Swapfiets aims to have fully circular bicycles by 2025
Subscription models disrupt traditional businesses allowing for more sustainability.
Amsterdam, March 2021 – Recently ranked by Financial Times as the 10th fastest-growing company in Europe 2021, the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company Swapfiets announces its ambition to become more sustainable. By 2025 all bicycles with the iconic blue front tire ought to be fully circular whilst the company continues its growth in Europe.
With a bold invitation to consume less, Swapfiets is pointing out that the old “take-make-waste” approach of producing, selling and consuming products has to be turned into a usage-focused, circular economy. By closing the loop of repair, reuse, refurbish and recycle, the bike membership proves that also bicycles can become more circular and sustainable, contributing to more liveable cities. A recent life cycle analysis proved for Deluxe 7, the most popular Swapfiets, 88% circularity.
"Richard Burger, Founder of Swapfiets, says: Realising fully circular bicycles by 2025 is a big goal and challenge at the same time, as we need to consider the whole life-cycle from production to recycling. If we truly want to have an impact for a better future, we see no alternative in our segment than offering a subscription for bicycles and smart micro mobility that is by all means the most ecologically mindful way of transportation in cities. We prove that we can deliver great service with a more sustainable product and we challenge others to do the same."
For all Swapfiets bicycles, the company reached a zero-rubber-waste life cycle. And even though Deluxe 7, the most used Swapfiets, reaches a circularity level twice as much as similar city bikes available in retail, full circularity remains to be a challenge. The missing 12% fall into categories of general waste, like saddles and braking cables, and virgin materials such as mined minerals used for parts, lubricants and more. While confirming a zero-rubber-waste life cycle for all of its bicycles, Swapfiets is looking into further solutions and seeks collaboration with experts to improve its circularity.
Micro mobility leader in Europe
Swapfiets is aiming to become the leading micro mobility membership, counting nearly 220.000 members in March 2021. In the last 6 months the company accelerated its expansion to Milan, Paris and London while adding new e-mobility products to its portfolio. Besides a fully redesigned and improved version of its Power 7 e-Bike, Swapfiets introduced a foldable e-Kick and is currently testing a powerful e-Scoot, all made available as simple monthly subscription with repairs being included in the monthly fee. The website www.swapfiets.com and mobile app provide a detailed overview of availability and prices for each bicycle and e-mobility product in each city.
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.
