Our milestones
pfautec has worked its way up from a small company in recent years. Along the way, we have been able to gather a great deal of experience, enter into cooperative ventures and continue to develop. That's our history:
Our company history
1999
Birth of pfautec GmbH: Pierre Buissin, Friedrich Schlüter and Achim Mustermann conclude a partnership agreement. While Buissin henceforth acts as shareholder, Schlüter and Mustermann officially take over the management. A look at their common history at Kynast shows that the three are already a well-rehearsed team: Buissin was the former supervisor of Schlüter and Mustermann.
2000
Two founders, one vision: Friedrich Schlüter and Achim Mustermann open the doors. Move to the commercial premises in the Wilhelmstraße in Quakenbrück. Under the umbrella of the new company, the focus will henceforth be on the development and production of therapy bicycles and special tricycles. In doing so, they have their fingers on the pulse of the times: A few months after the foundation, the first cooperation with REBOTEC for the production of the "Go-Bike" walking bikes is established. The first patent application follows. The first tricycle is approved by the Berlin Cert testing and certification body for medical products and is finally included in the German list of medical aids.
2001
Pfautec becomes a training company offering apprenticeships. In the same year there are promptly two reasons to celebrate: On the track, tricycle racer Andreas Hillers breaks the new world record in the 3000-metre time trial. The athlete from Wilhelmshaven becomes European champion on the pfautec tricycle Furioso. Pfautec takes first place in a start-up competition.
2002
Under the title "Future and Health", pfautec exhibits for the first time at a trade fair in Oldenburg. At the same time, Andreas Hillers makes it onto the winner's rostrum once again: World record on the tartan track.
2003
The partner Pierre Buissin and third man since the founding days leaves the company. At the same time, the sales subsidiary PFIFF-Vertrieb GmbH Mustermann is launched with an expanded team of Martin Schroedter and Stephan Hahn.
2004
A year of celebration: pfautec is officially registered as a trademark at the German Patent and Trademark Office. At the same time, there is a new internship cooperation with REHA AKTIV in Bersenbrück. In the meantime, pfautec looks back on its 5th anniversary and can proudly call itself 1st prize winner in the DESIGN FOR ALL AWARDS. The Innovation Award is presented at REHACARE, the world's largest trade fair for rehabilitation and care. Expansion and official inauguration of the new business premises at Wilhelmstraße 49-51, which remains the company's headquarters to this day. In addition, pfautec is now focusing on diversity and is employing people with disabilities in its workshops for the first time.
2005
Innovation needs space: Opening of a further branch in Pflückmannstraße and leasing of a hall from Deutsche Bahn. pfautec also expands its range of products: Foundation of rehastage GmbH for the distribution of further aids as well as cooperation with Tosch for the production of therapy chairs.
2008
Victory at the Paralympics in Beijing: Barbara Weise takes silver on her Furioso Silber. pfautec expands its network and becomes a member of the GewiNet competence centre for the healthcare industry. Pfautec takes first place in the innovation competition of the Artland municipal association.
2009
Back to the roots: pfautec ends its frame production in China and starts producing its own products. Cooperation with Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences on the ZIM project "intAM", which focuses on the development of a tilting tricycle.
2010
Ten years of pfautec! With the anniversary, the company receives its approval as a funding company in the ZIM Mittelstand.
2011
pfautec is a guest on the TV show "Einfach Genial". At the same time, a new course is being set behind the scenes for people with disabilities. The inclusion group Heilpädagogische Hilfe (HPH), which has been employed in pfautec's workshops since 2004, is increased to ten employees.
2012
Cooperation agreement with the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences "Bicycle Operator". The focus of the collaboration is the conception and design of a bicycle handlebar with integrated interface. This year there is also cause for celebration once again: pfautec has been chosen as one of the winners of the IHK competition "Honourable Entrepreneurship”.
2013
Honouring HPH. For almost ten years now, there has been close cooperation between the Heilpädagogische Hilfe inclusion group (HPH) and pfautec.
2014
Start of projects “Kids Bike" and "Hackenporsche” (“Heel Porsche”) in cooperation with the University of Osnabrück. Here, students from the "Industrial Design" course are working together with pfautec to design children's bicycles and bicycle trailers. pfautec becomes a member of the DIN committee for cargo bicycles. Honoured by the Stifterverband: pfautec receives the "Innovative through Research" seal, which recognises research-based companies for their special responsibility to the state and society.
2015
Nomination in the context of the competition “Major Prize for Medium-Sized Companies”. This focuses on the tilting tricycle developed in cooperation with Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, which was later further designed into the "Pfautomatik" model with a specially developed automatic gearshift. In the same year, start of the project "Autonomous Driving" in cooperation with the University of Magdeburg.
