Bike 43
Bike 43 is a Belgian designer and manufacturer of premium longtail cargo e-bikes for families, offering three configurable models (Short, Mid, Long) with 20+ accessories, sold through 2,343+ European dealers and direct e-commerce across Benelux, Germany, and France.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersUccle, Belgium
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Bike 43 does
Bike 43 (legal entity Bike43 SRL) is a Belgian designer and manufacturer of longtail cargo electric bicycles for families, founded by Étienne Richelle in 2011 in Uccle, Brussels, with serial production launched in 2016. The product line consists of three longtail models — Short (173cm, up to 2 children), Mid (186cm, up to 3 children), and Long (197cm with a 24" front / 20" rear mullet wheel configuration, up to 4 children) — offered with configurable drivetrains built around Bosch and Shimano electric motors, Enviolo or Shimano internal gear hubs, and optional Gates Carbon Drive belt transmissions. Proprietary design assets include the Magic Footbox (child foot protection), an adjustable Up & Down handlebar, a pivoting Bench Kit, a custom wide-stance kickstand tuned for stability under 60kg loads, and motor interface plates that allow future motor upgrades. Approximately 80% of the bike's value is sourced from European components, with frames hand-welded in Eastern Europe from chromoly steel and final assembly performed at a protected workshop in Brussels that primarily employs hearing-impaired workers.
The business model is hardware sales of premium cargo bikes plus a 20+ item accessories catalog, distributed through a network of more than 2,343 authorized dealers across Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and France, complemented by a direct-to-consumer e-commerce site (bike43.com) available in four languages and a try-before-you-buy test ride program. The company's go-to-market combines channel partner sales, direct online sales, and a community-led motion anchored by a Facebook 'Bike 43 riders' group, a 10,000km Club loyalty program, and an annual Family Day event. Leadership was expanded in 2022 with the addition of co-leaders Miguel Vandamme and Thibaut Dehem alongside founder Étienne Richelle, formalizing a scaling team with a stated goal of 'replacing 10,000 cars'. The company received the German Design Award 2026 and is privately held with no disclosed external funding.
Bike 43 firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bike 43
- Legal name
- Bike43 SRL
- Website
- https://bike43.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Bike 43 is a Belgian designer and manufacturer of premium longtail cargo e-bikes for families, offering three configurable models (Short, Mid, Long) with 20+ accessories, sold through 2,343+ European dealers and direct e-commerce across Benelux, Germany, and France.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bike 43 industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electric Cargo Bicycles
- NAICS
- Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991)
- SIC
- Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751)
- akta.pro primary industry
- E-bikes & E-cargo Bikes Manufacturing (IMACAOAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cargo & Utility Bike Retail (CRAMAHAF), E-Bikes & Electric Bicycles (CRACASAA), Cycling & Bike Retail (Sales, Service & Accessories) (CRAMABAH)
Keywords
Where Bike 43 is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Uccle
- HQ country
- Belgium
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Bike 43 business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Cargo Bike Sales: Sale of three longtail cargo bike models (Short, Mid, Long) with multiple motor options (Bosch, Shimano) and configurations. Bikes are sold through dealer network with pricing based on model and specifications.
- Accessories: Sale of 20+ accessories including Magic Footbox, Bench Kit, rain covers, maxicosy adapters, front baskets, and step-in systems for the cargo bikes.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Short model - Compact family cargo bike |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Mid model - Versatile family cargo bike |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Long model - Iconic spacious family cargo bike |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Bike 43 product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bike 43 designs, manufactures, and sells longtail electric cargo bicycles for families (the Short, Mid, and Long models) along with 20+ compatible accessories such as the Magic Footbox, Up & Down Handlebar, Pivotable Bench Kit, Maxicosy Adapter, Front Basket, Rain Cover, Wheel Guards, and Step In. The bikes integrate Bosch and Shimano electric motors, internal gear hub transmissions, and proprietary frame and kickstand designs, and are distributed across Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France via dealers, an e-commerce site, and a try-before-you-buy test ride program.
Product overview
Bike 43 is a family cargo bike manufacturer offering a range of longtail cargo bikes designed for families with children. The product lineup consists of three core bike models (Short, Mid, and Long) distinguished by length and capacity, with over 20 accessories enabling customization for different family needs (up to 4 children). The bikes feature various motor options from Bosch and Shimano, with the Short and Mid models using aluminum frames and the Long model featuring a CrMo steel frame. The company also offers a test ride program and sells accessories including Magic Footbox, adjustable handlebars, bench seats, maxicosy adapters, and optional belt drive transmissions. All bikes are designed and assembled in Europe (Brussels, Belgium) with local production partnerships.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Short Cargo Family Bike Compact longtail family cargo e-bike with 173cm length, 175kg total moving mass, designed to carry 1–2 children and convertible to the Mid model. Equipped with the Bosch Performance Line motor (75Nm torque) and Magic Footbox-protected passenger space.
