Home > Ronald Scheppink | Founder & Child Bike Seat Expert
Ronald Scheppink
Founder & Child Bike Seat Expert
Over 30 years of experience in the child bike seat industry
Close collaboration with OGK Japan and the Kimura family
Driving force behind the design of Urban Iki
Combines Dutch design with Japanese technology
Over 30 years of experience in the child bike seat industry
Ronald Scheppink is the founder of Urban Iki and an experienced expert in the child bike seat industry. With over 30 years of experience and an international network within the cycling industry, he has built a strong foundation for the brand. His collaboration with Japanese company OGK and the Kimura family dates back to the early 2000s and ultimately laid the groundwork for the launch of Urban Iki in 2015.
Ronald has a background in mechanical engineering, combined with a strong commercial drive. This combination took him all over the world and helped him build valuable relationships within the industry early on. His entrepreneurial mindset – never tied to a 9-to-5 desk job – has shaped him into who he is today.
“In Asia, they don’t ease you into the water, they throw you straight in. That’s where I learned to move fast and truly think like an entrepreneur.”
From design to innovation: the vision behind Urban Iki
When Urban Iki started, Ronald quite literally began from scratch. There was no handbook, no existing framework. Everything, from regulations and design to distribution, had to be built from the ground up. Thanks to his experience and network, he was able to establish the brand quickly and solidly. Today, Urban Iki products are already considered during the early design stages within the cycling industry.
Together with Auke, Ronald is responsible for creating the bike seat concepts. His sketches, combined with the designs of industrial design agency Idenova from Winterswijk, form the foundation of products where comfort, safety, and style come together. One principle always leads the way: a bike seat should not only meet all technical requirements, but above all feel right for both parent and child.
“A good bike seat is more than just technology. It’s about lifestyle and fun, that’s what you design for. It’s something a child feels safe in and a parent is proud to be seen with.”
This vision has resulted in a brand that stands out through the combination of Dutch design and Japanese technology. Urban Iki quickly grew into an international success and won 14 (!) awards in its early years. Still, Ronald remains critical: no unnecessary extras, only thoughtful choices that truly add value. Or as he puts it: no bells and whistles where nobody wants to pay for.
The guardian of Urban Iki’s DNA
Today, Ronald remains closely involved with Urban Iki, while also passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation. His sons Aron and Ralph are now active within the company and continue to build the brand together with the Urban Iki team. This makes him not only the founder, but also the guardian of Urban Iki’s DNA.
“The most rewarding thing is seeing what you’ve built being passed on. That way, knowledge isn’t just preserved – it continues to grow within the Urban Iki team as it is today.”
His passion for the craft is as strong as ever. And when it comes to testing, he trusts his most honest users the most: his grandchildren. Because in the end, it all comes down to one thing: making sure they ride safely, comfortably, and with joy.
What requirements should a good child bike seat meet?
We gladly tell you what requirements a good bike seat must meet. According to regulations, but also in order to have a great time. Read it now on our blog!Read more
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