Yuba was launched in 2006 to build and provide affordable mobility solutions with a particular emphasis on distributing them to those most in need. The founders of Yuba came together to advance economic and social development, to promote self-reliance, and to emphasize better environmental awareness and lifestyle choices – all through the use of bicycles.
Because bicycles are one of the most energy efficient, financially affordable, mechanically reliable, and environmentally friendly vehicles, we believe that a more bike-centric world makes for a better world, a more connected world.

Vision
Our purpose and motivation are fuelled by the love of bicycles and the strong desire to help individuals around the planet gain a foothold on the ladder of development. Utility Bicycles are a tool for a different “de-velo-pment", they are an appropriate solution that is democratic, available to all and greatly affordable. Because bicycles are one of the most energy efficient, financially affordable, and environmentally friendly vehicle ever invented, we strongly believe that Utility Bicycles can lead to a nicer world. A world in which individuals can have a better life and have more opportunities and do more good. It is clear that Utility Bicycles can be a solution to help the poorest get out of poverty. Furthermore the zero emissions characteristics of the Mundo is a positive and proactive way to combat global warming. The Mundo Utility Bicycle is then a great vehicle and support for allowing individuals enough personal freedom without sacrificing the resources, nature’s beauty and the social link between people.

History
In the late nineties Yuba co-founder and avid cyclist Benjamin Sarrazin spent several years traveling throughout South America, Europe and Africa. It was during this time that he became increasingly aware of the economic and social shortcomings of developing regions with little to no transportation options.

“One could see bikes everywhere, but they were useless for carrying cargo, which was crazy, because that’s exactly what they needed most” remembers Yuba’s founder Benjamin Sarrazin. He thought of a bike that could carry 50 kilos sacks of grain and mosquito nets over mountain trails. Such a bike would enable an entirely new means of mobility for the people who really needed to use their bike for transportation. Sarrazin partnered with Klaus Schröder, designer of the ScooterBike; they launched
Yuba in the winter of 2007, collaborating with German bike maker Panther Werke to manufacture the bikes.
Schröder likes to resume the concept this way “Traditionally, competitive racing has driven bicycle engineering. Why not design a bike from the ground up that meets more of the average person’s needs? Most people in the developing or in the western world don’t need a bike for racing. They need a bike to carry their groceries, packages, children and outdoor.

Mission
Yuba is dedicated to promoting sustainable transportation options across the globe. We endeavor to:

• Design and develop solutions that encourage human powered transportation.
• Advance bicycle use as a means to aid poverty-stricken regions.
• Build eco-friendly, affordable and durable products.
• Promote health, environmental and lifestyle benefits of bicycle riding for transportation.
• Bring to the collective mindset an understanding of the benefits of bicycle riding for transportation.

People
Yuba is a gathering of outdoor enthusiasts and professionals with a broad base of experience spanning the bicycle industry, the non-profit sector and the sport adventure world. We are all particularly united by our passion for biking.

• Klaus Schroder: Klaus has been working in the bicycle industry for more than two decades with an emphasis on innovative bike design. He opened one of the first recumbent bicycle shops in Germany and designed the recumbent ScooterBike. Klaus serves as product manager for the ScooterBike brand as well as a designer for Yuba and the co-designer of the Mundo.

• Yo Rollenbeck: Yo specializes in sales, promotion and branding for the bicycle industry in Germany. Formerly the sales and marketing director for Hase Bikes, Yo's knowledge of the German bike market and his relationships with the media and dealers are a great asset in promoting the Yuba brand. Check him out http://www.echoyo.com

• Benjamin Sarrazin: Benjamin is a former professional kayaker who spent much of his time exploring developing countries during his competitive years. Working for another utility bike manufacturer, he successfully built up international distribution via an increased dealer base, and extensive web marketing and promotion. Benjamin specializes in worldwide development issues, web marketing and international sales.

10% for the People in need
When purchased directly through Yuba in Europe, LoadsBetter in the UK or Rock the Bike in the USA, a portion of the proceeds from each Mundo sale are redirected to Planet Velo or Jugendhilfe Ost Africa or Re~Cycle, programs that provides utility bikes to developing countries that don’t have the resources to purchase them. To learn more about the Non-Profit programs or to donate directly visit their website. Planet Velo, JugendHilfe, Re~cycle.

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