Ecomobility: the “Netflix of bikes” Swapfiets settles in Nantes

The Dutch company Swapfiets has recently launched its service in Nantes, Atlantic France. Customers can rent high-quality bikes and electric two-wheeled vehicles for a fixed monthly fee which includes insurance and repairs. 

Swapfiets presents itself as the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company. It was founded in the Netherlands (fiets means bicycle in Dutch) in 2014 by four students. The company recently opened a branch in Atlantic France with the support of our economic development agency in partnership with Nantes Saint-Nazaire development.

The rental service is available from €16.90 per month and without commitment. Swapfiets’ subscription fee includes theft insurance, but also a free and unlimited repairs service: if a bicycle has a problem, the company fixes or replaces it within 48 hours.

Over 220,000 customers in more than 50 cities across Europe

Swapfiets vehicles are easily recognisable because they have blue front tires. We can now see them in 5 French cities: Nantes, Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg and Toulouse. 

The company has over 220,000 customers in more than 100 European cities in 7 countries (the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, the UK, Italy and Spain), and the service is expanding quickly.

Circular economy model and e-mobility solutions

“Let’s consume less and enjoy more”, says Swapfiets in its presentation video (see below). The company wants to “make cities more liveable” and is highly committed to environmental sustainability. The vehicles are recycled, and Swapfiets intends to achieve a fully circular product line by 2025.

In Nantes, Swapfiets offers its two bicycle models (“Original” and “Deluxe”), but also electric two-wheeled vehicles: e-bikes, e-kick scooters and e-scooters. These mobility solutions are particularly suitable for downtown professionals who want to be able to get around quickly.