Why we do what we do
Every day we master everyday urban life with the help of our bicycle because for us it is simply the best individual means of transport.
It brings us into direct contact with our environment and gives us an indispensable feeling of independence. Well, you know that yourself.
But it is also a fact that many cyclists do not feel safe in the hustle and bustle of urban traffic, especially in the dark. That is why the idea arose a few years ago to tackle the issue of visibility from a different angle and to garnish it with new ingredients: fun, style and creativity.
OUR TEAM
The beginnings
2011: Antoine and Ebi meet while working part-time as bartenders at a hostel.
2013: They rented a backyard workshop in Kreuzberg to tinker with old racing bikes.
2014: They founded "Happarel Bicycles" and offered reflective foil wraps.
2015: They borrow €5,000 from a friend and buy a cutting plotter with it.
The workshop
2016: they open a very small workshop in a commercial courtyard at Hermannplatz.
2017: In addition to running their shop, they design custom-made reflective bicycle frames for brands in Germany and the UK.
2018: In addition to bicycle parts, they offer their first own reflective sticker sets for sale.
The restart
2019: they give up the workshop and move into a co-working space to reorganize.
From now on, the concept is clear: design, production and distribution of reflective accessories.
The name should be easy to remember: "REFLECTIVE Berlin" is being launched.
The clear concept also convinces others: REFLECTIVE Berlin is awarded the title of "Cultural and Creative Pilot" by the Federal Government.
The store
2021: the time is ripe to leave the shared office and open our own store.
The shop in Prenzlauer Berg suits us perfectly. It's a showroom, office, and warehouse all in one.
2023: We are fairly well established in the neighborhood and are gradually expanding our product range.
The team
2025: New people join the team and turn the startup into a real company.
The beginnings
2011: Antoine and Ebi meet while working part-time as bartenders at a hostel.
2013: They rented a backyard workshop in Kreuzberg to tinker with old racing bikes.
2014: They founded "Happarel Bicycles" and offered reflective foil wraps.
2015: They borrow €5,000 from a friend and buy a cutting plotter with it.
The workshop
2016: they open a very small workshop in a commercial courtyard at Hermannplatz.
2017: In addition to running their shop, they design custom-made reflective bicycle frames for brands in Germany and the UK.
2018: In addition to bicycle parts, they offer their first own reflective sticker sets for sale.
The restart
2019: they give up the workshop and move into a co-working space to reorganize.
From now on, the concept is clear: design, production and distribution of reflective accessories.
The name should be easy to remember: "REFLECTIVE Berlin" is being launched.
The clear concept also convinces others: REFLECTIVE Berlin is awarded the title of "Cultural and Creative Pilot" by the Federal Government.
The store
2021: the time is ripe to leave the shared office and open our own store.
The shop in Prenzlauer Berg suits us perfectly. It's a showroom, office, and warehouse all in one.
2023: We are fairly well established in the neighborhood and are gradually expanding our product range.
The team
2025: New people join the team and turn the startup into a real company.
