BikeUP

If you've already noticed our unmistakable orange bikes, you might be interested in their story. These aren't just any bikes you would typically buy in a store. Let's take a look at how and why the BikeUP project was created and why it deserves your attention.

The Problem We Solved

Our BikeUP project didn't come about on a whim or out of a desire to get rich. It was born as a response to a real problem that we and other parents have long struggled with. We are a group of fathers and uncles who know firsthand how tiring it is to find children's bikes for kids who grow like weeds.

You buy a new bike for your child, but in a year or two, their knees are hitting their chin, and you need a new one. At the same time, you have to figure out what to do with the old one, and if it doesn't sell or get used by a younger sibling, bikes start piling up in the garage or basement. We wanted to end this hassle and bring a smart and eco-friendly solution.

A subscription-based children's bike made sense to us, but no one offered such a service in Slovakia or the Czech Republic. So, we founded a startup with the goal of offering parents the option to rent a bike that "grows" with their child. Not literally, of course, but figuratively. Because when a child outgrows the bike, we simply exchange it for a larger one.

The Birth of the Orange Foxie Bike

We decided to develop our own model of a children's bike for kids aged 3 to 9 years. We named it Foxie (meaning "little fox") and gave it a distinctive orange color. It is unisex, so both boys and girls will appreciate it, and its bright color also serves as a safety feature on the road. As we all know, when it comes to children, there can never be too much safety. :)

After several months of development and testing, we created five sizes of the Foxie model, ranging from 12 to 20. These numbers indicate the wheel diameter in inches. The Foxie 12 for the youngest riders is actually a balance bike, sizes 14 to 18 have a single-speed drivetrain, and the Foxie 20 for older and more adventurous riders is equipped with a Shimano 7-speed derailleur.

All the bikes are designed to be lightweight and allow children perfect control. The frame is made of aluminum, and for example, the Foxie 16 model weighs only around 6 kilograms, which is 3 kg less than competing bikes of this size. We chose higher, adjustable handlebars that provide a comfortable riding position and a safe view.

Children's Safety First

In developing our bikes, we focused primarily on the safety of young riders. The construction and safety features of our bikes exceed the requirements of the European standard ENSO8098. Foxie bikes have tires with a thicker tread pattern for better grip, narrow handles with safety ends to protect in case of a fall, and brake levers adapted for children's hands.

Since the bikes are circulated, we ensure they are thoroughly inspected and serviced before being sent to a new subscriber. The bike arrives at the parents' home in a box, almost fully assembled. Just attach the handlebars and pedals, and the adventure rides can begin. For an even greater sense of security, we also offer the rental of helmets, protectors, and other accessories.

New Showroom and Future Plans

Interested individuals can easily subscribe to our bikes on our website within a few minutes. For those who would like to see and try our models in person, we warmly welcome them to our newly opened showroom at Vajnorska 136/A in Bratislava. We currently have 2,900 bikes available for rent, eagerly awaiting their young riders.

However, we are not resting on our laurels and have ambitious plans for the future. If everything goes as planned, we aim to expand our concept to other countries, offering the opportunity for smart and eco-friendly rental of children's bikes to more parents. Additionally, we are considering introducing new sizes and colors for our bikes. It's going to be an exciting ride ahead!