Tag Archive: lacros

  1. Lacros attracts younger, urban demographic amid growing demand for compact mobility

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    Source: Nieuwsfiets

    Dutch electric folding bike brand and LEVA-EU member Lacros is undergoing a significant shift in its customer base. Traditionally popular among motorhome and caravan owners, Lacros folding bikes are now gaining traction with a younger, urban audience looking for space-saving and versatile mobility solutions.

    Jesse Smits, Marketing Manager at Lacros, discussed this shift in an interview with Nieuwsfiets, offering insights into how the brand is evolving.

    “More and more often we hear in our store that people have little space at home or want to be able to easily take their bike with them in the car, without using a bike carrier. The classic image of the folding bike as a camping bike is no longer true. We see a broader use: as an alternative to a city bike, as a means of transport for commuting and even as standard equipment in the trunk”.

    Functionality over folding

    Interestingly, Smits reports that approximately one-third of customers use their bikes without ever folding them. Features like low step-through frames and ease of use are strong motivators for purchase, with models such as the Lacros Ambling catering to users favouring comfort and accessibility, particularly those with limited mobility.

    Targeted marketing for broader appeal

    To attract a more diverse customer base, Lacros recently launched a marketing campaign to demonstrate the versatility of its folding bikes through TV advertisements and social media platforms with the goal of targeting younger commuters, urban families, and sporty riders. The campaign explicitly showed the benefits of Lacros’ folding e-bikes in various scenarios, such as their ability to have child seats attached to them, which Smit said many consumers are unaware of.

    It has been reported that the campaigns have had a positive effect on driving a wider range of consumers to explore Lacros stores and its website, with test drive numbers increasing, and the brand anticipates that this broader customer base will grow further in the coming years.

    Lacros evolves its product line to meet new preferences

    As it expands its reach, Lacros remains committed to innovating high-quality, dependable folding bikes. “We consciously opt for continuity in quality and functionality,” says Smits. “Our existing customers – often 50+ and motorhome owners – remain important. They mainly ask for low entry models and comfort. At the same time, we are developing lighter and sportier versions, such as a carbon model, for users who find the weight of the bike essential.”

    To respond to new customer preferences, Lacros’ offering is being renewed visually. “Where we previously mainly offered black and white bikes, more colours are now being added. This makes the bike not only functional, but also a more personal product.”

    Growing interest in the business market

    Lacros folding bikes are also finding utility in the business sector. Companies in events, catering, and even equestrian services are using the bikes for on-site transport and deliveries. “The versatility of our models also appeals to these users. Compact, electric and immediately deployable – that makes the folding bike a smart solution for companies,” Smits notes.

    Hands-on experience remains key

    Despite a strong online presence, Lacros emphasizes the importance of physical interaction with its products. “Bicycles are emotional products. Customers want to be able to try out whether a bike fits in the car, feel how it rides and how it feels,” says Smits. Through a network of over 60 dealers across Europe, Lacros ensures customers can take test rides even outside of its home base in Schijndel.

    Looking ahead

    With plans to further position itself as an electric folding bikes specialist, Lacros is focusing on expanding its market, with a special focus on diversified product offerings, target groups and designs. “By introducing our range more broadly in the market, we not only increase our reach, but also the support for the folding bike as a serious alternative to traditional two-wheelers,” Smits concludes.

  2. Lacros bikes to feature at exclusive dealer event

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    Source: Lacros

    Visitors will be able to test LEVA-EU member Lacros’s latest models at Bosoutdoor’s special demo days to kickstart the new cycling season.

    Outdoor activities retailer Bosoutdoor is offering exclusive testing days for Lacros folding e-bikes from 22-24 May at its IJsselmuiden premises in the Netherlands, with visitors having the opportunity to receive expert advice from its staff. New purchasers of bikes during the event will be in with a chance of winning a free weekend with one of Bosoutdoor’s rental campers.

    Offering expert customer advice for cycling enthusiasts

    A longtime dealer of Lacros since 2015, Bosoutdoor employees pride themselves on helping every customer finding the perfect bike for their lifestyle with expert advice, “You don’t buy a bike every day. That’s why we think it’s important to not only offer a quality product, but also good and personal advice,” says Bosoutdoor.

