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.
Mar 8, 2026
â˘Rick Leerkes
â˘4 min. reading time
Vici expands: the 16 inch kidsâ bike has arrived
Vici expands: the 16 inch kidsâ bike has arrived After the success of the innovative 3 in 1 grow bike, Vici takes a powerful next step. With the introduction of the Vici 16 inch kidsâ bike, the brand continues to grow as a specialist in childrenâs bikes. And you can feel it in every detail. Because this is more than a new model. This is the next step in adventure, independence and pure riding fun. Driven by the slogan âBIKE! Less screen time, more outdoors and more adventure!â, Vici continues to stand for what truly matters. Getting children moving. Letting them play outside. Helping them experience freedom. And building confidence along the way. And we are building that future together. The natural next step Is your little commuter ready for the next size? Then they can smoothly transition to the Vici 16 inch. This model connects seamlessly to the 3 in 1 grow bike and forms the natural next step in the development of young riders. No abrupt transition, but smooth progression. Exactly how it should be. And we are thinking ahead. The 16 inch marks the beginning of a broader product line. In the future, 20 inch and 24 inch models will follow. This allows Vici to support children through multiple growth stages. And it allows us to respond together to a longer customer journey in your store. Seeing opportunities is one thing. Seizing them? That is what we do together. Designed around one clear principle: form follows function What immediately stands out is the distinctive Vici frame. Fresh, playful and different from traditional childrenâs bikes. But this design is no coincidence. At Vici, one belief guides everything: form follows function. Every detail has a purpose. Nothing is added just for decoration. Everything contributes to helping children learn to ride better. This is especially visible in the choice for two child friendly hand brakes combined with a freewheel system. While many bikes in this size still use a coaster brake, Vici deliberately takes a different approach. Why? Because we want to prepare children for what comes next. By learning to ride with hand brakes from an early age, children: learn to anticipate better develop greater control over speed and braking power transition more smoothly to larger bikes build extra confidence The addition of a freewheel allows children to coast freely while getting used to braking with their hands. So it is not only the bike size that grows, but above all the riderâs skills. That is what being ready for tomorrow looks like. Exclusive through PENDLR The Vici 16 inch will be available in a range of fresh colors and is expected in the second quarter of 2026. Like the successful grow bike, this model will be exclusively available in the Benelux through PENDLR. As your partner in micromobility, we make sure you have everything you need to respond to this growing demand. Products. Knowledge. Support. And above all, connection. Less screen time. More adventure. Reshaping daily commutes, from the very first meters. đ˛đ Would you like to add Vici to your assortment and build the next generation of riders together? Become a customer of PENDLR.
Feb 23, 2026
â˘Rick Leerkes
â˘3 min. reading time
B2B Festival 2026: These are the trends and developments we spotted on the exhibition floor.
Last week, on February 8 and 9, we attended the B2B Festival. At our stand, we guided visitors through various scenarios and showcased how weâre shaping the mobility of tomorrow together. This sparked valuable conversations, new insights, and fresh ideas. And it wasnât just at our standâacross the entire exhibition floor, our Category Management colleagues actively engaged with suppliers and partners to discover the latest innovations. Weâre bringing that knowledge and those opportunities back so we can share them with you. Our account managers also looked back: what caught their attention at our stand? Positive atmosphere at the exhibition and across the market What stood out immediately? The busy, energetic exhibition floor. Everywhere, conversations were happening about opportunities, new products, and collaboration. The overall market sentiment was optimistic. Despite all the changes in the industry, confidence remains strong. Suppliers and dealers are actively moving, looking for ways to strengthen their offerings. This confirms what weâre seeing: micromobility continues to evolve, and together we can accelerate that growth. Different forms of micromobility Elwin BaijlĂŠ, Category Developer at PENDLR, responsible for spotting innovative brands and solutions, saw firsthand how micromobility is maturing. âWhat struck me most is how diverse the range of longtails has become,â Elwin explains. âThese bikes are genuinely taking over the role of a second car. This is no longer a hype, but a structural development.