Source: Radmarkt

The LEVA-EU member states that the tricycle sector benefits from structural factors, explaining that with its offering of extensive customer consultations, tricycles aren’t purchased impulsively, meaning that the market is more advantageous structurally for specialist retailers than mass market retailers. vanRaam explains that popularity is expanded to increasing demand from various age groups seeking a customised, practical and sustainable mode of transportation.

A key factor in users’ decisions to purchase a tricycle is personal mobility needs, such as balance issues, physical limitations, rehabilitation needs, or a desire for improved riding safety.

vanRaam’s Marketing Manager DACH Alexander Hülsmann explains to Radmarkt:

“We observe that for many people, a tricycle is the key to regaining their mobility. This makes demand significantly less dependent on economic cycles than in other segments.”

The target demographic for tricycles is no longer just senior citizens, but also people who have experienced accidents, have neurological diseases or require rehabilitation. Commuters who are looking for more stability in their riding experiences are also another target group.

Why tricycle demand is increasing in Europe

The rise in demand is due to tricycles becoming increasingly attractive for wider age groups, with an ageing population in Europe plus the increasing need for safe and practical personalised mobility alternatives to cars and public transport.

How tricycle customisation helps the value chain

It is noted that the tricycle segment is benefiting structurally, which is reflected in the production strategy of vanRaam, with its ability to frequently configure its models to customer specifications. With models such as Easy Rider, the Balance, and the Thuja, the Dutch company can adjust features including seating position and motorisation for varied customer needs. With vanRaam’s customisation services, inventory risks are reduced for dealers and there is optimised predictability for the whole value chain.

Extensive consultation advantageous for trading

As tricycles are not purchased impulsively, this level of service offering provides specialist retailers with more of a structural advantage than mass-market retailers. The service offering involved in the tricycle purchasing process involves test rides, consultations with individuals and personal adjustments.

Hülsmann explains:

“Tricycles aren’t bought on a whim, test rides, individual adjustments, and personal consultations play a central role – this is precisely where the strengths of qualified specialist retailers lie, which customers also appreciate.”

About vanRaam

Founded in 1900 as a blacksmith shop in Amsterdam, the Dutch brand has been specialising in providing rehabilitation bicycles since the 1980’s. It employs approximately 360 people at its factories in Varsseveld in the Netherlands and Wykroty, Poland. vanRaam is a leading global manufacturer of rehabilitation bicycles for all ages and develops most of its specialised components in-house.