How Did Handi-Hut Get Started?

Handi-Hut was founded over 50 years as a manufacturer of prefabricated aluminum kiosks/newsstands for busy NYC street corners that could be operated by people with physical handicaps, thus the name Handi-Hut. We evolved into a manufacturer of prefabricated aluminum and glass
mass transit shelters, pedestrian shelters, walkway covers, smoking, and custom shelters. In 2019, we merged with Velodome Shelters, a leading manufacturer of bike shelters and bike parking infrastructure. Combined, we provide insightful solutions for multimodal transportation.

 
What Are The Advantages of Prefabricated Shelters?

Handi-Hut's prefabricated shelters are relatively fast and easy to assemble, which reduces installation time and cost. By comparison, shelters that are completely KD often ship with hundreds of parts and pieces of hardware, like Ikea furniture. Handi-Hut shelters are engineered to withstand high wind speeds and heavy snow loads, and are produced in rust-proof, anodized aluminum. Our modular construction enables us to offer a wide range of standard sizes, configurations, designs, roof styles, colors and options for diverse markets and applications at a competitive price.

What Are Your Most Popular Bike Shelters?

Our locking bicycle shelters. Bike theft is one of the biggest deterrents to using your bike (or e-bike) for transportation. Currently we offer five locking models, ranging from the Peapod Mini, our smallest locking shelter, to the Guardian, which can accommodate over 150 bikes. Increasingly, doors are secured with app-based locks that are operated by a cell phone and monitored remotely. Options include shatterproof glass or stainless-steel wire grid wall panels, 10 roof styles, and several bike rack styles.

What Is Your Latest Product?

The Barrington. It is a compact shelter with an integrated bench that's ideal for bus stops, pedestrian walkways, downtown areas, parks, playgrounds, plazas, and university campuses. Given the choice between an ordinary bench and one that's rain protected and shaded, we believe the covered bench would be the preferred option. Solar options include solar lighting and solar-powered USB charging ports which upgrade Barrington into an economical Solar Charging Station as well.

What Trends Do You See In Your Industry?

We are seeing more products that promote sustainability and health. When I started Velodome Shelters in 2012, bicycling in the U.S. was primarily for recreation, not as a mode of transportation as it was in Europe and Asia. Since then, there has been a steady increase in public awareness about the benefits of biking, i.e., improved health from regular exercise, reduction of climate warming CO2 emissions from automobiles, and reduction in auto traffic and downtown congestion while increasing the vitality of downtowns and merchant business from increases in spending on bicycle infrastructure.