The Trampe bicycle lift (Norwegian: Sykkelheisen Trampe) is the first, and only, bicycle lift in the world. The prototype was built in 1993 in Trondheim, Norway and was removed in early 2012. In 2013 it was replaced with updated technology under the name "CycloCable", developed by Skirail company belonging to French Poma group.
The use of Trampe is free.[1]
When using the lift, the right foot is placed on the starting point (the left foot stays on the bicycle pedal). After pushing the start button, the user is pushed forward and a footplate emerges. A common mistake among tourists and other first-time users is that they don't keep their right leg outstretched and their body tilted forward. This makes it hard to maintain balance on the footplate, and can result in falling off.
In the summer months, Trampe is used extensively by both commuting inhabitants of Trondheim and tourists.
For the most part we are a very healthy people, but sometimes it's hard going when we bike up some of our steep hills. That's why Trondheim was the first city in the world with a lift specially designed for cyclists.
The bicycle lift helps cyclists up the steep Brubakken hill near Gamle Bybro, almost all the way up to Kristiansten Fort. Don't be shy, give it a try.
You can get a key card to operate the lift from Sykkelbua, the bicycle repair shop up the street (address: Øvre Bakklandet 35).
To use the lift you insert your key card, put your right foot on the foot rest and sit back on your bicycle seat while you glide up the 130 metre hill at a comfortable speed of 2 metres a second.
While it's worth trying just for the experience, at the top of the hill you'll also find yourself in an idyllic part of Trondheim, and you're just a stone's throw from Kristiansten Fortress.