What is a Nihola?

Kristen Steele astride a Nihola cargo bike - now available at Flying Pigeon LA.

Kristen Steele astride a Nihola cargo bike - now available at Flying Pigeon LA (image by Myleen Hollero).

We’ve just received a batch of Nihola cargo tricycles from Europe, so now would be a good time to explain just what makes these bikes so special.

Fortunately, that work has already been done for us by Kristen Steele, writing “Nihola-A Sweet Kid’s Ride” in Issue #42 of Momentum Magazine:

“The Nihola can carry two kids and groceries or other cargo. A tricycle with a very low center of gravity, it left me with none of the balancing paranoia of other child-carrying options. It offers a comfortable seat and upright riding position. The front wheels turn independently of the frame, making it extremely easy to handle. Axel [my son] (now 15 months old) looks like a king in a chariot, drawing lots of smiles from onlookers as we ride.

“The Danes know how to make a quality bike and the Nihola is no exception. The Nihola is the lightest three-wheeled bike on the Danish market. The Dutch cycle club Fietsersbond named it the best transport bike, beating nine other bikes in the test.

Typical of many Danish bikes, it comes with a built-in wheel lock, a brake lock on the handlebars and features a front cabin with a bench seat and two safety belts, and a removable rain hood.”

-Kristen Steele, “Nihola-A Sweet Kid’s Ride“, Momentum Magazine, #42

The Nihola Family bike got some LA Cycle Chic love during Interbike 2009 in Las Vegas in a short article entitled “Hot Bikes of Interbike: Nihola“.

I’ve started a small photoset on Flickr with pictures of Nihola bikes.

Interested in taking a Nihola Family bike home as your own? The 5-speed Nihola Family bike version with a rear coaster brake is $3,299. The 7-speed Nihola Family bike with a rear V-brake is $3,499. Shipping rates vary.

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One Comment

  1. Brian W Clark
    Posted September 22, 2010 at 3:52 am | Permalink

    Really interested in the Cigar Family or Nihola Large. I have 3 kids so the more that can be carried the better. What are the prices + shipping? I live in Washington, DC. Also, are there any affiliate stores in my area where I could do a test ride?

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