Qeridoo magazine

The birth of the entry-level model: the QUPA emerges

Today we want to take you behind the scenes of Qeridoo product development. How does such a new model actually emerge? Using the example of our QUPA we show you which steps are necessary until you at some point have the agony of choice in the shop

Nikolai Boldt

CEO

Summer 2020

The starting signal

The creation of the QUPA was shaped above all by one thought: how do we manage to develop a new and affordable bicycle trailer that everyone can afford, where our customers don't have to do without safety or comfort?

That was in summer 2020, and our team of boss, engineers and designers cared above all about the following must-haves:

  • The QUPA needs great suspension!
  • The QUPA should be usable as a trailer and as a buggy!
  • The QUPA also needs our safe head-protector function as an entry-level model!
Hand drawing Qupa

"A trailer in such an affordable price segment with such suspension is unique. Because no one at Qeridoo should have to do without such great suspension."

Nikolai Boldt, founder of Qeridoo

It should be light yet stable, of course easier and better to carry, especially for moms – but at the same time it should be able to transport even more weight.

Sustainability, also a big topic, because the new model should be usable for many years, convertible and upgradable, and of course grow along with customers' requirements.
Photo Qupa development team

The development team often stood around all the plans, sketches, lists and requirements and asked themselves: "How is this supposed to work?" But it worked, for every problem we found a solution and bit by bit a new product emerged, with great ideas and proven Qeridoo product and safety functions. Once again it benefited us that the entire Qeridoo development and design department works together on site in Germany. An idea over coffee in the hallway, agreements in the parking lot just before quitting time, a quick look at a new feature after lunch – that's innovation made in Germany in practice.

Not least, the timeline was also a tough nut to crack: when is the optimal time for the launch of the new child bicycle trailer? How much time does the development actually need until production starts? And how much then for production afterwards? Our goal was quickly clear: the QUPA should hit the market on time for the 2022 season.

Fall 2020
The first sketches were created by our internal product design department

  • What design should the fair-price newcomer have?
  • What should the side windows look like?

  • Do the little ones have a good view outside?
  • What color highlights can we set?
  • What could the canopy look like with a height-adjustable sun canopy?

Countless questions had to be answered and details clarified until everyone was satisfied with the result.

You wouldn't believe how many individual steps are necessary in such a process! Here is just one example: the buggy wheel mount! A science in itself. Which button visually fits best with the design? Which one is the easiest to operate?

With our 3D printers, samples were created and we tested shapes and functions of various individual parts.
Winter 2020

From theory into practice

Then the time had come, the concept was set! Now it was a matter of bringing together many details into a whole: the prototype of the QUPA was made. An exciting moment for the entire Qeridoo team. Dozens of critical eyes inspected every angle:

  • Is the design a real eye-catcher?
  • Should highlights be set differently?
  • Are the safety functions installed so that they can develop their full effect? 
  • How does the operation feel?
  • Are all function buttons easily accessible and easy to operate?
Photo Qupa bicycle trailer

This is where the work really started: with dedication to every little detail, the QUPA was developed further and further. We changed the design, made adjustments to the function buttons, examined the seating system again and again, until we were finally completely satisfied. Then the big moment came: we stood happily in front of a prototype of our QUPA thought through to the last detail!

Spring 2021

Things get serious

Off to the internal test bench, was the next stage for the new child sport stroller. Lengthy tests on heart and soul, or brake and wheel, were on the agenda. For us, the specifications and guidelines according to which our child sport strollers are tested and certified are decisive.

How does the QUPA behave on uneven paths? How at higher speeds? Essential information that was collected – because as you know, nothing is more important to us at Qeridoo than your safety! Then finally it was time to go out: into the wild and test under live conditions!

The child sport stroller was hitched to the bicycle and went over sticks and stones. What do we notice? How does it perform on the roadway? How does it behave in curves? Are the little passengers sitting comfortably in the QUPA?

After we were completely happy with all its driving and transport characteristics, the inspection and approval in the hallowed halls of TÜV Rheinland was next. A very important moment for us! Did we miss something? Are we as good as we think?

The answer was yes, and the QUPA mastered the TÜV inspection with flying colors – the starting signal for production had been given. The drawings were released, the materials purchased and the machines started up.

Winter 2021

We made it!

