The prototype of the igus:bike appeared in 2022. Now the bike with a new name RCYL is being launched into production. The bike is made of recycled plastic, however, it is obvious that it is subject to similar recycling after the end of its service life.
The idea of a massive plastic bike came to Frank Blaese, the head of the German company igus, which deals with plastic products, during a vacation in Florida in 2009. In the USA, he noticed that rented bikes have a very limited lifespan due to constant exposure to sand, wind, and salty water.
Although the frame, wheels, cranks, and bearings of the prototype were made of plastic, at that time some components were still made of metal. The team has since been looking for ways to manufacture more parts from plastic. The renamed RCYL bike is now 92% made of plastic, with half of it made from recycled plastic waste, including discarded fishing nets.
The durable plastic ball bearings do not require lubrication. Non-plastic components include disc brakes, tires, transmission belts, lighting, bolts, and the like.
“We are now continuing to invest in research and development to increase the use of recycled plastic to 75% as soon as possible, and in the long term, even up to 100%,” says Sven Ternhardt, head of sales and marketing.
Currently, the partner company MTRL is producing the first 100 units before meeting pre-orders for approximately 1500 bicycles. In order to reduce waiting time, igus is building its own production line for bicycles. After increasing capacity, the company plans to produce 10,000 bicycles.
The initial production model weighs 17 kg and costs 1200 euros. This does not include the motor and battery, although igus:bike plans to have an electric bike.
Source: New Atlas
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