History “Bakfiets”
The idea for the Bakfiets Cargo Bike came about when Maarten van Andel (inventor of the Bakfiets 2-wheel Cargo Bike) became a father. He used the heavy, but nice-looking 3-wheel Cargo Bike to carry his children. The advantage of the extra room and carriage space quickly vanished as the additional effort to ride the bike proved to be a real drawback. This prompted him to start thinking about improving the design.
Maarten soon started his own company, Bakfiets.nl, in which he designed various test models before producing the ultimate transport bicycle: The Bakfiets Cargo Bike. The immediate attraction was that it remained a two-wheel carrier rather than the then standard, but cumbersom three-wheel carrier. Thanks to this well placed wooden (between the two wheels) the bike remained easy to ride and balanced beautifully. The wooden box adds considerably to the safety of the cargo which in many cases consists of children. Being very manoeuverable, light to paddle and easy to go over hills, bumps and around obstacles this bike stand out from the crowd. It makes the bike suitable for both male and female riders.
Maarten’s appealing design makes the Bakfiets look fast and streamlined. Little passengers love their ride in the Bakfiets. They have no fear of falling off, as the carrier is low to the ground.
A special Stabilo stand designed and patented by Maarten van Andel ensures the bike stands solid as a rock, while cargo can be loaded in and out. The ridge on the wooden box ensures that the children can climb in and out by themselves.
Today the Bakfiets is an icon in Europe, the USA and many other countries. Often copied, this is the original child-carrying bike of its type, and the most successful commercially produced to date. Its modern yet classic design, is of high and durable qualilty. The Dutch Cargo Bike is a conservative investment, commanding a high resale value when no longer needed.