â Folding bikes also stood out. âWithin the first- and last-mile segment, this remains a very interesting category: compact, flexible, and perfectly combinable with a car or public transport.â He also noticed that itâs increasingly not just about the vehicle itself. âItâs about the complete picture. Accessories and supplementary solutions make the difference and give dealers opportunities to truly stand out.â For example, Steco presented a new product that allows an extra child seat to be easily attached to a cargo bike. Beta, a specialist in workshop solutions, also reported that their solutions for cargo bikes and longtails are extremely popular. This highlights how the entire supply chain is moving along with the growth of this category. Growing demand for helmets and lightweight locks Safety was a clear theme at the exhibition. Sander Toenhake, Category Manager at PENDLR, responsible for locks among other things, noticed a strong focus on helmets and innovative security solutions. âYou can see that safety is increasingly becoming a natural part of the buying process,â Sander says. âQibbel introduced a new childrenâs helmet, and many other brands showcased their latest helmets as well. This shows that this category is really evolving.â Lightweight locks were also strongly represented. âBrands are clearly looking for the right balance between high security and ease of use,â Sander explains. He points to the attention around the ABUS Yarnit campaign, but notes that these products were visible throughout the exhibition. âSecurity is becoming smarter and more technologically advanced. That fits perfectly with the growth of e-bikes and other mobility solutions,â Sander adds. Simson rebranding It was clear at the B2B Festival that Simson is taking a new direction. âOur stand was busy nonstop,â says Sander, who is also responsible for Simson at PENDLR. âYou can feel that the market is curious about this move.â Since 1881, Simson has been known for its iconic tire patch kits. However, it turns out that the brand is mainly familiar to older generations. With a refreshed brand identity and a sharpened strategy, Simson is now making the transition from âpartsâ to âproducts.â âThe market is changing,â says Sander. âConsumers are looking for convenience and reliability. With this new direction, Simson positions itself clearly as a partner in complete, sustainable bicycle mobility.â With a focus on a strong supply chain, distinctive products, and close collaboration with dealers and leasing partners, this rebranding is more than just a visual changeâitâs a strategic move toward the future. Bicycle Innovation Awards winners During the festival, the Bicycle Innovation Awards were also presented. The AXA Atlas took home a prize. âThis product really shows how security and ease of use come together,â says Sander. âAnd thatâs exactly what the market is looking for.â In addition, the Lovens Explorer 2 was awarded Cargo Bike of the Year. This e-cargo bike stands out with a one-piece cast frame and luxury features such as heated seats for children. Comfort and functionality clearly come together here. The cargo bike is increasingly developing into a full-fledged alternative to the car, which was clearly visible on the exhibition floor. What stood out at our own stand? At our stand, Roeland Kassies, Account Manager at PENDLR, spent the entire weekend talking with dealers and partners. One thing stood out to him immediately: the strong interest in UTOâs folding bikes. âThey really drew a lot of attention,â Roeland explains. âYou can see that dealers are actively looking for compact and flexible solutions for urban mobility.â The grow-with-me bike and Viciâs new 16-inch model also stood out. âChildrenâs bikes were popular across the board at the exhibition,â Roeland adds. âThis was clearly reflected in the interest for Alpina.â There was also significant attention for innovative accessories from brands such as Kinekt, Ergon, and Optiline. âDealers are increasingly looking for products that allow them to tell a complete story in-store. Itâs not just about one product, but the total concept.â Want to stay up to date with all the trends and developments? What we saw at the B2B Festival is clear: micromobility is maturing, safety is becoming an increasingly important part of the buying process, and accessories are more often making the difference. These arenât isolated trendsâthey are developments that directly impact your assortment, your sales conversations, and your positioning in the market. Thatâs exactly why weâre sharing these insights. So you know where the opportunities lie, from longtails and folding bikes to helmets, lightweight locks, and smart accessories. As a PENDLR customer, youâre not on your own. We keep you informed about whatâs happening, translate market developments into concrete opportunities, and help you act on them today. Do you want to continue receiving these insights and be able to translate them directly into a strong, future-oriented offering? Contact us and become a PENDLR customer today!
