IKEA could also be finest often called the house of flatpacks and lukewarm Swedish meatballs. However in recent times, the corporate has diversified into different product classes equivalent to kitchenware, textiles, and even bicycles.
In 2016, IKEA launched its first bicycle, the SLADDA, with the goal of breaking into the city mobility market. The SLADDA bike was designed to be reasonably priced, fashionable, and simple to take care of.
Sadly, simply two years after its launch, the bike was recalled resulting from security considerations. This text will discover the explanations behind the IKEA SLADDA bike’s recall and what it means for the corporate’s future ventures within the city mobility market.
Do Ikea Promote Bikes?
Ikea doesn’t at present promote bikes. It’s solely forray into the bicycle world was the SLADDY bike which was launched in 2016 however manufacturing was halted inside a few years and the product recalled.
IKEA has a protracted historical past of product diversification, and the SLADDA bike was simply one of many many merchandise the corporate launched exterior of its conventional furnishings vary. In recent times, IKEA has launched merchandise equivalent to good lighting, wi-fi chargers, and even plant-based meatballs.
The introduction of the SLADDA bike was seen as a pure development for the corporate, as extra individuals started to go for sustainable and eco-friendly modes of transportation.
IKEA SLADDA Bicycle
The SLADDA bike was designed in collaboration with industrial designers Oskar Juhlin, Jan Puranen, and Kristian Eke. The bike’s design was impressed by IKEA’s design rules of simplicity, performance, and affordability. The SLADDA bike featured a smooth, minimalist design and modular equipment that allowed customers to customise their bikes in accordance with their wants.
One of many distinctive promoting factors of the SLADDA bike was its belt drive system. In contrast to conventional bikes that use a series to switch energy from the pedals to the wheels, the SLADDA bike used a belt drive system that was quieter, cleaner, and required much less upkeep.
The SLADDA bike additionally featured modular equipment equivalent to a cargo rack, a motorcycle trailer, and a toddler seat, making it a flexible and sensible city mobility resolution.
Obtainable for $399, the Ikea bike was thought of to be a budget-friendly metropolis bike that might maintain mass enchantment for newbie cyclists.
IKEA Sladda Trailer
In addtion to the SLADDA bike, IKEA additionally produced a complimentary IKEA SLADDA trailer that may very well be hooked up to the again of the bikem with the goal of offering customers with a handy and versatile approach to carry further cargo whereas biking. The trailer was a part of the modular system that made the SLADDA bike distinctive and adaptable to varied city mobility wants.
The SLADDA trailer featured a light-weight aluminum body and waterproof supplies, making it appropriate for various climate situations. It was designed to simply connect to the rear of the SLADDA bicycle, enabling cyclists to move groceries, sports activities gear, or different gadgets with out the necessity for a automobile. The trailer additionally included reflectors and a canopy to make sure visibility and safety of the cargo.
What Occurred to the Ikea Bike?
The SLADDA bike acquired a optimistic reception from the market initially. It was praised for its smooth design, reasonably priced value level, and eco-friendly options. The bike additionally received a number of awards, together with the celebrated Crimson Dot Award for product design.
Nevertheless, inside a 12 months of its launch, clients started reporting points with the bike’s belt drive system. A number of customers reported cases of the belt snapping, inflicting the bike’s rear wheel to lock up instantly, which may very well be doubtlessly harmful for the rider. Some customers additionally reported security considerations with the bike’s entrance basket, which might detach throughout use.
Why Did the IKEA SLADDA Bike Get Recalled?
In Could 2018, IKEA introduced a world recall of all SLADDA bikes resulting from security considerations. The recall affected roughly 6,000 bikes worldwide, and clients had been provided a full refund or a free restore of the bike’s belt drive system. IKEA additionally provided compensation to clients who had been injured or had their property broken resulting from a defective bike.
The rationale behind the recall was a design flaw within the bike’s belt drive system. The belt pressure might loosen over time, inflicting it to slide or snap, resulting in potential accidents. IKEA carried out an inner investigation and concluded that the bike’s design didn’t meet their security requirements.
IKEA’s dealing with of the SLADDA bike recall was usually seen as accountable and clear. The corporate communicated the recall via varied channels and provided immediate refunds and compensation to affected clients. Nevertheless, the recall additionally highlighted the potential dangers of introducing merchandise exterior of an organization’s core competency.
IKEA SLADDA Bike for Sale?
IKEA recalled the SLADDA bicycle in 2018 and stopped promoting the bike altogether. Nevertheless, the bike does take pleasure in one thing of a cult following and, regardless of security considerations, you possibly can occassional view second-hand SLADDA bikes on the market on platforms equivalent to Ebay.
Clearly, although, we wouldn’t advocate you driving a bicycle that has been recalled for security considerations!
The publish IKEA Sladda: What Occurred to the IKEA Bike (+ Why Did it Get Recalled)? appeared first on Discerning Bike owner.
