How much can the Nihola Flex carry?

The Nihola Flex can carry 120kg (265lbs) on the platform, plus the rider weighing no more than 120kg / 265lbs themselves.

Will the bike tip forward when loading?

Nope! Two wheels on either side of the platform provide stability when a wheelchair user rolls onto and off of the platform. 

Will this take up a lot of space on the road?

Not really, most bike lanes are 1.5 – 2 meters wide and the Nihola is only 110cm wide, leaving plenty of room for other transport users to pass.

Can I store it outside?

You sure can! The Nihola is built for perpetual outdoor storage. It’s pretty rare that someone in Denmark would have indoor storage so bikes just get parked in the street. Plus, they salt the roads just like Toronto does in winter. The frames are painted with a highly chip-resistant powder-coat, and beneath the powder-coat lies a thick rust-resistant undercoat. Of course, the gears and front brakes are internally sealed so they will keep operating no matter the weather.

What is the maintenance like?
Very low! Because the Nihola uses internal gears and internal drum brakes the intervals between tune-ups are few and far between. We recommend oil on the chain and air in the tires every three weeks. All Nihola bikes come standard with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires; the most puncture-resistant tires on the market.

How does this compare to other trikes?

Nihola makes the lightest, most stable and best handling cargo bike on the market. While other brands steer the entire box, the Nihola’s front wheels steer independently. And, while competing brands add high-performance tilt steering, Nihola questions the practicality and safety of such systems. Finally, by using high-impact Lexan plastic rather than wood, the Nihola is up to 40% lighter competing brands, less maintenance (at some point all wood will rot) and significantly safer.

Can I put a childseat on the back?

Yes. It is a very common sight in Denmark to see a family with three children to put the oldest one on the back. We recommend the Yepp Junior, which can take a child up to 80lbs. We do not recommend a front-mounted childseat since the footrests can get in the way of the wheelchair).

What's the rear wheel lock good for?

The rear-wheel lock is a clever design built for short in-and-out errands where finding a locking-pole may take longer than the errand. The rear-wheel lock lets you momentarily lock the bike to itself. It’s great if you need to quickly dash in and out to grab a coffee or at the park having a picnic.  

This is expensive! Will it get stolen?

Estimates are that over 90% of bicycle theft is tied to cash-for-drugs and this (unfortunately) makes every bike a target. Make sure you buy a good U-lock or a chain and your bike will be safe. You can read more about bike theft here.

What’s the warranty?

Two-year warranty for manufacturer defects on frame and fork, one year on parts. Does not include wear and tear.