From marine plastic to mobility: igus presents an e-bike made of recycled plastic for the first time
igus is presenting an electrified version of the low-maintenance igus:bike made from recycled fishing nets
July 14th, 2026 – igus continues to drive forward the vision of sustainable urban mobility. The company is presenting an electric version of its igus:bike for the first time, responding to the growing demand for low-maintenance e-mobility in cities. The previous model proved its durability on a 1.5-year world tour providing the foundation for the new electric version. The tried-and-tested plastic bicycle has been continuously enhanced and forms the basis for the new electric bicycle. Like the igus:bike, it consists of 50 per cent recycled fishing nets and offers people the opportunity to combine environmental protection with low-maintenance urban mobility.
As congested roads and higher gas prices push more people to choose bicycles over cars, igus is introducing an e-bike designed for durability and the circular economy. “With the electric version of the igus:bike, we are responding to growing demand,” says Jens Boldt, Head of the igus:bike Business Unit. Development was guided by the igus:bike world tour, where the plastic bike travelled more than 3,500 miles across 25 countries, proving its durability in a wide range of real-world conditions. Those insights, combined with rigorous testing in igus’ in-house laboratory, continue to drive improvements to both the igus:bike and the new e-bike.
The new e-bike is made of 50 percent plastic, from the bicycle frame to the wheels and the seat post to the handlebars. Metal is only used whenever it is still technically necessary, e.g. for the suspension fork, brake discs and brake cables. The igus e-bike is designed for urban traffic: the single-speed e-bike weighs around 44 lbs and works with a 44 lb-ft torque rear-wheel motor and a toothed belt made of carbon fibres and plastic. The battery allows a range of up to 75 miles.
Protecting the seas while cycling
According to the environmental organization WWF, around a third of the world’s plastic waste in the seas consists of fishing gear such as nets and ropes. To reduce this amount of waste, igus works with a partner who collects nets that fishing boats have lost near the coast, clean them, and process them into plastic powder. “Our materials scientists have managed to ensure that 50 per cent of the plastic for bicycle frames can be made of this recycled material,” says Boldt. For production, igus relies on a special process that was already used in the predecessor and can produce seamless and robust hollow bodies. “However, we have refined the process to such an extent that the frame now shows a higher stiffness. This allowed us to reduce the wall thicknesses and make the frame design much slimmer.” A characteristic feature is the new design with seat and chain stays on both sides, which gives the orange and black bike a distinctive look. igus manufactures other components such as seat posts and handlebars via injection moulding.
Low-maintenance in urban traffic
When people are out and about in the city, they regularly leave their bikes in the rain. Components such as the chain, seat post, spokes and welds on the frame often rust. The result: owners have to clean parts at great expense, maintain them regularly or even replace them completely. This can add up to considerable sums. “The igus:bike, in contrast, is almost maintenance-free,” emphasizes Boldt. It can stand in the rain for years without corroding. In addition, it does not require any maintenance at the bearing points. igus uses lubrication-free plain bearings made of high-performance plastic, e.g. on brake levers, pedals and dampers. Integrated, microscopic solid lubricants ensure low-friction dry operation in the long term without lubricating oil.
