Benno
Benno Bikes LLC designs and manufactures electric bicycles under its proprietary Etility Design philosophy, selling five e-bike models priced $560-$4,000 exclusively through independent bicycle retailers in North America and Europe, targeting urban families, commuters and outdoor enthusiasts seeking car-replacement transportation.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersPortage, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Benno does
Benno Bikes LLC is a privately held American electric bicycle manufacturer founded in 2015 by Benno Baenziger, a Swiss native and co-founder of Electra Bicycle Company. The company designs and sells five core e-bike models (Boost, 46er, eJoy, RemiDemi and RemiDemi XL) under a proprietary 'Etility Design' philosophy that combines sporty ride dynamics with cargo and passenger capability, gross vehicle weights ranging from 400-440 lbs. All models use Bosch mid-drive motors (Performance Line, CX, Active Plus, Speed) with PowerPack batteries up to 1000Wh dual configurations, and feature a modular accessory system compatible with MIK HD, Racktime, Yepp and Urban Iki child-seat ecosystems.
The company serves urban families and commuters seeking car-replacement transportation, outdoor enthusiasts (e.g., fly fishing), and professional users (e.g., Air Zermatt rescue operations). Pricing spans approximately $560 (Upright base) to $4,000 (Boost E premium cargo). Go-to-market is exclusively through the Independent Bicycle Dealer (IBD) channel — no direct-to-consumer or online sales. In the U.S., Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) has served as the sole distributor since model year 2022, providing one-day ground service from four distribution centers plus warranty and service. In Europe, Benno Bikes Swiss GmbH (founded 2017, led by Samuel Weishaupt) handles direct distribution to retailers in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Northern Italy, supported by a duty-free warehouse in Lustenau, Austria. Operations are managed by a lean 1-10 person core team (U.S. HQ in Del Mar, CA; Phoenix warehouse) with no disclosed institutional funding.
Benno firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Benno
- Legal name
- Benno Bikes LLC
- Website
- https://bennobikes.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Benno Bikes LLC designs and manufactures electric bicycles under its proprietary Etility Design philosophy, selling five e-bike models priced $560-$4,000 exclusively through independent bicycle retailers in North America and Europe, targeting urban families, commuters and outdoor enthusiasts seeking car-replacement transportation.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Benno industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electric 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
- E-Bikes & Electric Bicycles (CRACASAA), E-Bike Retail (CRAMAHAE), Cargo & Utility Bike Retail (CRAMAHAF)
Keywords
Where Benno is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Portage
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Benno business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- E-bike Sales: Revenue primarily from direct sales of electric bicycles through specialty bicycle retailers. Models range from urban cruisers to cargo bikes, with prices from $560 to $4,000.
- Accessories and Parts: Modular accessories including pannier bags, front trays, child seats, racks, and tires. Sold through the same IBD channel as bikes.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Benno Boost E cargo bike - $3,999 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Benno eJoy 9D - $3,199 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Benno Ballooner Ladies' 8i - $1,100 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Benno Upright - starting at $560 |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Benno product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Benno Bikes LLC designs, manufactures, and distributes a lineup of electric bicycles (e-bikes) under its proprietary Etility Design philosophy, combining sporty ride dynamics with cargo and passenger-carrying capability. The product range spans mid-tail e-cargo bikes (Boost), extended rear e-bikes (46er), urban e-cruisers (eJoy), and compact 20-inch wheel utility e-bikes (RemiDemi and RemiDemi XL), all powered by Bosch mid-drive motor systems with modular accessory integration for child seats, bags, and racks. Sales occur exclusively through specialty bicycle retailers in North America and Europe, with QBP serving as the U.S. distributor and Benno Bikes Swiss GmbH handling European distribution.
Product overview
Benno Bikes LLC is a California-based electric bicycle company founded by Electra co-founder Benno Baenziger, offering a portfolio of five e-bike models under its proprietary Etility Design philosophy. The product lineup consists of the Boost (flagship midtail cargo e-bike with 440lb capacity), 46er (extended rear cargo bike with suspension), eJoy (urban cruiser), RemiDemi (compact city e-bike), and RemiDemi XL (extended compact). All models feature Bosch mid-drive motors and share a modular accessory system including MIK HD rear racks, Family Kit components, and compatibility with Yepp/Racktime child seats. The bikes are designed to combine sporty ride dynamics with practical cargo and passenger-carrying capability, targeting urban commuters and families seeking car replacement options.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Benno Boost Flagship midtail e-cargo bike with 440lb/200kg max gross weight capacity (rider plus cargo plus bike), Bosch mid-drive motor, and modular accessory system including MIK HD rear rack for tool-free child seat installation. Designed under the Etility philosophy for sporty handling while carrying cargo or passengers.
