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Customer experience Thuja e-bike - Amber Nijenhuis
Amber Nijenhuis has been riding her Thuja tricycle since January 2026. Due to problems with her balance, she was never able to ride a standard bike. With the Thuja, she travels to work independently and feels more confident on the road.
Cycling with greater confidence
“My name is Amber Nijenhuis, I am 18 years old and I live in Lichtenvoorde, the Netherlands. I work five days a week at 'Het Blok', a lunchroom where people at a distance from the labour market work. In my free time, I enjoy being creative and I really love cycling.
Because I have had problems with my balance since I was young, I was never able to ride a standard bike. Before the Thuja, I had a Huka City tricycle on loan through the Wmo (Social Support Act). I experienced a lot of problems with it. I also often felt that other young people were staring at me on the street. That did not always make cycling enjoyable. With the Thuja, I no longer feel that way at all!”
The Thuja was immediately the favourite
Amber came across the Thuja through her father. He was carrying out installation work at vanRaam dealer Walraven Fietsen and saw the Thuja there. “My father immediately thought it was the perfect bike for me. After that, we made an appointment for a test ride.”
During the test ride, Amber tried both the Thuja and the Maxi tricycle. Even so, the choice was quickly clear. “The Thuja was my favourite. I simply think it is a very attractive and comfortable bike.”
Since 23 January 2026, Amber has been cycling on her own Thuja Active Shimano in the colour Thuja Green. She has a mirror on the handlebars and has recently also added a cover for the cargo unit. “The pedal assistance is excellent. It is smooth, consistent and reliable.”
To work and enjoying a longer ride
Amber mainly uses her Thuja to get to her place of work. She also enjoys getting on her bike simply to go for a longer ride. “I cycle about 7 kilometres a day on the Thuja, sometimes even more. In total, I have already cycled 882 kilometres.”
Amber particularly likes the cargo unit at the front. She uses it to carry her bag, shopping and other items she needs during the day. The two wheels at the front also give her a reassuring feeling. “Because of that, I am no longer afraid of bumping into something, of someone riding into my wheel or of not being able to fit through somewhere.”
She had to get used to the turning circle at first, but that happened quickly. The bike now feels familiar to her.
For me, the Thuja means freedom, independence and enjoyment. Without my bike, I cannot go anywhere independently.
A bike worth being seen on
“The Thuja gives me so much more freedom, independence and therefore also more enjoyment in my life. Without my bike, I cannot go anywhere independently.”
The reactions from others also make a big difference. While Amber regularly felt people were staring at her on her previous bike, she now receives compliments. “People very often tell me that I have a beautiful bike. Several times every week. I have never experienced that before.”
Even young people respond enthusiastically: “They think my bike is cool. I really like that, and it gives me a confident feeling when I am cycling.”
Amber gives her Thuja a 10. “I have never had such a comfortable and beautiful bike at the same time.”
Amber Nijenhuis – Lichtenvoorde, the Netherlands
Bike: Thuja e-bike
Pros & cons
- Attractive and comfortable bike
- Two wheels at the front inspire confidence
- Smooth and reliable pedal assistance
- Getting used to the turning circle
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