topic block General
How much are the delivery costs?
The delivery costs are already included in the purchase price, provided the goods do not leave the German mainland. A surcharge must be charged for neighboring countries or islands. This is usually in the double-digit range. Attention for our dear Swiss: Although there is no German VAT here, the costs for transport and customs clearance are significantly higher than for EU countries!
What foundation is necessary for the boxes?
Please read the foundation information sheet carefully! In short: The boxes actually only stand on the 4 outer posts. The rest does not rest on the ground. In theory, the subsurface would only need to be secured there. The exception here is the cargo bike box. There is also a base plate on both sides in the depth.
How long is the warranty?
We offer a 2-year warranty on all our products.
Where can I see the products?
Element13 does not yet have a sample park. However, we can provide suitable reference addresses where you can then view the product in your area. Alternatively, we will endeavour to show many original images on our homepage. You are also welcome to visit our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@element13gmbh or Instagram channel https://www.instagram.com/element_13_gmbh/
Can I set up the box without permission?
As a rule, you are allowed to do this. The boxes are considered temporary structures. After all these years, we are not aware of any of our federal states having special requirements. However, there may be special municipal requirements. This applies, for example, to particular residential areas with historically valuable character. In some cases, a permit may be required. Please contact your municipality for information.
May I recommend the company Element 13?
Of course! Are you satisfied and happy with your decision? Then share it with the world 😊
I don't dare to express negative criticism!
Please do that. Call us or write an email. Because if we don't get feedback, we can't develop the product further and react to changing circumstances and conditions. The first version of our boxes looked very different. Thanks to numerous suggestions, ideas and criticism, we have been able to continually improve our product! We therefore see negative criticism as an active contribution on your part to improve a product.
Where can I find out about news?
You can do that on our homepage. We also operate an Instagram channel https://www.instagram.com/element_13_gmbh/ and a YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@element13gmbh .
Does Element 13 also produce other products?
Yes, that is what we are striving for. You can already purchase small, high-quality products on our website. We will continue to expand our product range in the future. Do you have an idea? Then please share it with us!
Montage topic block
Is the box already pre-assembled?
No! Our boxes are designed as a kit and can be assembled using a cordless screwdriver and wrench. However, some components are already pre-assembled. This applies in particular to the doors and the locking system.
Is the structure complicated?
How many people need to set up the box?
It is recommended that two people assemble the box. The individual parts are light, but some of them, such as the roof, are a bit bulky. There is also some laborious work involved, such as assembling the wall profiles. In this regard, it is a good idea for one person to unpack and hand over the profiles and for the other to assemble them.
What tools are necessary for assembly?
- Allen keys size 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
- Open-end wrenches SW 10, 13 and 16
- Cordless screwdriver with bit set
- For the gable roof variant, a commercially available liquid adhesive (this is not absolutely necessary)
What should I do if I get stuck during installation?
Important: Don't panic. We are very easy to reach by phone and are happy to help.
What else should I consider when setting up?
The instructions say that you should read them carefully. And that is what we mean. It is advisable to read each subsection completely and then work on the respective step.
topic block delivery
How long is the delivery time?
The delivery time is usually 5-6 weeks from the order.
How does delivery work?
The boxes are packed in a wooden transport box (240cm x 140cm x 50cm) and are delivered by a shipping company. After you have arranged for collection, the shipping company will contact you by phone to discuss an exact delivery date.
What else should be taken into account during delivery?
Since we outsource delivery to a shipping company, special rules apply with regard to possible damage and the resulting complaints: If you discover damage to the transport box upon delivery, you can assume that the internal parts are also damaged. You must then claim the damage from the driver so that we have a way of dealing with the shipping company. Get a ticket issued! You also do not have to crawl onto the truck and unload the goods yourself. The shipping company is responsible for that!
topic block material check
Why does Element 13 use aluminum?
Despite its lightness, aluminum is a robust material. One of its natural properties is its resistance to corrosion, as aluminum does not rust, unlike steel. This makes it very suitable for outdoor use, especially in coastal areas where the salt content creates a special situation. Even if there are scratches or similar damages (which can occur through use), you do not need to worry about rust. This does not apply to galvanized steel!
How good are the installed sheets?
Which sheets? With the exception of the roof, our company only uses profiles! We keep finding that there is a small gap in our knowledge here. We would like to clarify: The final shape of each part is achieved by bending, edging and welding sheets. Our profiles, on the other hand, are pressed through an extrusion process through a mold or tool that already determines the final shape (e.g. the shape of the wall profiles). The parts are then sawn to the required lengths and the individual threaded holes are set using a CNC milling machine. This process ensures that the material is not subjected to unnecessary stress, because every bend, edge or weld seam leads to material fatigue.
How stable are the profiles of Element 13?
In terms of the material thickness of the frame and wall profiles, we are well above the market average. The wall profiles are approximately 1.7mm thick (commercially less than 1mm is standard). Our frame profiles are 40x40mm and in some places 40x80mm thick.
Why does Element 13 process such material thicknesses?
There are essentially three reasons for this:
-When you touch the material, you will notice how valuable a product can be simply by using a little more material.
-The overall construction should be stable and durable.
-The most obvious reason: you want your bikes to be able to be parked safely. Of course, this requires a robust box.
What kind of lock is installed?
We install a bar lock that is moved via a swivel lever and thus engages at the top and bottom of the box. The swivel lever is locked using a standard profile half cylinder. This is particularly important for insurers!
Does Element 13 also use plastic parts?
Yes, we do that as an exception in a few places, namely where metal meets metal and there is constant movement due to use. Since this would lead to unpleasant noises if only metal were used, we have decided to use plastic in these places.
Can or must I anchor the box in the ground?
You don't have to, because although aluminum is very light, the boxes weigh over 200 kilograms when fully assembled and with wheels attached. If you opt for the roof tray with plants, the weight will be over 300kg. However, we do supply floor mounting brackets as standard.
sustainability topic block
Are the individual parts shipped around the world?
No, they won't. 80% of all suppliers are located in Germany. The rest are in other European countries. This allows us to achieve short transport routes and ensure European and German environmental and labor standards.
The production of aluminum is not sustainable, is it?
The manufacturing process is indeed very energy- and cost-intensive. However, aluminum can also be easily recycled, which is why the aluminum used consists of at least 60% recycled material and therefore requires significantly less energy. Furthermore, aluminum is very durable, which is why it does not need to be replaced or maintained regularly. The goal is for you to be able to enjoy the box for many years to come.
What about the powder coating?
Unlike wet painting, powder coatings do not require any organic solvents for the coating process and therefore reduce the environmental impact in comparison. In addition, excess powder can be vacuumed off the component and almost completely recycled.
topic block plantable roof
Can I grow anything on the roof?
No! You can only plant shallow-rooted plants (balled plants) or herbs. But there is a huge selection here, so you are sure to find something beautiful
Which soil should I use?
Please read our soil information sheet. Under no circumstances should the plantable roof tray be filled with stones!
Can I order soil and plants through Element 13?
Yes, we offer that. However, we also order it ourselves from the relevant suppliers. The transport is then very expensive. That is why we regularly recommend that you visit your local garden center or hardware store.
topic block Trivia
We use aluminum. The company name is a replica of the 13th element in the periodic table - aluminum.
Despite our Berlin location, the factory is in NRW. The majority of all suppliers are therefore also located in NRW.
The owner happens to have house number 13.
The company was founded coincidentally in 2013 .
Unfortunately, the city of Berlin is reluctant to give us the house number 13 for our company address. So we have to live with 12. But magnesium is also good for another stable basic structure, namely our bones.