Feb 16, 2026
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘6 min. reading time
Velofollies 2026: three days of micromobility, inspiration, and great conversations
Three days of micromobility, inspiration, and great conversations On January 16, 17, and 18, PENDLR attended Velofollies. And what a weekend it was. For three days, everything revolved around micromobility and the mobility of tomorrow. Normally, Andy Machiels, Jenno Van Heck, and Pascal Vandamme travel to visit dealers and partners across Flanders, but this time it was the other way around: Velofollies brought everyone together. Pascal immediately noticed how special that is. âVelofollies feels like the moment when the sector comes together. You can see what everyone is working on and feel the energy on the exhibition floor.â Jenno adds that itâs precisely this mix that makes it so valuable: âHere, youâre not only speaking with dealers, but also directly with consumers. That provides an incredible amount of insight.â Tomorrowâs mobility in a relatable format During the exhibition, PENDLR once again showcased the Mobility of Tomorrow campaign, translated into a stand concept with relatable scenarios. Not just individual products, but everyday situations that everyone can recognize: On the Move (commuting), Out Together (family trips), and City in Motion (cargo bikes and bakfietsen). According to Jenno, thatâs precisely the strength of the concept. âVisitors see themselves in these scenarios. Itâs not about a bike on a pedestal, but about how you get around every day.â Pascal adds that this naturally sparks conversation: âWe invite people to think about solutions. This way, we show that micromobility works today, not just in the future.â In this way, PENDLR makes the mobility of tomorrow tangible and accessible, together with its visitors. Folding bikes in the spotlight, for both dealers and consumers A standout feature at the stand was the strong focus on folding bikes. Since the beginning of this year, PENDLR has also been authorized to distribute UTO in Flanders, a milestone that was proudly highlighted. Pascal immediately noticed the enthusiasm. âDealers have been positive about UTO for a while, but it was really great to hear directly from consumers what they think.â Jenno noticed something else in particular: âYou can tell that many people are already specifically looking for a folding bike. That knowledge is already there. And together with AurĂŠlien from UTO, we were able to deepen that expertise even further, both with consumers and dealers.â The folding bike proved to be a real crowd-puller. Focus on family trips and outings In addition to commuting, there was a notable focus on family trips and outings. Throughout the exhibition, cargo bikes, longtails, and smart accessories were on displayâa clear signal that micromobility continues to grow. Jenno sees this as part of a broader trend. âItâs no longer just about commuting. Families are really discovering micromobility as a fully-fledged alternative.â This was also evident at the PENDLR stand, where Alpinaâs childrenâs bikes attracted a lot of attention. Pascal particularly noticed the popularity of Vici. âBoth dealers and consumers were very interested in the grow-with-me bike, and the new 16-inch model also received plenty of attention.â Stella beers on the cargo bike Cargo bikes, longtails, and bakfietsen were impossible to miss at Velofollies. According to Pascal, this is not a temporary trend. âThese forms of micromobility are steadily gaining popularity. Thatâs why we deliberately include them in our scenarios.â A great example was the custom Omnium cargo bike by Green Leaf Projects at the stand, fully equipped with complementary brands like Kinekt, Ergon, and Fahrer. Jenno laughs when he recalls it: âAnd yes, that crate of Stella beers definitely drew extra attention. Sometimes itâs nice to just have a little fun.â Looking ahead to the B2B Festival The focus is already looking ahead. On February 8 and 9, PENDLR will present almost the same concept at the B2B Festival. Jenno sees this as a natural next step. âThere, too, we guide visitors through relatable scenarios with solutions that can be applied immediately.â Pascal emphasizes that strong brands play an important role in this. âBrands like Alpina, Ergon, Vici, Spinder, UTO, and Brooks are prominently featured again. This way, we show just how rich and complete the micromobility story is.â In this way, PENDLR works together with dealers, partners, and brands toward one shared goal: making everyday mobility more flexible, efficient, and sustainable.
Jan 26, 2026
â˘Bram van Duinen
â˘4 min. reading time
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
We make the daily commutes in and around the city more flexible, efficient and green. We are your partner in micromobility.
