Why choose a Finnish e-bike?

Take a peek behind the scenes of a Finnish classic – this is where the bicycles known to everyone are made

You will notice the difference in day-to-day life when the e-bike is designed for Finnish conditions with over one hundred years of experience.

Helkama’s bicycle plant is a true Hanko institution that has stood in the same place since the 1960s.

With over a hundred years of experience, the story of the Finnish family-owned company that makes bicycles is unique – who else would better know the wishes and habits of Finnish cyclists?

On the outside, the plant still looks the same, but considerable investments and modernisation have been made inside. For the Helkama family, it is important that production continues in Hanko.

“The property has been renovated and the roof has been replaced. The assembly and bicycle lines are new. A new painting line is under construction,” says Production Manager Dennis Karlsson.

Finland’s largest bicycle plant produces more than 25,000 bicycles per year, and the sales area covers the whole country from Hanko to Ivalo.

Karlsson praises Helkama’s community spirit and open atmosphere. Here, the owner may take a stroll around the factory with the others at any time.

The plant’s clearest trend are e-bikes, which were previously only a secondary product. Now it is Helkama’s number one product by far: over six years, sales have increased tenfold.

“We decided to invest in e-bikes already before the pandemic, four years ago. We trusted that e-bikes would be our thing and that there would be room for growth on the Finnish market.

Made in Hanko – Finnish e-bikes

Helkama’s strength is its extensive range, with bikes that suit all needs from off-road to city riding. The bicycles are manufactured close to the markets and customers.

“The production order can be changed even in a few hours. If a certain colour is more popular, it can be in production already in the afternoon and on the road the next day,” says Karlsson.

A Finnish manufacturer can take the Finnish conditions into account in product development. Many people ride their bikes year-round, regardless of the weather.

“We know what works. The design of the bicycles takes into account the possibility to use studded tyres as well as removable batteries that can be brought from the cold inside for charging in a warm place.

A separate team is in charge of sustainability at Helkama. In everything we do, we strive for sustainability and a long life cycle. With regard to components, we are dependent on foreign manufacturers, but all of the possible improvements have been made at the plant.

– Solar panels, careful recycling, giving up oil heating, LED lights and electric vans are a few examples of this.

Handicraft is a surprise at the Helkama plant

Helkama’s plant organises guided tours for groups, companies and students. The open house organised last October attracted about 500 visitors over the course of a couple of days.

During the plant tour, the visitors can see the bicycle manufacturing process from the component warehouse up to the moment when a finished bicycle is awaiting pick-up.

According to Karlsson, one thing is always a surprise to the visitors: the production of bicycles is handicraft by real people, not robots and machines.

The only automation is the truing machine, which takes care of tightening the spokes, for example. Without people, production in Hanko would not run.

– People always say that they did not know that making bikes is such a precise craftmanship. It allows us to monitor quality and correct any defects immediately.

Helkama is proud of the long history of bicycle production in Hanko. The company is prepared to invest in the plant in order to keep the production in the same place in the future.

“The plant is an institution for both Hanko and Helkama. Certain strong values are part of the family business and its culture,” says Juha Lauhamaa, Sales and Marketing Director at Helkama.

Lauhamaa says that his first visit to the plant made a big impression on him. The work phases were carried out with a smile and with precise professionalism.

“People’s professional pride and the craftsmanship with which bikes are made feel tremendous in our days. Some people’s Helkama careers have lasted more than 30 years.

Classics and new products are all made under the same roof

Classic bicycle models and new trends shake hands at the Hanko plant. Helkama classics such as Jääkäri, Ainotar and Aino are now also made as e-bike versions.

“This reflects the company’s evolution well. We know how to reform, but we do not forget history,” says Karlsson.

When Karlsson joined Helkama, the most popular bicycle model was the Jopo. It still holds its place, especially as a summer bike.

“Jopo is a classic that will never die. Production continues throughout the year, only the scale has changed.

How Finns fell in love with e-bikes

In 2022, e-bikes accounted for well over one-half of Helkama’s sales. A new e-bike is completed at the Hanko plant every 4–5 minutes.

According to Karlsson, the biggest contributor to popularity has been the increase in awareness. People have noticed that an e-bike is a practical and fun tool for everyday life.

“Fuel prices and green values also influence the e-bike trend. Many households are wondering if they should get an e-bike instead of another car.

The tax reform of company bikes can also be seen in e-bike sales. The bicycle benefit is tax-free income up to EUR 1,200, which makes the purchase of a bicycle cheaper.

The component shortage that plagued e-bike production is also improving.

“The situation is considerably better than last year. Individual components still cause worries, but production does not need to be curbed,” says Karlsson.

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