Stevens 2026 E-LIVENZA 6.4.1 HT / Light Olive
Stevens 2026 CALETA 8.2 LT / Graphite
Stevens 2026 AVIOLO 6.1 LT / Stealth Black
Stevens 2026 CALETA 6.1 LT / Harbor CloudThe first city bikes emerged in 1885 when English inventor John Kemp Starley created the Rover Safety Bicycle in Coventry, England. It featured two equal-sized wheels, a chain drive to the rear wheel, and a lower seating position, making it far safer than the penny-farthing. Starley designed this bicycle for the general public, aiming to provide a practical and safe means of everyday transportation. The Rover set the template for the modern bicycle and quickly became popular among men and women alike for commuting and leisure. This marked the birth of the city bike as a reliable urban mobility tool.
The first city e-bikes appeared in the mid-1990s, with Yamaha introducing the world's first pedelec in Japan in 1994. Shortly after, the Taiwanese manufacturer Giant launched the Lafree in 1999 through its European division, designed specifically for urban commuters. The Lafree featured a bottom-bracket motor, a rechargeable battery, and pedal-assist technology that made city riding effortless. These early e-bikes targeted everyday riders who wanted an easier way to navigate hilly cities or arrive at work without sweating. The Giant Lafree is widely regarded as a milestone that paved the way for modern city e-bikes.
Today, city bikes are a global phenomenon found in nearly every major city worldwide. In the Netherlands, the classic stadsfiets with its upright riding position, fully enclosed chaincase, and built-in lights remains iconic. German cities embrace city bikes for their practicality, while Asian metropolises rely on them for dense urban commuting. Modern city bikes come in both traditional and electric variants, featuring fenders, racks, hub gears, and integrated lighting as standard equipment. They are now considered one of the most sustainable and efficient solutions for urban transportation worldwide.
At Radfieber, city bikes have been at the core of the business since the company was founded in 1995 by Marcel Jansen in Cologne. What began as a small shop in the Belgian Quarter has grown into a leading German specialist for urban mobility, with locations in Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Berlin. Radfieber stocks premium city bike brands such as Schindelhauer, Stevens, Desiknio, and Brompton, catering to commuters and design-conscious riders. The company is known for its expert advice, test ride opportunities, and high-quality service. With over 25 years of experience, Radfieber has become a trusted destination for city bike enthusiasts across Germany.
