• The United Nations has designated June 3 as World Bicycle Day, an opportunity “to draw attention to the benefits of bicycle use – a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally friendly sustainable mode of transport”.

    20 Minutes

    has therefore embarked on a journey of cycling in France from Lille to Nice, from Nantes to Strasbourg, via Paris or Toulouse.

  • The Toulouse start-up Nuwo has been offering companies since January 2022 to set up company bicycles.

    With mechanical, electric or even high-end models, there is something for everyone.

  • Users can choose their bike from one of the four partner cycle shops in the Pink City, and then use it freely, including during weekends and holidays.

A bicycle to go to work.

With its mechanical or electric "company bike" rental service, a Toulouse start-up offers companies an eco-friendly and much cheaper alternative to the traditional company car.

Could directors swap their sedan for a bicycle?

Let's be honest, probably not the majority… So what's the goal?

"In addition to being good for health and for the planet, it is a way to offer an advantage and purchasing power to all employees, regardless of their position", explains Nicolas Misiak, co-founder of Nuwo and also municipal councilor delegated to the town hall of Toulouse.

As soon as a company joins the service, an employee can go to one of the partner cycle shops to choose his future frame, and can use it freely, weekends and holidays included.

In Toulouse, four companies have already taken the step of the function bike, including The Climate Company.

For its founder Laurent Husson, if the approach was obvious, Nuwo made it easier by removing the administrative constraints.

“And the other interest is the choice of bikes,” he underlines.

Because everyone finds their account.

“Electric ones for those who live far away, foldable ones for those who come by public transport and classic ones for sports enthusiasts,” explains the director, now boss of fifteen bike riders.

A cost borne by the company at 70%

Nuwo also offers cargo bikes or longtails, these long bikes with reinforced luggage racks.

It provides safety equipment such as helmets and reflective vests and accessories – baby seats, locks and even clip-on bags.

The cost of the rental, all inclusive including maintenance and insurance, is divided between the company and the employee, who will have to pay around eight euros per month for a mechanical bicycle and around thirty euros for an electric one.

The price can double for high-end models.

And to Nuwo's ​​surprise, the latter are acclaimed: “we are talking about ultralight and high-performance bikes with superb designs.

At 60 euros per month against 5,000 euros to buy, it's a dream that becomes affordable, ”says Nicolas Misiak.

“We are cycling and that's all!

“, also specifies the young start-up.

The partners do not plan to turn to other two-wheelers such as scooters or electric scooters which they consider too accident-prone and not very beneficial for health.

According to INSEE, only one in ten Toulouse residents use the bicycle as their main means of transport.

Nuwo hopes to bring the Pink City to the same level as the two champions, Grenoble and Strasbourg, where 17% of journeys are made by bicycle.

Paris

World Bike Day: On a bike, how do you ensure your safety?

Paris

World Bike Day: On a bike, how do you ensure your safety?

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