LaMa - Dein Lastenvelo Mannheim

  • Mannheim, Germany
The Mannheim-based LaMa initiative is committed to resource-saving mobility and rents out cargo bikes for different purposes, including a wheelchair transport bike and a bicycle rickshaw free of charge, all financed by donations.
 

Service Provided

LaMa offers a special cargo bike that can transport both a wheelchair and a rider, in addition to the regular cargo bikes. “Billie” is an electrically powered, three-wheeled wheelchair transport bike from the Van Raam brand, with a maximum speed of 20 km/h. The rental service is free of charge, and the bikes can be borrowed for up to three days.

Intended Users

Individuals seeking to utilize a communal cargo bike, encompassing wheelchair users with a companion, parents with baby carriages, small children, etc. A variety of cargo bikes, tailored for diverse purposes and user needs, are listed on the website so users can visualize it, read about it, and choose the bike they find the most appropriate for them.

Benefits

A clear benefit of LaMa is the versatile bicycles they provide which allow disabled users in wheelchairs and their companions to access a bicycle ride, in addition to elderly people and parents with kids. The free-of-charge service enables low-income users to enjoy bike rides as well. Additionally, LaMa provides information about accessible and barrier-free cycle routes in and around Mannheim. With this information, users can find out where they can go with Billie and encounter barrier-free restrooms and beautiful places to stop for refreshments in relaxed and barrier-free cycle tours.

Service Details

To book the bike one must first register online, then present ID, and finally, before leaving the premises, practice riding the bike to make sure it is safe.
 
Once a cargo bike is taken by a user, it must be returned at the same pick up station no more than three days later.
 
Bikes with battery must be returned fully charged.

Financial Details

There is no rental fee for the cargo bikes, but donations are highly appreciated.
The purchase of the cargo bikes is financed by prize money, private and corporate donations, state subsidies and foundations.

User Experience

"Without this opportunity, it would not have been possible for grandma to go on a bike tour with her little grandson and the whole family."

Anna G. from Mannheim

About the Service Providers

The LaMa project is run by the non-profit organisation Dein Lastenvelo Mannheim e.V., which has existed since 2017 and is committed to resource-saving and inclusive mobility and logistics in the interests of environmental protection. In 2019 the organization received the environmental award from the Wolfgang Raufelder Foundation, which means a big part of funding for the acquisition of a third special bike is already in place. Since 2020, cargo bike subsidies have been possible thanks to the Mannheim bike clubs which offer support. In December 2021, a milestone was achieved with the acquisition of Billie, a motorized wheelchair transport option that is now available for rental to people with limited mobility.

Find More Information

LaMa Official Site

https://lastenvelomannheim.de/

Barrier-free cycle Routes 

https://lastenvelomannheim.de/?page_id=3300

Cargo Bicycle Promotion Mannheim

https://www.mannheim.de/de/service-bieten/verkehr/radfahren-in-mannheim/lastenrad-foerderung