Swapfiets

Swapfiets operates on a "bicycle-as-a-service" model, providing members with a bike for a fixed monthly subscription fee. This model is designed to offer a hassle-free cycling experience, as the fee includes all maintenance and repairs. If a bicycle cannot be fixed on the spot within a short timeframe, the company will swap it for a working one at no additional cost.

Founded in 2014 in Delft, Netherlands, by Richard Burger, Martijn Obers, Dirk de Bruijn, and Steven Uitentuis, Swapfiets originated from the founders' own frustrations with bicycle maintenance as students. They identified a common problem: many people owned bikes that were unusable due to needed repairs. The business began with the founders refurbishing second-hand bikes and posting them on a Dutch marketplace, and has since expanded significantly. Today, Swapfiets is active in numerous cities across several European countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Denmark.

The company's business model relies on recurring subscription revenue. It targets urban commuters, students, and environmentally conscious individuals who value access over ownership. Swapfiets provides various types of bicycles, from standard city bikes to e-bikes, catering to different customer needs. The service is managed through a mobile app where users can schedule repairs. A key feature of their brand is the distinctive blue front tire on all their bikes. The company pursues a circular economy approach by designing durable bikes and reusing, repairing, and recycling parts to extend the lifecycle of their assets.

Keywords: bicycle subscription, bike as a service, micro-mobility, urban transportation, subscription model, bike rental, e-bike subscription, circular economy, bicycle maintenance, on-demand repair, European mobility, asset-as-a-service, commuter solutions, student mobility, sustainable transport