Valeo and Smovengo: Agreement on Remanufacturing E-Bike Motors and Batteries

Recycling and Modernization

Since Smovengo became the operator of “Vélib‘ Métropole” in 2018, the largest station-based bike-sharing service in the world, covering 65 municipalities and 450 km², the company has faced a significant logistical challenge. Every day, teams on-site and in workshops repair 1,000 bicycles to ensure the constant availability of the fleet, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

To meet this challenge, Smovengo decided to strengthen its commitment to the circular economy by developing parts that are more durable, reliable, and, above all, reconditionable. At the same time, the dependency on Asian suppliers is to be reduced.

Since 2020, the company has implemented a complete industrial process for recycling spare parts. All maintenance parts are prepared for a second life or recycled. Currently, 30 employees are dedicated daily to the inspection and repair of these components. In parallel, a production line was established in Alfortville, producing 2,500 wheels each week needed for fleet maintenance using new or recycled parts. As a continuation of these efforts, Smovengo was certified as a bicycle manufacturer in October 2021, enabling the annual production of more than 2,000 CE-certified electric and mechanical bicycles, also using new and recycled parts. To go even further and repair more complex parts, especially electric motors and batteries, specific expertise and industrialization capacities were required. For this reason, Smovengo has entered into a partnership with Valeo.

More about Valeo's remanufacturing activities in our attachment.