Tobi, Lotte, Mathilda & Theo: Pino E CARGO

Lotte and Tobi are photographers, parents, a team – and for some time now, also residents of Waltrop.

Their shared history began in Berlin: They got to know each other in the same year of training at a photo studio, first as friends, which then turned into something more.

From Berlin …

“I lived in Berlin for fourteen years,” says Lotte. “But at some point, the moment came when we thought, maybe it’s time for something else.”

This moment came in the middle of the pandemic. Living together with daughter Mathilda in a three-room flat in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Berlin and working two jobs from home was anything but fun.

When the opportunity arose to move into a large house with a garden in Lotte’s home town of Waltrop, the decision was surprisingly easy.

… to Waltrop

“You rethink a lot of things at a time like that,” says Tobi. “And the idea of getting out, having space – that became more and more appealing.”

Of course, they sometimes miss Berlin: the spontaneity, the culinary diversity, the inspiring nature of the big city. “But that accounts for maybe five per cent of our lives,” says Tobi. “The other 95 per cent is simply more relaxed here.”

Lotte adds, “You realise how much energy you lose every day in the big city. Everything is a little easier here.”

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The word easier also applies to their way of life. Her work is varied, sometimes turbulent. Lotte photographs companies, self-employed people and portraits. Tobi often travelled away for work to events or with a 360° camera and now works in marketing at Hase Bikes. They are a good team, both professionally and privately. “We inspire each other,” says Lotte. “Show each other pictures, get advice. It’s really valuable.”

For transporting the kids as well as daily adventures

And then there’s the tandem – the Pino. “You see it all the time in Waltrop,” says Lotte. “There are two families in our circle of friends who are really enthusiastic about it.” When son Theo completed their family and Tobi started working at Hase Bikes two years later, novelty turned into everyday life.

Today, the Pino is a family vehicle, children’s taxi and shopping assistant all in one. “What I love most is the flexibility,” says Lotte. “I can spontaneously take a child with me or go shopping – or both.” Tobi nods: “And even when I ride alone, it's just fun. It doesn’t feel like an empty cargo bike; it feels like a really great bike.” The children love the bike anyway – especially the space at the front.

“It feels like flying,” says Mathilda.

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