Folding bikes launched in 2004 by Mobiky invested docks marinas and other recreational harbors. This Parisian 6 SME employees are now claiming the industry leader in France with 10,000 two-wheelers sold in three years. An electric model complements the range thanks to an industrial partnership formed this year with the group Matra Manufacturing and Services (Matra MS). The first prototype was presented to Eurocycle, Salon professionals Friedrichshafen (Germany) last month. The general public can find out at the Salon the Automobile in Paris.
This bike called “Rendez-vous” folds in half, so it falls into the trunk of a car parked on a terminal relay and it slips easily behind a door. Advantage: no need to wear that gear of 18 kg. Even compacted, “Rendezvous” continues to roll. “We have acquired the patent for Henri Bigot, a French inventor, and we’ve adapted,” said Eric John, CEO and founder of Mobiky with Bruno Garin, Technical Director .
Breathing space for Matra
The factory in Romorantin (Loir-et-Cher), a remnant of the empire Matra Automobile, which continues to provide spare parts for the Avantime and Espace Renault will make all the folding bikes designed by Mobiky, assembled so far in Tunisia. The two companies have also adapted a electric engine that develops Matra MS for three years on its own line of small vehicles two and four wheels ( “Les Echos”, 28 September 2007) through the purchase of twenty patents.
“80% of journeys are less than 8 kilometers,” says Bernard Labet, CEO of Matra MS, strong supporter of electric bicycle. The issue is urgent: the market for spare parts of two cars designed at Matra inexorably declines. And utilities GEM licensed Chrysler, as well as electric bicycles One Step does not even enough work for 126 employees of Matra MS. Turnover (50 million) fell by 8% (2008 estimate). The production of “Go” is therefore very timely.
At Mobiky it welcomes this agreement. “Manufacturing of our bicycles was a puzzle. We had to manage a dozen suppliers, with several stages of subcontracting before final assembly in Tunisia. In addition to logistical problems, we deliver with delays in a dozen different countries, “Eric confesses John. The first “Go” out of the factory in Romorantin in early 2009. Its price: 2,500 euros.