The first models trickled into our company headquarters in Buchholz – eagerly awaited! And even before the first one left our yard again, the extensive product trainings began, in which all employees got to know the QUPA down to its frame, so they could answer any of your questions about the product. 
Spring 2022

Done!

After almost two years of development and production, the QUPA was listed with our dealers, and since then the Qeridoo family member has been on adventures with you.

It is as planned stylish, it is technically top, it fits the budget and accompanies you everywhere – as an entry-level model it offers the most important and most popular functions, paired with the proven Qeridoo safety. Whether walking, brisk walking or cycling, just pack a few snacks in the mesh pockets and get going with the QUPA!
Picture Qupa on the test bench
Last updated: February 9, 2026
The key points in brief

The first Qeridoo bicycle trailer QUPA

How is a new bicycle trailer model created? We show you using the example of our QUPA:

 Summer 2020: idea to develop an affordable bicycle trailer that is safe and comfortable

 Autumn 2020: first sketches are created by our product design department

 Winter 2020: a prototype of the QUPA is manufactured

 Spring 2021: the child bicycle trailer is tested on the internal test rig as well as by TÜV

 Winter 2021: the first models of the QUPA are produced

 Spring 2022: after two years of development and production time, the Qeridoo QUPA comes to market

FAQs: Häufige Fragen zur Entstehung des QUPA

Was ist ein Produktprototyp und wozu dient er?

Ein Prototyp ist ein erstes physisches Muster eines neuen Produkts. Er dient dazu, Design, Ergonomie, Funktionsknöpfe und Sicherheitsmerkmale unter realen Bedingungen zu testen und zu bewerten – lange bevor die teure Serienproduktion startet. Änderungen lassen sich so noch frühzeitig und kostengünstig vornehmen.

Kinderfahrradanhänger von Qeridoo werden zunächst als Prototyp intern von uns auf Funktion und Sicherheit geprüft. Das passiert nicht nur in unserem internen Teststand, sondern auch draußen unter realen Bedingungen mit dem Fahrrad. Dabei sind zahlreiche Augenpaare und das komplette Qeridoo Team beteiligt.

Wenn wir zufrieden sind, wird der neue Fahrradanhänger auch vom TÜV Rheinland geprüft. Erst wenn auch von der offiziellen Seite die Sicherheit bestätigt ist, gehen wir in Produktion. 

Der Qeridoo QUPA ist der ideale Kinderfahrradanhänger für Einsteiger. Er ist funktional, leicht zu bedienen und überzeugt durch sein attraktives Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis. Als einer der wenigen Anhänger in diesem Preissegment verfügt der QUPA über ein komfortables Blattfeder-Dämpf-System. Der QUPA Plus bietet noch mehr Komfort und praktische Features.

Unsere Qeridoo Kidgoo Modelle vereinen Sicherheit, Flexibilität und bieten mit FIDLOCK Systemen und becco Kupplungssystem smarte Features. Perfekt für Familien, die maximalen Komfort suchen.

Der Qeridoo Sportrex ist besonders für sportliche Familien gemacht, die den Anhänger flexibel bei verschiedenen Aktivitäten nutzen möchten. Dieser Anhänger ist der ideale Allrounder.

Wer eine besondere Optik sucht, ist bei unseren Modellen Skaja und Lynix richtig. Ihr stilvolles Design lässt sie hervorstechen. 

Der QUPA 1 ist ein Einsitzer während der QUPA 2 ein Fahrradanhänger für zwei Kinder ist. Der Zweisitzer ist daher breiter gebaut und bietet auf der Sitzbank Platz für zwei Kinder. 

Die Entwicklungs-, Design- sowie auch die Serviceabteilung befinden sich in unserer Zentrale in Deutschland. Hinsichtlich der Produktion lassen wir, ebenso wie die meisten unserer Mitbewerber, unsere Fahrradanhänger in China fertigen.

Unser Anliegen ist es, unnötige Kosten zu vermeiden und auch faire Preise zu gestalten. Dies erreichen wir unter anderem durch den strukturellen Aufbau unserer Fertigungsstätten in China, in denen die meisten Bauteile intern "unter einem Dach" gefertigt werden. Dadurch entfallen unnötige Transportwege und Kosten durch Zukauf.