Futuristic Bike Made Almost Entirely From Recycled Plastics

0 shares Share 0 Tweet 0 Pin 0 Share 0 German plastic engineering company Igus has partnered with Dutch MTRL to launch a series of bike prototypes made entirely of plastic. Each part of these bikes is molded or …

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German plastic engineering company Igus has partnered with Dutch MTRL to launch a series of bike prototypes made entirely of plastic.

Each part of these bikes is molded or 3D printed.

While high-tech plastic is used for bearings and other high-tension parts, the frame and other components can be made from recycled plastic

Treehugger reports that plastic bearings have many advantages over traditional steel ones. They never need lubrication and are much more resistant to sand and saltwater. Ideal for beach bikes!

"Lightweight, lubrication-free high-performance plastics are used in all parts of the bicycle, from two-component ball bearings in the wheel bearings to plain bearings in the seat post, brake levers, and pedals. All of these components have integrated solid lubricants and ensure low-friction dry operation – without a single drop of lubricating oil. This ensures that sand, dust, and dirt cannot accumulate."

Cycling is probably the best option for urban mobility, but not every bike is equally sustainable.

Raw materials are often bought in distant countries, and there are also long supply chains and high material wear.

Now the two companies are rethinking every part of the bike to be locally sourced. The prototypes have frames made from recycled fishing nets!

MTRL plans to launch a child and adult bike in the Netherlands by the end of 2022.

The price tag for these plastic bikes is a bit steep: 1,200 euros for virgin plastic, and 200 euros more for the one made of recycled plastic.

The good news is that this bike looks so weird that guys with bolt cutters will probably give it a pass.

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Nikola Gemeš

Highlights • 10 years of writing and editing experience Obsessed with home decor trends, plant parenting, cleaning, and other lifestyle topics. • Expertise in content marketing and email strategy for brands and small businesses About Nikola Gemeš Nikola Gemeš, an electrical engineer turned sustainability consultant, bridges the gap between complex environmental concepts and GreenCitizen readers with his well-researched, accurate content. His commitment to sustainability extends from his professional life to personal practices of recycling and home-grown food. An adventurer at heart, Nikola enjoys hiking, white-water sports, and pocket knife collecting. At Green Citizen, he's instrumental in presenting the best sustainable brands, aiding well-informed decision-making. He firmly believes in the collective power of individuals, experts, businesses, and governments to foster a world where sustainability, life quality, economic prosperity, diversity, mental health, and gender equality are core values. Experience Nikola Gemeš has a rich and diverse background in electrical engineering, which he utilizes to break down complex sustainability topics for his readers. His unique blend of technical knowledge and communicative skills has made him a crucial part of GreenCitizen. Nikola's experience has honed his ability to navigate through intricate data and research, ensuring the content he delivers is both accurate and reliable. His passion for educating and informing is palpable in the impact he has made on Green Citizen's readership. Outside of his professional endeavors, Nikola is deeply committed to environmental conservation in his personal life. This commitment is reflected in his everyday activities, from recycling to cultivating his own food. His hands-on approach to sustainability gives him a first-hand understanding of practical conservation efforts, further enriching the content he produces. These personal experiences often seep into his work, making it relatable and engaging for readers. Nikola's key role extends to assessing and presenting sustainable brands to his audience. His comprehensive grasp of sustainability allows him to critically evaluate and offer the best environmentally-friendly options available on the market. He aids readers in making informed decisions that have a positive impact on both their lives and the environment. His belief in collective efforts towards a sustainable world is evident in his work, as he consistently promotes values of quality life, economic prosperity, diversity, mental health, and gender equality.