    On Bosoutdoor’s Lacros demo days, showroom visitors can look forward to extensive explanations, honest advice and opportunities to try out a range of models.

    Special promotion for Lacros bicycle purchasers

    Anyone that purchases a Lacros bike during the demo days will have the chance to win a weekend holiday in one of Bosoutdoor’s comfortable rental campers.

    Demo day timings

    The demo days will take place at the Bosoutdoor showroom at Kleiland 11 in IJsselmuiden on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May from 09.00 to 17:00, and Saturday 24 May from 09:00 to 15:00. More information about the event can be accessed on www.bosoutdoor.nl or www.bostools.nl.

  3. Lacros receives sustainability award nomination

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    The folding e-bike brand has been nominated in the Most Sustainable Innovation Concept category by Dutch camping awards organisation Duurzaamheidscongres Kampeerbranche.

    Lacros is thrilled that its commitment to sustainability and innovation has been recognised in many ways, firstly due to its offering of electric folding bikes as a form of sustainable and practical transportation that can be used for camping trips.

    Secondly, the close monitoring of the use and choice of its materials for manufacturing its bicycles in Europe. Its production uses lead-free varnish, tires made from recycled rubber and it also requires that all of its suppliers must demonstrate that they handle their production sustainably. In regards to waste, Lacros adopts a zero-waste principle, guaranteeing all of its waste materials are separated and recycled.

    Finally, the Dutch manufacturer has a fully neutral energy building that uses solar energy for optimum energy efficiency and is built with certified materials that improve forest sustainability.

    Votes for Lacros can be submitted here.

  4. Lacros to exhibit for the first time at Eurobike

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    With the aim of further increasing Lacros’ exports within Europe, the brand will participate for the first time as an exhibitor at this major trade show

    Source: NieuwsFiets.nu

    The Schijndel based e-bike brand Lacros has long held the ambition to participate in Eurobike, as an expo of great importance to the electric folding bicycle market. Last year Lacros had already visited Frankfurt to see whether participation could be relevant. The exploratory trip turned out to be fruitful, and they are now part of the exhibitor list and can be found in Hall 9 from July 3-7.

    “We want to grow further internationally with Lacros, especially in Germany. But we also have an eye for countries such as Spain, France and many more European countries,” says marketing manager Jesse Smits. “We already have a number of dealers in Germany, but we can add a few more. Germany is big enough.”

    Showing Europe what we excel at with Lacros

    To increase exports, in addition to participating in the Eurobike, Lacros has opted for promotion via social media and Google. “We want to expand our international contacts and the brand awareness of Lacros. We will be at the Eurobike with a stand of 48 m2, where we will show as many models from our collection as possible in which we excel. Both trade visitors and consumers will have this opportunity during Festival Days. Models that we will definitely include are the new TX Carbon and various runners from the collection. We are the largest in electric folding bicycles in the Netherlands, and we want to show that to the rest of Europe.”

  5. Shinga Lacros Scamper S600XL ranked ‘Best-in-Test’ for folding e-bikes

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    After numerous tests with the Fietstest.nl panel, this model has collectively received the highest scores in the folding electric bike category.

    Lacros‘ Scamper S600XL has once again been awarded the best in test by the panel of Fietstest.nl, with a high score of 8. This news highlights another triumph for the folding e-bike brand, whose Scamper S600XL also came out on top in 2022, with other models from the brand also receiving top marks from Fietstest.nl over the years.

    Lacros is delighted with this achievement, stating that this recognition “confirms the top quality and reliability of Lacros” and thanks its customers for their continued trust and support.

    The folding electric bicycle manufacturer has an experienced and passionate team that offers test rides, personalized advice on various models and maintenance checks. They also look forward to giving more people the opportunity to experience their latest range at trade shows this year.

  6. Lacros announced asTweewieler Best Employer finalist

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    Souce: Tweewieler

    The independent professional jury of the Tweewieler Awards has announced Lacros as one of three finalists for the title of Best Employer of the Year 2023. They will go to the final on Monday 6th November with fellow finalists Atlas Bicycles, and Roto Two-wheelers.

    Bicycle dealers can attend the final on Monday afternoon, November 6, in the AFAS Atrium in Leusden, with free places for two of their employees. In addition to announcing the winners of the four Two-Wheeler Awards (Best Employer, Innovative Entrepreneurship, Most Customer-Friendly Shop and Two-wheeler Shop of the Year), an attractive programme has been drawn up around a variety of topics that affect the industry on a daily basis.

