igus continues to advance its vision of sustainable urban mobility. At the Eurobike trade show, the company is unveiling an electric version of its igus:bike for the first time, responding to the growing demand for low-maintenance e-mobility in cities. The predecessor model has already provided proof of its robustness over the course of a 1.5-year world tour in all kinds of weather. The tried-and-true plastic bicycle has been continuously refined and forms the basis for the new electric bicycle. Like the igus:bike, it is made from 50 per cent recycled fishing nets and offers people the opportunity to combine environmental protection with low-maintenance urban mobility—all at an affordable price of 2,500 euros.
Traffic jams and poor air quality: More and more people want to leave their cars at home in cities and switch to bicycles to get from A to B faster and reduce CO₂ emissions. About one in two new bicycles purchased in Germany is now an e-bike, according to a market analysis by the consulting firm EY. “We’re committed to bringing an e-bike to market that’s not only exceptionally durable but also designed with a circular economy in mind. With the electric version of our igus:bike, we’re providing a clear response to the growing demand,” says Jens Boldt, Head of Business Unit igus:bike at igus. Boldt and his team are inspired by the igus:bike world tour, which took the bike through 25 countries. The plastic bike has covered nearly 6,000 kilometers and provided proof of its durability in various climate zones, come rain or shine. “The tour provided us with valuable insights. Many components have already proven their robustness under real-world, everyday conditions. These experiences have been directly incorporated into the development of the e-bike. We’re using this ongoing practical experience to continuously refine both the igus:bike and the e-bike. All components are also extensively tested in our in-house test laboratory before use,” explains Jens Boldt.
The new e-bike is made of 50 per cent plastic, from the bike frame to the wheels, the seat post, and the handlebars. Metal is used only where it is currently still technically necessary, such as in the suspension fork, brake rotors, and brake cables. The igus e-bike is designed for urban commuting: The single-speed e-bike weighs about 20 kg and is powered by a 60 Nm rear-wheel motor and a toothed belt made of carbon fiber and plastic. The battery provides a range of up to 120 km. Series production will begin in the third quarter of 2026. The igus e-bike will then be available for around 2,500 euros. igus is also planning a non-electric version with an eight-speed hub gear.
Protecting the oceans while cycling
According to the environmental organization WWF, about one-third of the world’s plastic waste in the oceans consists of fishing gear such as nets and ropes. To reduce this volume of waste, igus is collaborating with a Belgian partner on the production of the igus:bike. The partner collects lost nets from fishing boats near the coast, cleans them, and processes them into a plastic powder. “Our materials scientists have made it possible for 50 per cent of the plastic used in bicycle frames to consist of this recycled material,” says Jens Boldt. For manufacturing, igus uses a special process—already employed in the previous model—that allows for the production of seamless and robust hollow structures. “However, we’ve refined the process to such an extent that the frame can now achieve greater stiffness. This has allowed us to reduce wall thicknesses and make the frame design significantly sleeker.” A key feature is the new design with seat stays and chain stays on both sides, which gives the orange-and-black bicycle a striking look. igus manufactures other components, such as seat posts and handlebars, using injection molding.
Low-Maintenance in City Traffic
When people are out and about in the city, their bikes are often left out in the rain—for example, while shopping at the supermarket. This often leads to components such as the chain, seatpost, spokes, and welded seams on the frame rusting. As a result, owners have to laboriously clean parts, perform regular maintenance, or even replace them entirely. This can quickly become expensive, especially for high-quality bikes or e-bikes. “The igus:bike, on the other hand, is virtually maintenance-free,” emphasizes Jens Boldt. It can sit out in the rain for years without corroding. Furthermore, it requires no maintenance at the bearing points. igus uses lubrication-free plain bearings made of high-performance plastic, including on brake levers, pedals, and shock absorbers. Thanks to integrated, microscopically small solid lubricants, they enable permanently low-friction dry operation without lubricating oil.