The rapid adoption of e-bikes has created an overlooked problem for many users: transporting these heavy two-wheelers, especially without a tow hitch. German startup PENDER has developed a patented solution to lift e-bikes weighing up to 30 kg onto car roofs — effortlessly and securely. With a proven product, successful market entry, and ambitious plans for expansion, PENDER is poised to become the go-to brand for e-bike transport technology.
Addressing a Real E-Bike Transportation Challenge
As e-bikes grow in popularity, especially in markets like Germany where more than 11 million are already in use, transportation remains a hurdle. Traditional roof racks often require two people to lift a heavy e-bike, limiting mobility and usability. PENDER tackles this pain point directly with its PENDER ebikelifter: a semi-hydraulic roof-lifting system using gas springs that enables a single user to lift an e-bike in under two minutes.
Certified by DEKRA and Velotec, the device weighs only 8 kg and mounts on standard car roof racks — making it compatible with electric vehicles, sports cars, and vans without tow hooks.
Patented Technology with Market Exclusivity
PENDER holds a patent for its ebikelifter and owns the protected trademark. A thorough patent research has confirmed: there is no comparable product globally that can lift e-bikes of this weight onto car roofs. This grants the company a unique position in the growing market of bike transport accessories, especially as the SUV trend and eco-conscious travel fuel demand for rooftop solutions.
Direct-to-Consumer Traction and Viral Visibility
PENDER launched its sales strategy via direct-to-consumer channels, leveraging an appearance on the TV show Einfach Genial. The segment quickly gained over half a million views on YouTube and drove strong initial sales — all without a paid marketing campaign.
Customer testimonials from around the globe have praised the product’s robust engineering, intuitive design, and reliable performance, highlighting successful installations on compact cars and even pickup trucks.
Future distribution will expand into partnerships with bike retailers, car accessory dealers, and rental services, tapping into B2B and retail markets.
Scalable Production with German Manufacturing Quality
All PENDER ebikelifters are produced in Germany using corrosion-resistant aluminum and stainless steel. The company collaborates with certified metal fabricators and quality-controlled assemblers to ensure consistent output. Current production capacity can scale rapidly to meet rising demand.
Experienced Team with Proven Execution
PENDER is led by three founders with complementary backgrounds:
- Ralf Wegner, Inventor & Head of Development
- Background in science and real estate
- Filed patent in 2019; developed product to series maturity by 2023
- Rolf Grabner, Marketing & Sales
- Former head of communications at SAT.1
- Now managing director of PR agency Grabner-Beeck Kommunikation
- Reiner Ortloff, Operations & Manufacturing
- Dipl.-Ing. in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering
Their combined expertise spans product innovation, brand communications, and industrial manufacturing.
Investment Opportunity for Accelerated Growth
To expand operations, PENDER is seeking investment capital. The funds will be used to scale marketing (across digital, print, and TV channels), hire additional staff in production and sales, and develop new product variants — including roof lifters for tandem bikes, campers, and kayaks.
With a validated concept, media traction, and a scalable business model, PENDER represents a high-leverage opportunity for investors interested in sustainable mobility and consumer hardware.
The future of bike mobility is not just electric — it’s elevated. PENDER is lifting both bikes and expectations.
