TECHNOLOGY n 23 www.drivesncontrols.com September 2026 THE ENGINEERING plastics specialist igus has unveiled an electrically-powered bicycle (e-bike) made of 50% plastic, derived from recycled fishing nets. The recycled plastics are used for the bicycle’s frame, wheels, seat post and handlebars, with metal used only where it is technically necessary – for example, for the suspension fork, brake discs and brake cables. The €2,500 e-bike is powered by a 60Nm rear-wheel motor and a toothed belt made of carbon fibre and plastic. Its rechargeable battery gives the 20kg, single-speed bike a range of 120km. The igus e-bike is based on an earlier pedalpowered plastic bicycle that the company launched in 2022 and which demonstrated its robustness on a 1.5-year, 25-country tour around the world. The bike has been enhanced continuously and forms the basis for the new electric bicycle. "We are convinced that we are launching an e-bike that is not only particularly durable, but also fits in with the idea of circular economy,” says Jens Boldt, head of the igus:bike business. “With the electric version of our igus:bike, we are responding to the increasing demand.” In Germany, around half of all new bicycles are now electrically powered. He points out that as well as being environmentally attractive, a bike made of recycled plastics has practical benefits too. On conventional metal-framed bicycles, components such as the chain, seat post, spokes and welds can rust, requiring servicing and maintenance. “The igus:bike, by contrast, is almost maintenance-free," Boldt says. “It can stand in the rain for years without corroding. In addition, it does not require any maintenance at the bearing points.” The e-bike uses lubrication-free plain bearings made of high-performance plastic for the brake levers, pedals and dampers. Microscopic solid lubricants ensure low-friction dry operation without needing any lubricating oil. Igus is using a special process (already used for the earlier version) to produce the e-bike’s seamless hollow frame. “However, we have refined the process to such an extent that the frame now shows a higher stiffness,” Boldt reports. “This allowed us to reduce the wall thicknesses and make the frame design much slimmer.” igus manufactures other components such as seat posts and handlebars using injection moulding. igus is working with a Belgian partner that collects fishing nets lost near the coast, cleans them and processes them into a plastic powder that is used to produce the e-bike components. Series production of the e-bike is imminent. igus is also planning a non-electrified variant with an eightspeed gear hub. Electric bike has a plastic frame from made from recycled fishing nets FOR MORE TECHNOLOGY NEWS VISIT www.drivesncontrols.com The electric version of igus’ low-maintenance bicycle consists of 50% recycled fishing nets
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