Cycling makes people happier: 68% of Swapfiets members experience positive changes in well-being
“Cycling doesn’t just benefit your body, it also benefits your mind,” says Suzanne Berings, General Manager Netherlands at Swapfiets. “At a time when mental health is receiving more attention, we want to show how something as small as taking the bike in your daily routine can make a real difference. By removing the hassle around maintenance or repairs, we make it easier to cycle more often - and experience more calm and clarity in your day.”
The research shows, among other things, that:
41% feel physically fitter
39% experience a stronger sense of well-being
More than 30% feel less stressed, more energetic and more carefree
The figures are part of Swapfiets’ new 2024 Sustainability Report, which is being launched this week. The report highlights the organisation’s social and environmental impact, including its contribution to sustainable mobility and the well-being of its members
Cycling as a boost for body and mind
Scientific studies have long shown that cycling reduces stress, improves mood, and can even ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Swapfiets’ research aligns closely with these findings. Respondents mentioned “more mental clarity”, “confidence”, “a sense of freedom” and “less stress about travel time” as reasons for their “improved sense of balance and mental well-being”.
Notably, members who did not use so-called Active Travel before Swapfiets, such as cycling or walking, experienced the biggest improvements. They reported not only feeling mentally better, but also improved physical fitness (50%), more energy (39%), clearer focus (36%) and even better sleep quality (18%). Switching from passive to active forms of transport therefore appears to be a powerful tool for both body and mind.
Sustainability and well-being go hand in hand
Sustainability is a core value of Swapfiets and is embedded across all parts of the company. In 2024, product data was used to improve items including baskets, pedals and valves, while the company also switched to plant-based maintenance products and circular cleaning cloths. Recycling is also being further optimised to minimise waste.
At the same time, members show how closely physical and mental health are connected. For many, switching to cycling has been positive and even transformative. By making cycling accessible and worry-free, Swapfiets contributes to greater freedom, calm and social connection - important pillars of mental well-being.
Source: Research conducted among 4,863 respondents across various markets where Swapfiets operates.
About Swapfiets
Swapfiets is the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company. Founded 2014 in the Netherlands, the scale-up quickly developed being one of the leading micro mobility providers in Europe with 280.000 members in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain, Austria and UK.
The concept of Swapfiets is quite simple: For a monthly subscription fee, Swapfiets members receive a fully functional bicycle or e-mobility solution for their own use. If needed, a repair service is available within 48 hours to repair or directly swap the two-wheeler at no additional cost.
