Rebike takes in large quantities of used e-bikes from renowned leasing companies and retailers and extends their lifespan through professional refurbishment. According to the company’s own information, around 15,000 e-bikes are overhauled annually in this way. The company follows a proprietary refurbishment process that is certified by TÜV Rheinland. The bikes are subsequently sold via its own online platform rebike.com or through second-hand marketplaces from partners such as Decathlon and eBay.
In this way, the Munich-based company not only wants to offer an attractive alternative to buying new bicycles, but also contribute to mobility transition, climate protection, and the conservation of limited resources through its circular business model. The company states that refurbishing an e-bike releases only 16 kilograms of CO2 equivalent, while manufacturing a new e-bike emits 229 kilograms. According to the company, Rebike’s annual refurbishment of 20,000 e-bikes saves 3,195 tons of CO2 equivalent.
Through the newly launched cooperation with Businessbike, Rebike is expanding its offering to include corporate bikes. E-bikes that are returned to Businessbike after completed lease agreements are first professionally refurbished by Rebike for this purpose. After the process, they are as good as new, but up to 40 percent cheaper compared to buying new. In corporate bike leasing, they are then offered again and get a second life. Completion takes place via the website at rebike.com.
In doing so, the companies are also closing a loop. Rebike states that thanks to the high quality standards of its refurbishment process, multiple cycles of refurbishment and leasing are also possible.
“A step toward a greener future”
Rebike CEO and co-founder Thomas Bernik explains:
“We observe that more and more people are thinking about the impact of their purchasing behavior and looking for alternatives. Especially with e-bikes, refurbishment and reuse is a very smart choice: customers get a technically equivalent product at a significantly lower price while protecting the environment. Re-use is therefore trending, and refurbished e-bikes will soon be part of the standard offering in the bicycle industry. We’re taking the next step toward this together with our partner Businessbike: switching to a refurbished e-bike becomes even more attractive in corporate bike leasing. Our customers benefit in multiple ways – and e-bikes are used for significantly longer.”
Rolf Höring, managing director at BusinessBike, adds:
“The collaboration with Rebike is another milestone on our path to making the bicycle easily accessible as an environmentally friendly alternative for as many people as possible, while making a positive contribution to our planet. Sustainability and circularity are central to our mission. That’s why we’re delighted that we can give returned bikes from our corporate bike leasing program a second life together with Rebike. Every refurbished e-bike that finds a new owner conserves resources and is a step toward a greener future.”