2017
Renewed higher education cooperation with the universities of Oldenburg and Paderborn. Start of the "Safety4Bikes" research project. Pfautec expands its network and becomes a member of the ZIV Zweiradindustrieverband.
2018
Pfautec takes second place in the Osnabrück district's inclusion award.
2019
20 years of pfautec! Major company anniversary and a year of change and rebuilding: Start of production for the Hartje e-bike model i:SY, renovation of production hall, start of construction of road crossing and conversion of Wilhelmstraße 57. With the inauguration of hall 5 (warehouse and bicycle assembly), pfautec sets to course for it to be commissioned during the coming year.
2020
Establishment of the DIN committee "Serial Hybrids". Official commissioning of Hall 5 and takeover of the factory buildings at Wilhelmstraße 57. Change in the upper echelons as well: pfautec Managing Director and company founder Friedrich Schlüter hands over his business activities to long-time pfautec employee and former management assistant Christian Westerkamp.
2021
A breath of fresh air in the traditional pfautec company: With Christian Westerkamp as new managing director and Kevin Wank and Andre Stuckenberg as authorised signatories, the generation change is heralded.
For all those who want to move more. We look forward to receiving your application.
FAQ
How do I get to know pfautec products best?
As a pfautec dealer, you may take advantage of product training online or at our physical location so that you can best recommend our products based on the needs of your customers. Your direct contact at pfautec will be happy to assist you.
How can I become an authorized dealer?
Simply get in touch with us, preferably via our Become a dealer form. The more precise the information you provide, the better we can prepare for a personal meeting with you and answer all your questions. If you are suitable as a dealer, we will let you know immediately so that you can benefit from your advantages as a new dealer.
I would like to buy the model x with electric motor, but it is only offered on the model xy. Can I get the motor installed in the model I want?
If this is a model in which a front wheel motor is to be used, then this is of course possible. The version we use is suitable for front wheels from 16 to 28 inches. For this, a surcharge to the standard model calculated. The best thing to do is to ask our team for personal advice.
What are the advantages of being a pfautec dealer?
As a pfautec dealer, you may benefit from advantages. Among other things, we take care to avoid direct competition with our brand by ensuring that no other dealer in your area can become a pfautec dealer. Through our transparent dealer search, customers are guided directly to your dealer shop without you having to lift a finger. In our digital dealer area, you can download all kinds of documents and files around the clock and get in touch with our service team. You can shop conveniently in our online shop and continue to be the first to know about product news.
Why don't you offer your products in stores or relevant chains?
For a takeaway product like a DVD or bedding, that can work. However, our bikes are products that require explanation and we would like to give you the best possible advice. In the interest of our customers, we therefore remain
specialist trade-oriented.
Do you also offer models that can be driven exclusively with electric drive?
Yes we do. For this purpose, a TÜV approval with operating permit is requested for the vehicle. This vehicle may then only be operated with an appropriate driving licence and a valid insurance number plate.
How do I get to know pfautec products best?
As a pfautec dealer, you may take advantage of product training online or at our physical location so that you can best recommend our products based on the needs of your customers. Your direct contact at pfautec will be happy to assist you.
What are the advantages of being a pfautec dealer?
As a pfautec dealer, you may benefit from advantages. Among other things, we take care to avoid direct competition with our brand by ensuring that no other dealer in your area can become a pfautec dealer. Through our transparent dealer search, customers are guided directly to your dealer shop without you having to lift a finger. In our digital dealer area, you can download all kinds of documents and files around the clock and get in touch with our service team. You can shop conveniently in our online shop and continue to be the first to know about product news.
How can I become an authorized dealer?
Simply get in touch with us, preferably via our Become a dealer form. The more precise the information you provide, the better we can prepare for a personal meeting with you and answer all your questions. If you are suitable as a dealer, we will let you know immediately so that you can benefit from your advantages as a new dealer.
Why don't you offer your products in stores or relevant chains?
For a takeaway product like a DVD or bedding, that can work. However, our bikes are products that require explanation and we would like to give you the best possible advice. In the interest of our customers, we therefore remain
specialist trade-oriented.
Our categories – we have something for everyone
Strong values since 1999
Tradition, innovation and safety have always underpinned our values. We have been developing high-quality aids for people with and without mobility restrictions since 1999, with a great deal of passion and dedication. We see ourselves as approachable and reliable companions and attach great importance to continuous research and development work. We keep our finger on the pulse of the times and keep pace with the growing demands of the new era. Our motors: An open ear for the needs of our customers, active social responsibility and the desire to make the world a little more sustainable every day.
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