For 100 years, we've been creating the bicycles of tomorrow.
You've been seeing us for 100 years, no matter where you are in the Netherlands. SPARTA has become an indispensable part of the cycling landscape. For us, the past century has been characterized by imagination, creative drive, and enthusiasm. Together, we've developed the most innovative bicycles. Our goal? To ensure that people increasingly choose the bicycle. And we continue to do so today.
SPARTA is unique in the positive sense of the word and helps accelerate the national transition to sustainable and healthy mobility.
Groundbreaking innovations
We're developing the bicycle of tomorrow. And we've been doing so for over 100 years! We continuously innovate to help you get from A to B super-smartly and efficiently. It all began in 1931, when Dirk Schakel, one of the founders of SPARTA Rijwielhandel (established in 1917), decided to build engines for bicycles and thus introduced the motorcycle to the Dutch market.
As soon as the market allows for innovation, we innovate our products and work to give you an even better cycling experience. In 1986, we saw the need for a bicycle that could provide assistance while cycling. SPARTA then developed the SPARTA met, a bicycle with a gasoline engine to provide assistance while cycling. When small electric batteries were developed in Japan in the early 1990s, we immediately saw their potential and, in 1998, were the first brand to introduce the electric bicycle (today's e-bike) that could be produced on a large scale and thus became available to everyone.
DISCOVER THE FUTURE OF E-MOBILITY
That's what SPARTA is constantly doing: searching for the best, most efficient, and most sustainable way to get you from A to B, on your bike, in all weather conditions, through storms and rain. We not only innovate the bicycle itself, but also search for the best accessories. Both in and outside the city, you should feel comfortable on your bike—that's our goal!
The History of SPARTA
1917
Establishment of a SPARTA store. In Apeldoorn, Dirk Schakel, Antonie Verbeek, and Lubbert Krijgsman founded "Verbeek en Schakel, wholesaler of bicycles and parts." A year later, Schakel was still the sole owner.
1927
Dirk Schakel renovated the new factory and named it SPARTA-Rijwielhandel. Around that time, SPARTA employed approximately 55 people and built 7,500 bicycles: regular bicycles, service bicycles, transport bicycles, and cargo bicycles.
1931
SPARTA decides to import engines from America to install in bicycles. This is how the motorcycle originated in the Netherlands.
1945
During World War II, production of (motor)cycles came to a complete standstill because the German occupiers confiscated the factory. Thanks to smart inventory management during the occupation, SPARTA was able to restart production of (motor)cycles immediately after the war.
1953
Technology had to be less visible. The SPARTA Scooter was introduced.
1982
In 1975, helmets became mandatory. This halved moped sales. SPARTA stopped moped production completely in 1982. As an alternative, SPARTA began producing mopeds.
1986
Because there was a growing need in the market – especially among the elderly – for bicycles with motor assistance, SPARTA introduced the SPARTAmet. The possibility of making the bicycle electric was investigated, but the available batteries were still too limited. Heavy. A small gasoline engine is chosen, which is easy to operate with a cord.
1998
SPARTA is the first manufacturer to introduce the electric bicycle. Batteries small enough to be mounted on the bicycle are produced in Japan. These bicycles set the standard for what the electric bicycle is today.
2022
The SPARTA d-RULE ENERGY is named 'E-bike of the Year 2022' in the 'urban' category at the Fiets Awards. The SPARTA d-RULE ENERGY scores highly with the independent jury of the RAI association in terms of innovation, handling, comfort, safety, materials used, styling, and value for money.
Need personalized advice? Come visit us!
Naturally, you want to experience the latest SPARTA e-bike for yourself. At your nearest dealer, you'll receive personalized advice, a bicycle professionally prepared for use, and reliable service. Here you'll discover the latest technologies, and experts are ready to answer all your questions. Find a SPARTA dealer near you. neighbourhood.