Folding electric bicycles are now in production by Latvian company, Vezums.
In the heart of Europe, a Latvian startup named Vezums is making waves in the bicycle industry. Targeting bike-friendly countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, and others, Vezums aims to export foldable mechanical and electric cargo bikes.
The team's journey began when they participated in the 'Ideju Kauss' 2023 competition, organised by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA). Vezums was among the 12 finalists, an achievement that provided an extra incentive for the team.
Cargo bikes, a popular choice in many European cities, including London, have found a unique solution with Vezums. Their cargo bike, designed to be compact, can be folded and checked in as cargo luggage at airports, making it suitable for travelers. Moreover, it can be loaded onto trains, a feature often missing in classic cargo bikes.
The role of cargo bikes in urban environments is expected to increase, even in winter. Professionals and parents in urban settings find these bikes particularly useful due to their practicality and eco-friendliness.
Vezums is not alone in this venture. They are collaborating with Yamaha to further develop their product and have partnered with companies Velogista and Hermeta to promote the development of the foldable electric cargo bike.
The Vezums team's current plan is to manufacture these foldable cargo bikes under the Vezums brand. They also offer the idea of renting such bikes to anyone interested.
For those who share the Vezums vision, the Ideju Kauss 2024 competition offers a chance to enhance their knowledge and compete for cash prizes from the 40,000-euro Ideju Kauss prize fund. The competition is open for applications until September 22, 2024, for any Latvian resident aged 18 or older.
The team, which initially started with the concept of VeloruΜme, a storage facility for long-term storage of bicycles and baby strollers, is now seeking mentorship and financial assistance from the LIAA business incubator. With their innovative approach and commitment to sustainability, Vezums is set to revolutionise the way we think about cargo bikes.