- Mid Tail Cargo Family Bike Mid-size longtail family cargo e-bike with 186cm length, 200kg total moving mass, and 13cm additional rack space versus the Short, accommodating up to 3 small children with the Bench Kit in long position. Available with Bosch Performance Line (75Nm) or Performance Line PX (90Nm) motors.
- Long Tail Cargo Family Bike Flagship longtail family cargo e-bike with 197cm length (15cm longer than a classic bike), 200kg total moving mass, 24-inch front / 20-inch rear (mullet) wheel configuration, and a hand-welded CrMo steel frame carrying a lifetime warranty. Available with Shimano EP6 (85Nm) or Bosch Performance Line PX (90Nm) motors and seats up to 4 children.
- Magic Footbox accessory Proprietary foot enclosure accessory that protects the first child's feet under the saddle, making the cargo bike 15cm more compact and safer; available across the Bike 43 accessory range.
- Up & Down Handlebar accessory Height-adjustable handlebar with a folding function for Bike 43 cargo bikes, designed for easy switching between riders and convenient storage and transport.
- Pivotable Bench Kit accessory Bench-style child seat that pivots like a car door for easy loading of children without bending, available for the Short, Mid, and Long Bike 43 cargo bikes.
- Maxicosy Adapter accessory Adapter for transporting babies in Maxicosy car seats on Bike 43 cargo bikes, including an integrated suspension system, recommended for babies from 4 months of age.
- Front Basket accessory Front-mounted cargo basket accessory for Bike 43 family cargo bikes, providing additional carrying capacity up to 20kg.
- Rain Cover accessory Weather protection cover for children riding on Bike 43 Mid and Long family cargo bikes, enabling year-round use.
- Wheel Guards accessory Protective wheel guards for Bike 43 family cargo bikes, designed to prevent clothing from getting caught in the wheel spokes.
- Step In accessory Footrest system accessory that makes boarding and alighting easier, available for Bike 43 Mid and Long family cargo bikes.
- Gates Carbon Drive CDX Belt Drive optional transmission Optional Gates Carbon Drive CDX belt drive transmission for the Short and Mid cargo bikes, providing maintenance-free, lubrication-free operation with belt and sprocket replacement needed at approximately 20,000km (cost around €450). Not available on the Long model.
- One Week / One Hour Test Ride program Try-before-you-buy service allowing prospective customers to test ride a Bike 43 cargo bike for one hour or for one week through authorized dealers or ambassador families before purchasing.
Quantifiable outcome
- 20,000,000km+ driven by Bike43 users worldwide
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Bike 43
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Bike 43 technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Bike 43 partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- BoschcoreBosch provides electric motors for Bike43 cargo bikes, including Performance Line (75Nm), Performance Line PX (90Nm), and Cargo Line CX motors depending on model configuration.
- ShimanocoreShimano provides EP6 motors (85Nm) and Nexus Inter5E internal gear hubs for the Long model, offering maintenance-free shifting with ability to change gears while stationary.
- EnviolocoreEnviolo Heavy Duty internal gear hubs available as transmission option, providing maintenance-free, continuous shifting suitable for cargo applications.
- Augustin SagehommeminorArtistic collaboration featuring custom artwork on Bike43 bikes, announced in March 2025.
- Drink DrinkminorPartnership with Brussels-based Drink Drink for promotional collaboration, announced March 2025.
- Brussels Protected WorkshopcoreSocial enterprise partnership for local bike assembly in Brussels, providing employment and reintegration opportunities for people with disabilities and social disadvantages. The team, primarily composed of hearing-impaired workers, has developed exceptional mechanical skills. Approximately 80% of bike value comes from European-made components.
- CBTWminorWebsite development and design partnership noted in footer as 'Made in collaboration with CBTW'.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Bike 43 competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Strengths4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Bike 43 social profiles
Digital presenceBike 43 financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bike 43 leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Bike 43 funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Bike 43 M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Bike 43
What does Bike 43 do?
Bike 43 designs, manufactures, and sells longtail electric cargo bicycles for families (the Short, Mid, and Long models) along with 20+ compatible accessories such as the Magic Footbox, Up & Down Handlebar, Pivotable Bench Kit, Maxicosy Adapter, Front Basket, Rain Cover, Wheel Guards, and Step In. The bikes integrate Bosch and Shimano electric motors, internal gear hub transmissions, and proprietary frame and kickstand designs, and are distributed across Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France via dealers, an e-commerce site, and a try-before-you-buy test ride program.
Is Bike 43 a public or private company?
Bike 43 is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Bike 43 founded?
Bike 43 was founded in 2011. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Bike 43 based?
Bike 43 is headquartered in Uccle, Belgium, in the Europe region.
How does Bike 43 make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Cargo Bike Sales are the primary driver. The others are accessories.
Does Bike 43 have an API?
No public API is recorded for Bike 43.
What industry is Bike 43 in?
Bike 43's product category is Electric Cargo Bicycles. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACAOAA, E-bikes & E-cargo Bikes Manufacturing, with a secondary code of CRAMAHAF, Cargo & Utility Bike Retail. Its NAICS code is 336991 and its SIC code is 3751.