Today we'd like to introduce you to Jana and Rike. Both share the fate of a congenital heart defect (HOCM), have an implanted defibrillator, and pursue a vision: They want to be the voices that say: Your heart is much stronger and capable of much more than you currently believe! In their podcast, herzlichter , they combine knowledge and experiences from our lives as adults with congenital heart defects (ACH). They discuss everyday topics, conduct interviews, and share what helps us connect with our strength.
In this interview they talk about their experiences with the SUSHI BIKE and how much riding an e-bike makes their everyday life easier.
SUSHI BIKES: How did you get into e-bike riding?
Jana: Even as a small child, I realized that normal cycling was far too strenuous for me due to my congenital heart defect. I always had a regular bike and learned to ride on it, but I could only ride it for very short distances, like to the supermarket around the corner. I also never really dared to ride on the road and always took refuge on the sidewalk so as not to delay or disturb other road users. I felt really limited, and I was never really able to go on proper tours.
When I was 10 years old, the first "sensible" e-bike (2001) came onto the market, which my mother gave me as a gift. Back then, e-bikes were still quite loud, heavy, and bulky, but I quickly couldn't imagine life without one.
Rike: I grew up on the banks of the Elbe in Dresden and practically never rode a bike. Every trip home meant a steep climb – I simply could never manage that. While cycling, or during such strenuous activity, I suffer from tremendous pain throughout my body.
When I was 12, I was given a mountain bike as a gift. No one could have predicted at the time that it would be pure torture for me. I didn't want to expose myself and admit my pain, so I pretended everything was fine. E-bikes were simply too expensive back then, so I never wanted one.
Until I moved to Berlin, I hardly ever rode a bike. I don't own a car anymore and I do take public transport frequently, but that can be quite tiring in Berlin. Jana then gave me the idea to try an e-bike.
SUSHI BIKES: Why did you choose the SUSHI BIKE?
Jana: Well, I'm currently using an e-bike from another brand, which I'm also very happy with, but I'm getting my own SUSHI BIKE very soon and I'm really looking forward to it!
Rike: Actually, I don't even remember exactly when or how I first heard about SUSHI BIKES. Since I wasn't sure if I'd be able to handle an e-bike, I didn't want to spend a fortune. Most e-bikes on the market are not only exorbitantly expensive, but also not attractive, bulky, and far too heavy. Since I have to carry the bike down to the basement, I have to make sure the e-bike isn't too heavy and doesn't push my physical limits. The SUSHI BIKE is relatively light, compact, and affordable.
And honestly? Good design is important to me, and the SUSHI BIKE certainly has that.
SUSHI BIKES: How does the SUSHI BIKE / E-Bike make your everyday life easier?
Jana: My e-bike (soon to be my new SUSHI BIKE) makes my everyday life easier, so I ride almost every day. Mainly to work, but also to go shopping or to see friends. I actually rarely take the train; I primarily use my bike. It's only thanks to the e-bike that I'm even able to ride my bike and enjoy the feeling of freedom and mobility. I'm very grateful for that!
Rike: I'm using my SUSHI BIKE more and more often for trips around town. Firstly, I don't have to sit on the smelly, noisy subway, and secondly, I'm sometimes even faster. That's not insignificant for my mental health in such a big city ;)
SUSHI BIKE: What do you appreciate most about your SUSHI BIKE?
Jana: I appreciate the powerful motor on my e-bike and the fact that I have a nearly upright riding position. Nevertheless, I find the SUSHI BIKE much nicer than my bike, and it simply suits me much better visually, as it looks young and dynamic. Just the way I feel. I'm all the more excited that I'll soon have my own SUSHI BIKE.
Rike : I think it's great to have an e-bike that doesn't scream, "Look, I have a huge motor built into me." It simply suits me better—because even though I have a severe disability, I still feel like a young, dynamic person who wants to ride a stylish, lightweight bike.
SUSHI BIKE: How does riding an e-bike make you feel?
Jana: Freedom! Mobility! Flexibility! Independence! 💚
Rike: One of the best moments was overtaking a young guy on his sporty racing bike uphill – never happened before in my life! :D
I feel strong and light with it. It's a wonderful feeling—something I've rarely experienced with my body.