- Benno 46er Extended rear e-bike with 420lb/190kg capacity, featuring 26-inch front wheel with suspension for smooth rides and 24-inch rear wheel for cargo and passenger stability.
- Benno eJoy Urban e-cruiser with 400lb/180kg capacity and 85lb/40kg rear rack limit, featuring 26-inch balloon tires and comfortable upright riding position for everyday city use. Priced at $3,199 for the eJoy 9D variant with Bosch Active Line motor and integrated Supernova lights.
- Benno RemiDemi Compact midtail e-bike with 400lb/180kg capacity, 20-inch wheels and wide 4.25-inch tires, designed for maneuverable city riding. Features Yepp and Racktime compatible rear rack for child seats and modular accessories.
- Benno RemiDemi XL Extended version of the RemiDemi with a longer rear section for carrying two children or additional cargo, while maintaining compact 20-inch wheel maneuverability. 420lb/190kg capacity with 130lb/60kg rear passenger rating.
Quantifiable outcome
- Bicycling 2017 Editor's Choice Award winner for Benno Boost E
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Benno
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Benno technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature3 records
Benno partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Quality Bicycle Products (QBP)coreQBP is the sole distributor of Benno bicycles, parts, and accessories to specialty bicycle retailers in the U.S. beginning model year 2022. Q operates four U.S. distribution centers providing 1-day ground service. Q is also the official warranty and service provider for all Benno bikes in the U.S. beginning September 1, 2021.
- Air ZermattflagshipAir Zermatt rescue team uses Benno Boost E as official ground transportation. Special edition bike developed for the helicopter rescue team, featuring custom studded winter tires, dual batteries, and multifunction racks. The partnership provides high-profile visibility for the brand in the outdoor/sports market.
- BoschcoreAll Benno e-bikes are powered by Bosch mid-drive electric motor systems. Partnership includes Performance Line, Performance CX, Active Plus, and Performance Sport motor options, along with Bosch PowerPack batteries and Purion displays.
- Samuel Weishaupt (Benno Bikes Swiss GmbH)coreSamuel Weishaupt founded Benno Bikes Swiss GmbH in 2018 to establish the brand in Europe, starting with Switzerland, then expanding to Austria, Northern Italy, and Germany. Established duty-free warehouse in Lustenau, Austria for EU distribution.
- Uwe KalliwodacoreFormer Accell/Ghost executive joined as actively involved partner in 2020. Manages sales, finance, and supply chain, allowing founder Benno Baenziger to focus on design and marketing. Has known Baenziger since 1993.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Benno competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Strengths5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Benno social profiles
Digital presenceBenno financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Benno leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Benno subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Benno funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Benno 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 Benno
What does Benno do?
Benno Bikes LLC designs, manufactures, and distributes a lineup of electric bicycles (e-bikes) under its proprietary Etility Design philosophy, combining sporty ride dynamics with cargo and passenger-carrying capability. The product range spans mid-tail e-cargo bikes (Boost), extended rear e-bikes (46er), urban e-cruisers (eJoy), and compact 20-inch wheel utility e-bikes (RemiDemi and RemiDemi XL), all powered by Bosch mid-drive motor systems with modular accessory integration for child seats, bags, and racks. Sales occur exclusively through specialty bicycle retailers in North America and Europe, with QBP serving as the U.S. distributor and Benno Bikes Swiss GmbH handling European distribution.
Is Benno a public or private company?
Benno is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Benno founded?
Benno was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Benno based?
Benno is headquartered in Portage, United States, in the North America region.
How does Benno make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. E-bike Sales are the primary driver. The others are accessories and Parts.
Does Benno have an API?
No public API is recorded for Benno.
What industry is Benno in?
Benno's product category is Electric Bicycles. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACAOAA, E-bikes & E-cargo Bikes Manufacturing, with a secondary code of CRACASAA, E-Bikes & Electric Bicycles. Its NAICS code is 336991 and its SIC code is 3751.