Dahon was founded in 1982 by Dr. Hon and his brother, Henry. In the midst of the oil crisis, a lot of Californians realized the importance of an improved form of urban mobility to help reduce their reliance on gas powered cars.
Dr. Hon happened was one of such people in search of a light, durable and economically viable alternative to mass transit, one that would be either human or electronically powered.
Tired of having to go through the trouble of constantly dismantling his bike to be able to stuff it into his car, he began to nurse the idea of building a folding bike that would address the pains of the everyday rider: lightweight, beautiful, quickly foldable – and affordable. Models began to take form in his garage.
After unsuccessfully pitching his invention to several well-established companies, the two brothers decided to set up their own company from scratch.
Two years later, in 1984, Dahon folding bicycles had began rolling off the assembly line as one of the most compact folding bicycles on the market at that time, and becoming the world's largest manufacturer of folding bicycles.
Today, Dahon markets bicycles under its own name as well as other brand names, including the affiliated Yeah and Biceco Brands. The company holds over 200 patents, some of which have become industry standards.
BRAND FEATURES/CATEGORY
With the help of the latest technology, Dahon has been able to successfully control a substantial percentage of the foldable bicycle market by constantly striving to provide the best bicycles.
The company currently offers over 30 models of foldable or portable bicycles in wheel sizes ranging from 16"-26” with aluminum alloy or steel frames.
Aside the all-new vertical folding technology, most of these bicycles consist of a patented, single-hinge frame design which has the handlebar folding down and the frame hinge swinging to the left, leaving the handlebar inside.
CORE VALUES
Dahon was founded on a vision of “green” mobility, a form of transportation that helps to keep people healthier, and also preserves the environment for the next generation.
By making bicycles that are easier and more convenient to use, a lot of people will be inspired to fit cycling into their lives.