Plastic bicycle
The first 100 igus wheels in production
Cologne-based plastics expert igus is putting the igus:bike, a bicycle made of 92 percent plastic with a high recycled content, on the road. The first 100 bikes are currently being produced in collaboration with development partner MTRL.
A production line is also being built at the igus site in Cologne. This will increase production capacity to 10,000 units over the next two years.
The idea: sensible recycling of plastic waste
Managing Director Frank Blase launched the project around 3.5 years ago. The idea behind it: Using mountains of plastic from landfill sites to produce plastic bicycles. The use of plastic should make them corrosion-free, durable and dirt-resistant.
"I am delighted that we have now come a big step closer to this vision," says Frank Blase. "The igus:bike is now finally coming onto the road under a new name in its first small series." Following approval for road traffic, rapid delivery to the first of around 1,200 pre-orders is planned.
Bicycle made of 92 percent plastic
The few parts that were still made of metal in prototypes, such as the seat post or brake lever, are also made of plastic in the current version. "The igus:bike, which weighs around 17 kilograms, is now made of 92 percent plastic," says Sven Terhardt. "From the frame to the bearings to the drivetrain, which was considered almost impossible in the industry for a long time."
Recycling share already at 50 percent
igus and MTRL use the rotational molding and injection molding process. Bicycle components are manufactured using granulate made from recycled plastic waste, including fishing nets. The proportion of virgin plastic added has been successfully reduced to 50 percent.
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