The 120-year-old family business Helkama continues the Finnish cycling tradition from Hanko. With a modernized factory and a growing range of e-bikes, sustainability and the future come together – with a smile.
Fourth-generation family company Helkama Velox is celebrating its 120th anniversary and looks strongly to the future through e-biking. Helkama’s business family also includes several other companies, such as Helkama Emotor, Adwatec, Helkama-Kodinkoneet, and Helkama-Auto, but bicycles have remained Helkama’s most iconic product category. Bicycles manufactured in Hanko have deep roots – industrial bicycle production began here in 1953 and continues to this day.
Tradition and Innovation Side by Side
“As a family business, we can develop products long-term and make decisions that stand the test of time,” says Chairperson Satu Helkama.
“Hanko is an important part of our identity. Here, our long history meets our desire to innovate – e-bikes are a natural continuation. It’s a pleasure to see customers leave test rides with a smile.”
A Pioneer in E-Biking
Helkama was an early pioneer of e-bikes in the late 1990s. Today, e-bikes are Helkama’s largest product category. The range is developed with an in-house industrial designer, and product development carefully listens to Finnish consumers and a broad retail network. Among Finnish component manufacturers is Herrmans. Jopo, a classic of Finnish design, celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and a completely renewed e-Jopo is coming for the 2026 season.
Helkama’s Core Values Remain
The bicycles, marked with the Avainlippu label, are designed and manufactured in Finland.
“Our bikes are built to withstand varying weather conditions and daily use. Safety and comfort are emphasized in testing. Most importantly, our bikes bring joy and function flawlessly year after year,” says Satu Helkama.
“The growth of e-biking has been significant in recent years,” notes Sales and Marketing Director Juha Lauhamaa. “Our range is updated every year and has undergone a major modern transformation over the past two years. Quality and durability remain at the heart of Helkama.”
Seamless Collaboration with Shimano
Juha Lauhamaa also emphasizes responsibility in the supply chain.
“We select our partners carefully. E-bike motors and batteries come from certified manufacturers. The entire production chain is transparent – we want every customer to trust Helkama.” The family business works closely with Shimano, whose components play a central role in the motors and drivetrains of e-bikes.
“We have a nationwide service network. Together with Shimano, we ensure quick maintenance of motors and batteries. It’s a big advantage,” says Lauhamaa.
Sustainability as Practical Action
In recent years, the Hanko factory has seen million-euro investments. The paint shop, warehouse, and assembly lines have been completely renewed. Handcraft remains an essential part of production – a single bike passes through up to 20 pairs of hands before completion.
“Solar power covers part of the factory’s energy, and 95 percent of production materials are recycled. Sustainable manufacturing is not a slogan for us, it’s standard practice,” Lauhamaa explains. The Hanko factory remains Helkama’s heart – producing bikes that ride on Finnish roads for the fourth generation.
“We have deep respect for our history, but our gaze is firmly set on the future,” concludes Satu Helkama.
Read other Hanko stories here.
HELKAMA VELOX
Santalantie 22
10960 Hanko
www.helkamavelox.fi
www.helkamaemotor.fi
