Company: e-bike boutique wiesbaden
Founder: Bernd Büsing
Founding date: May 16, 2025
Industry and company: Mobility, bicycle trade and service

What drives you? What is your motto?
My motto: "Sustainable mobility that moves", because sustainable mobility moves more than just traffic - it strengthens our city, protects the environment and is good for us humans, in short, it's about a better quality of life.

What is your start-up about and what is special about it?
With the e-bike boutique wiesbaden, we offer high-quality e-bikes for everyday life in the city - with personal advice, test rides and a focus on design, quality and sustainability. The range includes Stromer as a high-performance commuter solution and Desiknio as elegant, lightweight e-bikes for urban mobility. The special feature: individual support instead of mass sales - right in the city center.

What are your initial successes?
The feedback after the first few weeks has been overwhelming: many customers are impressed by the clear design and lightness of the Desiknio bikes. Technology fans love the power and connectivity of the Stromer. I'm also particularly pleased with how well the unusual showroom concept has been received - personal, high-quality, different.

What is your professional background?
After training as an industrial mechanic and then studying engineering, I worked in industry for over 25 years - with stints in Switzerland, Singapore and Germany. Then I realized that I wanted to start all over again. With courage, enthusiasm and the idea of turning my passion for sustainability and cycling into a career, I took the plunge into self-employment.

What was the trigger for you to start your own business?
The trigger was actually the purchase of my own Stromer e-bike four years ago. It made my daily commute between Wiesbaden and Frankfurt not only easier, but also surprisingly fulfilling. I experienced how much potential there is in this form of mobility - for the environment, the city/region and my own attitude to life. From this experience grew the desire to make my own contribution to the transport revolution - and to build something of my own.

Who advised you, who are your helpers and mentors?
I was lucky enough to be supported by many professionals: Startup SHE SAW GmbH developed the store concept, MNT advised me on tax, and landlord Marc Bouffier was a key figure. Stromer and Desiknio were also behind the idea right from the start. Family, friends and former colleagues provided support, feedback and motivation - a strong network of real experts.

How did you experience the first few days as a founder?
The first few days were a mixture of excitement, relief and a lot of drive. Suddenly I was no longer part of a large corporation, but responsible for everything myself. That was both liberating and challenging at the same time. But above all: just right.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge? Everything at the same time: construction site, business plan, brand development, technology, etc.. There were days when I was on the verge of writing myself a vacation request - but it's precisely this chaos with ups and downs that makes it exciting. And in the end, you grow into it - with every new day, every mistake/success and every cup of coffee.

How do you draw attention to your company? What is your best marketing idea?
I rely on personal advice, real encounters in the store and visibility thanks to the central location. Not a big bike market, but a quiet place to try things out, ask questions and arrive. Reach comes via social media and selected print media - and the best recommendations roll through the city and country.

How did you finance your start-up?
I financed the start-up from my own funds. That gives you freedom - but my family had mixed feelings about it. But the support was and is there, as is the confidence in the idea.

What dream would you still like to realize?
I would like to inspire as many people as possible to discover the e-bike as a real alternative to the car - and cycle across Europe myself.

Please complete the following sentence: If I had more time, I would ...
... like to travel more with my family.

What is your special tip: What would you recommend to founders?
It will be exhausting, it will be chaotic - and just right. Get help, stay flexible and never lose the fun of the idea you have to be passionate about.