Huka Bikes celebrates its 50th anniversary this year!

What began in 1975, when founders Ben Kamp and Louis Huttenhuis wanted to give children with a physical disability a better ergonomic posture, grew into a well-known Dutch brand of special bicycles for people who need extra support or stability. Over the years, Huka developed countless rehabilitation solutions, and the focus shifted increasingly towards mobility by bicycle. Huka is no longer a family business — although the company still cherishes family values. Huka went through several acquisitions and has been part of the listed Swedish company Medcap for several years. Medcap applies a so-called “decentralized, empowered” philosophy: companies operate as independently as possible — and so does Huka, a well-known name in Oldenzaal, recognizable by the yellow house style and the striking logo.

The current management consists of Rob Lotgerink (general), Thomas Mittendorff (commercial) and Rogier Halink(financial). They look back with pride on the road Huka has traveled. Rob Lotgerink: “In the 1980s and 1990s, I already worked for Huka for a long period, and five years ago I had the opportunity to join for a second time. This was during a difficult period: disappointing sales, a previous owner in trouble and the impact of Covid-19. With down-to-earth craftsmanship, focus on the customer and discipline in our processes, we managed to get back on track. This 50-year milestone is above all a compliment to our people and partners: they have brought color back to Huka’s cheeks.”

Duo bikes, tandems and tricycles

An important boost came two years ago with the introduction of the Orthros, Huka’s latest duo bike. Partly because of this, Huka won a large tender in Norway. Shortly afterwards, success followed again with the Cortes XS, a compact electric tricycle that generates a lot of demand at home and abroad. Huka serves two main markets: the WMO channel (often through tenders) and the European specialized bicycle trade. In addition, Huka also exports outside Europe, including to America and Australia. The global ageing population is seen by Huka as an opportunity: “Fit is the new rich.” More and more people remain mobile for longer, and the stigma that a tricycle, duo bike or tandem is only for people with disabilities is rightly disappearing. “Our bicycles – and those of colleague brands – have now become a normal sight in the streets,” says Thomas. “We build bicycles for people who have partly lost their mobility. Our bicycles give back confidence, ensure that people can participate again and experience independence. That this goes hand in hand with growth is wonderful, but the goal remains social impact — that’s what we do it for.”

Celebrating the anniversary: first internally, later also with partners

Huka kicks off the anniversary year with a big party for the more than 40 employees and their partners. Customers and employees receive a special gift to mark this milestone. And next year, once the move/expansion has been completed, there will be an open day for customers, partners and other interested parties, so that Huka can show the steps it has taken in recent years.