Sports retailers Decathlon’s investment arm has made another investment in the circularity space – this time in Dach region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland)-based refurbished bikes business, Rebike.
Rebike specialises in the sale of “as new” second-hand electric bikes, and the new undisclosed investment is aimed at scaling the refurbished e-bikes across Europe as it is deemed as a way of keeping materials and products in use for longer than they otherwise would be. Decathlon has also invested in 3D weaving technology company Unspun and textiles recycling business Recyc’Elit in 2024.
3D weaving technology: Decathlon’s investment arm knits together Unspun deal
Decathlon has invested in the refurbished e-bikes company alongside existing shareholders which include Circularity Capital, Tengelmann Ventures, Parkshore, and Vorwerk Ventures. Decathlon said the move “reinforces its commitment to the circular economy and the professionalisation of the European e-bike secondary market”.
As part of the deal, which will see Rebike maintain its independence, Decathlon said it plans to support the organisation through its global reach, omnichannel sales expertise, and international infrastructure.
Rebike owns and operates “cutting-edge technology in refurbishment” and collects e-bikes from partners such as bike leasing companies for repair and then resale on Rebike.com and various other on-and-offline channels. The combination of Decathlon’s involvement and Rebike’s specialist expertise is expected to help grow the refurbished e-bike market and promote this way of purchasing bikes as a more sustainable option to buying new.
Thomas Bernik, Rebike CEO & co-founder, said: “By addressing consumer affordability and driving the trend of reuse, refurbished e-bikes are poised to become a standard in the bicycle sector.”
Franck Vigo, Decathlon Pulse CEO, added: “This investment not only aligns perfectly with our strategy of accelerating sustainability but also positions us at the forefront of the circular economy in cycling.
“Together, we’re not just tapping into the growing second-life market – we’re reshaping it, proving that sustainability and business growth can go hand in hand.”
Sophie O’Kelly de Gallagh, Decathlon Pulse, circular economy & sustainability investment director, remarked: “Our alliance with Rebike represents a beacon of innovation in the cycling industry, showcasing the immense potential of circularity.”
Andrew Shannon, partner at Circularity Capital, commented: “Our joint investment further undermine Rebike’s impressive growth and position as the premium refurbishment and retail expert in Europe’s largest e-bike market.”
Decathlon has many facets to its sustainability agenda. In September, the retailer’s Stockport store in the UK received a new 15-bay ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub, which was installed by national charging network Be.EV.
As part of the marketing of the launch event and its promotion of e-bikes, drivers charging their EVs were able to test the latest e-bikes in store, and received a £5 voucher to put towards a purchase. Stockport marks the first of multiple EV charging facilities set to be introduced to the Decathlon store estate in the months ahead.
[image credit: Decathlon]
