Maldegem/Sint-Laureins - eBikes Vergauwe in Sint-Laureins has been part of the RAIDA bicycle network since 1 October 2022. With this, RAIDA is expanding in East Flanders, on top of its branches in Melle and Aalst.

Looking for suitable premises to replace the recently closed Tielt branch, RAIDA ended up in the Aalter-Maldegem region.

Studies show that consumers are willing to travel 20 minutes to buy quality products in an experience environment. With branches in Waregem, Kortrijk and Roeselare, the Tielt branch had become redundant.

Christophe, co-director Raida: "In Aalter, suitable premises were not immediately available, so we kept widening the search circle and finally ended up in Maldegem. This base of operations is also ideally suited to serve the residents of the hinterland who work in Gent-Zeehaven." That search came to Danny and Ingeborg of eBikes Vergauwe's attention and they approached the people at RAIDA to work out a cooperation proposal.

The spark struck immediately. Danny: "It talks easily when you both combine passion for engineering with love for premium products. I am honoured that I will be able to transfer our experience to a larger team." For Danny and Ingeborg, like Raida, STROMER is the house brand, along with TREK for the sporty range and e-bikes up to 25km/h. Danny: "When Stromer entered the Belgian bike market in 2014, we jumped on that bandwagon, and eBikes Vergauwe was consequently among the first 5 Belgian Stromer dealers. I saw this as a personal challenge: finding my great love for motor technology now in an e-bike top model. To savour!"

Cédric, co-director of Raida: "Danny is a topper in terms of technical knowledge. Raida is gaining a first-rate man with all the know-how in electric bikes and especially Stromer. Today, customers come to Sint-Laureins from far and wide to buy their Stromer. This involves journeys of more than 20 minutes (laughs)."

Cédric, co-director of Raida: "Danny is a topper in terms of technical knowledge. Raida is gaining a first-rate man with all the know-how in electric bikes and especially Stromer. Today, customers come to Sint-Laureins from far and wide to buy their Stromer. This involves journeys of more than 20 minutes (laughs)."

Ingeborg: "We have no family succession and this collaboration is the best for our customers. The family atmosphere is never far away at Raida either. Moreover, Danny and I would like to run with it for a few more years and transfer our years of knowledge and experience. Only we no longer feel like all the worries and administrative burdens that come with a bike shop today."

A more spacious venue is urging itself to offer the range of STROMER speedpedelecs, sports bikes, electric city bikes, longtail bikes, cargo bikes in a fun way.

Cédric: "In order for customers to experience the full Raida experience, we will soon move into more spacious premises in Maldegem." Danny adds: "This is a future-oriented collaboration that guarantees we can continue to offer our customers the best service. This way, my technical knowledge built up over 35 years will not be lost and the larger shop will be an added value in our region."

Once again, this moves an established bike maker into partnership with RAIDA.