Commercial collaboration: Helkama Velox Ltd. Helkama Velox Ltd. and EcoFellows Ltd. are collaborating on the use of an electric bike in fieldwork related to outdoor recreation services. The fatbike-style e-bike will be used year-round, and its performance is being tested in a variety of conditions.
The first test rides in Kauppi, Tampere, were carried out by Environmentalist Jussi Saivo and Outdoor Recreation Planner Kaisa Mikkola from EcoFellows. The bike was introduced following Saivo’s initiative. Previously, electric bikes have been used at EcoFellows for route mapping and site familiarisation, but not in fieldwork tasks.
“Car use defines too much how environments are built. Anything that changes this perspective is, in my opinion, a good thing. It’s worth boldly trying new solutions instead of sticking to familiar ways of working,” says Saivo.
In the city centre area of Tampere, all travel between sites can be done using the same mode of transport, without the need for separate vehicle transport. Short distances can be covered quickly, bypassing traffic congestion. In addition to the rider, the bike can carry a load of approximately 30 kilograms. According to Saivo, the new mode of transport brings greater flexibility to work and task organisation. From the saddle, the terrain is viewed differently than on foot, helping to better understand route usage, maintenance, and development needs. Maintenance sites can also be reached much faster and more efficiently by bike than on foot.
Mikkola is responsible for planning hiking, mountain biking, and trail running routes in the Kauppi-Niihama area.
“The area is extensive and diverse. Cycling saves time and the environment while enabling quick transfers. And of course, cycling is enjoyable! I agree with Jussi that cycling helps ensure that the world is not designed solely from the perspective of car use.”
Mikkola plans to use the bike for route mapping and to meet users of the area. Saivo, for his part, will first head to Kauppi and Hervanta. Eeva Heimonen, Marketing Manager at Helkama, describes how the idea of lending the bike for work use came about:
“We were immediately excited about this. We are extremely proud of our high-quality electric fatbikes made in Finland. The idea that our bike would be used year-round in demanding conditions felt excellent. Through this collaboration, we especially want to receive valuable feedback and concrete experiences on how the bike performs in practice in fieldwork and varying conditions.”
The suspension fork and wide tyres ensure smooth riding over rocks, roots, and uneven trails. Grip and stability are excellent on snow, sand, and other soft surfaces. Electric assistance makes riding easier and reduces the strain of moving forward, even in demanding conditions. The large battery ensures sufficient range for longer distances.
“We don’t yet have extensive direct experience with using this type of electric fatbike in fieldwork, so we’re very much looking forward to feedback from EcoFellows. It’s great to follow the journey of the bike in the Finnish forest – exactly where it is designed to be used,” says Heimonen.
All Helkama bicycles have been awarded the Key Flag symbol. The bikes are designed to perform in a variety of everyday conditions and are built for Finnish environments, from summer weather to winter riding. Helkama’s electric bikes are designed, tested, and manufactured in Finland at the company’s factory in Hanko.
