Waterloo company aims to bring bike subscription service to region

Matthew Froggatt and Sunny Xie saw a lot of people using bicycles when the two were on an exchange trip to the Netherlands.

They also noticed there were bike subscription services in Europe. So after they returned to Waterloo, Ont., they thought about getting a similar idea rolling in Waterloo region. Now, they're preparing to launch Velodel — a company that provides bicycles as part of a subscription service starting in May.

Froggatt said the idea could work well for students who may not be able to afford their own car or may only need a bicycle for a short time. But the service could be for anyone in the region.

"If I'm a student, that would probably be something like four months. If I'm someone who likes to bike only in the summer, that might be something like from May til October," Froggatt said.

"You keep it for the whole period of time and then contact us, let us know, 'Hey, I'm ready to pack it up for the season or I'm moving to California for my co-op,' and then we'll come and pick up the bike from you."

He said they plan to use a seven-speed, Dutch-style bike and people could pick the size they require. Then, it would be delivered to their door.

Four months would cost approximately $240. Froggatt said that might be too high for some people, who may be able to buy a bike for the same price or even cheaper online.

But the subscription means people don't have to worry about the bicycle if they have to leave, and if something happens to it and it needs repairs, they'd be able to get a replacement.

Getting the right bike fit

Xie said shea has used inexpensive bikes, but because she's on the shorter side, they don't always work for her and it can be uncomfortable.

"I have to constantly be like, 'Oh, so I need to stop now and where do I put my feet? How do I stop this bike from making the noises that is so annoying?'" she said. "And when I got to the Netherlands, their bikes are ergonomically very comfortable and I was able to find one that fit me super well."

Froggatt said they're also looking at anti-theft devices for the bikes to ensure they don't get stolen from people using the subscription service.

"The important thing for me is just I want to make sure that students can get around," Froggatt said.

"We want to make sure that people can feel comfortable using a bike as their method of transportation. We don't want it to just be sort of something you do for fun on the weekends. We want to make sure that like a student who needs to go and get a bunch of groceries with their bike."

People who want e-bikes or e-scooters for short trips can also use the program through the Region of Waterloo and Neuron Mobility. The orange rental e-scooters and bikes are back on the sidewalks in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, and will be available until later this fall.