    Lacros: self-managing, mentally and physically fit teams

    Lacros has been an established e-bike manufacturer since 2009, with a team of passionate staff that assist customers with extensive info about their models with tailored advice, helping them to get the most value out of their bikes for years to come. Based in Schijndel, Lacros takes good employer practises more than seriously. For example, its employees are continuously trained individually (internally and externally), with self-managing teams that receive customized training, with mental and physical fitness being a key priority within the company. Stress is prevented as much as possible by efficient teamwork and a good work-life balance. The way in which Lacros has organized its personnel policy means that the company does not have to make much effort to find new employees; there is more supply than vacancies.

  7. European production line for Lacros

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    Source: NieuwsFiets.com May, 2023

    Lacros has been on the market since 2009 and has since become a core brand in compact electric bicycles. In 2021, the manufacturer moved to a self-developed business premises in Schijndel in Brabant, where consumers come from far and wide for a test drive, service, advice or to buy one of the models from the collection.

    The market for compact electric bicycles is a niche market, but Lacros feels comfortable with it, because the numbers have increased enormously in recent years.

    Compact e-bikes may be smaller in size, but often big on performance and benefits. They are ideal for use in the so-called ‘last mile’ and handy in public transport, camper, boat or caravan, but the electric folding bicycles from Lacros are also extremely suitable for daily use and for longer distances. Thanks to their versatility and ease of use, these bicycles contribute to sustainable mobility.

    Lacros is sold directly to consumers, but also works with more than 60 dealers in the Netherlands, further increasing availability and service level. In addition to the Netherlands, Lacros also has dealers (bicycle shops and caravan companies) in Belgium, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. The brand also provides a home service, and Lacros has five service buses driving around in the Netherlands and Belgium for this purpose. Lacros bicycles find their way to users all over Europe, from Finland to Greece and from Germany to Ireland. “Our customers say it’s great that any problems are resolved quickly. For example, if a spoke is broken on holiday, we will send a new one. We sometimes do that with loaner batteries,” says marketing manager Jesse Smits. “That is a form of service that you do not encounter everywhere. After-sales is simply very important, also because our bicycles are not only used on holidays, but also very often daily for commuting. Then people just have to be helped quickly, if necessary. We can also offer them a loaner bike.”

    In terms of production, Lacros no longer works in Asia, but from its own production facility in Europe. According to Smits, they do this on the basis of high quality standards. Having their own production facility ensures that they have 100% control over all steps of the production process. In addition to the large showroom in Schijndel, the workshop is also located there, where all bicycles are assembled and adjusted. Maintenance and any repairs are also carried out here. The end user can configure his or her ordered bicycle to a certain extent, in order to tailor it to their user wishes. Permanent Dutch mechanics in Schijndel ensure that the bicycles are assembled as ordered by the customer. “We have everything in-house here. We carry out repairs here ourselves and we have everything in stock,” continues Smits. “That was of course a bit less at the beginning of corona, for example with the tires or gear systems, but now everything is back in order.”

    The main target group on which Lacros focuses are recreational users, aged 40 and over, who travel with a camper or boat. But also people who use a compact e-bike for commuting. Lacros distinguishes itself from other brands by being priced in the middle segment. According to Smits, the collection with a Bafang or Motinova mid-engine is valued for its powerful driving performance, and also in hilly areas abroad. “Our compact bikes ride like a big bike with 28” wheels. Partly for this reason, our top model, the S 600 XL, also won at Fietstest.nl. It is very comfortable and for an electric folding bike also a bit bigger with 24” wheels,” says Smits. “We also use larger batteries on our bicycles. A battery of 720 Wh is certainly quite large for an electric folding bike, but we also go for comfort. We equip our models with suspension, a curved handlebar, wide gearing and a wide saddle. That translates into the handling of, as I said, a big bike. And that is appreciated by the customer, because the bike is also suitable for longer distances. In any case, the battery can handle it easily,” says Smits. “Moreover, we can also provide tailor-made solutions, for taller or shorter people. We have also supplied bicycles to people with disabilities, for whom we have ordered and fitted specific parts to keep them safe on the road.”