Pro Velo - CycleCare+: a circular model for sustainable mobility

This article is part of a series dedicated to exploring the journeys of the winners of the second edition of Go Circular. In this series, we highlight the inspiring initiatives of the winners.

An Innovative Idea The idea for the project was born from an observation: the high cost of electric bikes and cargo bikes limits their accessibility to the general public. To address this, Pro Velo offers an innovative circular model through the “CycleCare+” program, a contract combining purchase, maintenance, and resale. The English expression “CycleCare” translates into French as “cycle d’entretien.” This system allows the company to ensure follow-up throughout the bike’s life cycle while promoting sustainable and responsible use.

Pro Velo has designed a hybrid model between sale and rental. At the time of purchase, customers commit to following a regular maintenance schedule. In return, the company guarantees to buy back the bike up to 9 years after purchase. Indeed, users’ needs may evolve over time: a new household member to transport, new mobility habits, etc. The bikes that are bought back are then repaired/refurbished and reintroduced into a new usage cycle. This makes it possible to offer a stock of high-quality second-hand bikes and thus provide access to bikes at affordable prices.

When bikes can no longer be sold, they are dismantled within Pro Velo, and the parts are used to supply a parts bank. This step also supports the EFT (Entreprise de Formation par le Travail) integration pathway of their partner “Step Métier” through bicycle mechanics training. For parts that cannot be reused in the parts bank, efficient sorting prepares them for recovery by specialized recycling partners.

Multiple Impacts From an environmental perspective, the project contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions and preserving natural resources by extending the lifespan of bikes and limiting the purchase of new ones. Moreover, it promotes soft mobility, which is beneficial for health.

From an economic perspective, the model developed by Pro Velo is designed to be shared and replicated by other cycling professionals in Wallonia. Indeed, the tools developed in open source and the results will be shared with bike dealers. This approach supports the development of the local economy while strengthening the sector’s stakeholders.

From a social perspective, the project facilitates access to bikes for a larger number of people and encourages active mobility. Additionally, it raises public awareness of circular economy principles. At the same time, Pro Velo trains bicycle mechanics, thus creating a skilled and non-relocatable workforce.

A Global Vision In parallel with this project, the development of a revalorization initiative for bikes already at the end of their life allows them to work on all stages of a bike’s life, diversify their activities, and maintain control over the quality and supply of parts.

With “CycleCare+,” Pro Velo demonstrates that offering an innovative business model can transform a sector and pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible economy.