Wout: 50,000 kilometres in and still choosing the bike over the car

How the bike gradually replaced the car

Wout’s first experience with speed pedelec riding came through a bike scheme at his former employer. Cycling to the office appealed to him, but only on one condition: it had to be practical.

“I didn’t want the hassle of changing clothes, showering and carrying extra gear. I just wanted to get to the office quickly.” That is exactly where the speed pedelec made the difference. Outdoors, active and moving - but without starting the workday sweaty or rushed.

At his former workplace, he began seeing more and more Stromers in the bike parking area. Colleagues were enthusiastic and one comment stuck with him: once you ride one, you’ll want one too.

They were right. Wout has been riding Stromer since 2020, now on an ST3 Pinion. He no longer uses it only for commuting, but for almost anything that can realistically be done by bike.

Groceries, appointments in town and even meetings further away. The kind of trips where he would once have automatically taken the car or train.

“The number of times I take the car can honestly be counted on one hand.” The more kilometres he rode, the less logical the car began to feel.

Work, movement and a clear head: all in one ride

Two to three times a week, Wout cycles to the office in Amersfoort: around 25 kilometres each way. For many people, that sounds like quite a commitment. For him, it has become more efficient than any other option.

Not only because he avoids traffic, parking stress and train delays, but because the ride gives him several things at once: he gets where he needs to go, he moves his body and he arrives home with a clearer head.

“That half hour you usually need to switch off after work - I do that on the bike. In the car, you’re still making calls or thinking about work. On the bike, you’re simply on your way.”

It also means he no longer has to consciously carve out as much time for exercise. “When I’ve cycled to the office, I don’t feel like I still have to do something afterwards. I’ve already had my movement for the day.”

With work and family life at home, that is exactly the kind of practical efficiency that makes a real difference.

Always looking for a smarter way

For Wout, something is only truly useful when it fits into his daily routine. And when it doesn’t, he makes it fit.

When he noticed how frustrating it was if his battery had not charged properly at the office, for example because someone had unplugged it, he decided to solve the problem himself. He built a connection between his Stromer and his Homey smart home system, so he now receives automatic notifications if the battery is not charging, is charging too slowly or can be charged at a smarter time at home.

“I just get a message saying: put your bike on the charger. Things like that. I like it when technology simply works with you.” He made the app available to other users for free, and it has already been downloaded by dozens of Stromer riders.

For Wout, his Stromer is not just a bike. It is something that needs to work smoothly within his everyday routine.

Honest about what could be better

Anyone who rides 50,000 kilometres has more than just good stories. They also know exactly where the pain points are.

Wout mentions maintenance without hesitation. In his view, it is significant, especially when you truly use a speed pedelec as a car replacement and cover high mileage. “Servicing, belts, brakes, parts… it can add up. You shouldn’t underestimate that.”

He is also honest about the communication around the well-known suspension fork issue: he felt it was limited. And yes, he would also like the horn to be replaced by something that makes more of an impression.

The fact that he mentions these things makes his enthusiasm more credible. He is not looking at the bike through rose-coloured glasses. He uses it intensively, thinks critically and experiences everything in real life.

If his Stromer were gone tomorrow, there would be another Stromer. “Yes, absolutely. I simply can’t leave that bike standing.”

Others want this too

Wout’s conviction as a rider has not gone unnoticed by the people around him. His brother now rides a Stromer too. Two friends have also made the switch. He regularly gets questions from people considering a speed pedelec. Sometimes they simply call him to ask what it is like in everyday life.

He also actively shares his experiences on LinkedIn. Not because he necessarily wants to be an ambassador, but because he genuinely believes many more people could leave the car at home more often.

“I think people underestimate how much you can actually do by bike. Once it becomes part of your system, it’s almost only positive.”

Perhaps that is exactly why his story resonates. Not just because of those 50,000 kilometres, but because he shows how natural the bike can become once it is truly part of your daily life.

“Just take one ride”

When people hesitate about buying a speed pedelec, Wout keeps his advice simple.

Don’t compare endlessly.
Don’t spend too long doing the maths.

Just ride one.

“Take one ride on a bike like this. Then you’ll know.”