike for school runs, we're searching for fresh ways to transport ourselves, our shopping, and our children, along with all their school and sports gear. This also applies to the professional sector, for mail and package deliveries, technicians who need to move quickly between clients, and delivery drivers tasked with promptly delivering hot meals. We are actively seeking alternatives to delivery vans and cars, especially in car-free city centers and emission-free zones. From our perspective, this is a positive development! Healthier and more sustainable life It might sound clichĂŠ, but a significant trend is emerging toward a healthier and more environmentally conscious lifestyle. Sustainability has become a major concern for consumers and businesses, driven partly by the energy crisis and rising energy costs. We are becoming more conscious of our energy consumption, increasingly favoring electric transportation over gasoline or diesel vehicles. Amid the daily hustle and bustle, both mental and physical health are gaining importance. Our desire is to lead a life that is healthier, more sustainable, and more enjoyable, and this is where micromobility fits in perfectly. Want to stay informed about the latest trends? So, now you know everything about micromobility. Or do you? The way we move around cities is changing. New forms of urban mobility are emerging and gaining popularity. Micromobility is on the rise, and weâre here to keep you updated. Follow PENDLR for the latest news and updates!
Sep 24, 2024
â˘Danique Jans
â˘5 min. reading time
Daily travels in and around the city more flexible, efficient and green. We are your partner in micromobility.
