Deconfinement and mobility: the electric 2-wheel solution in the professional sphere.

Expert opinion

Edouard Atger, Founder, Starbolt
Published on:
Updated on:

Why do companies like Back Market understood that equipping their employees with two electric wheels was a strategic issue in the long term and for their recovery? 

 

Two-wheelers, the tool for the city of tomorrow

Adapted solution

In France and in the city, 60 % of journeys are less than 5 km. The two-wheeler appears to be the transportation tool for the city of tomorrow. It is less bulky, less polluting, less expensive than the car. It is much more agile and flexible than public transport over short distances (<10 km). However, the two-wheel alternative is still underused in relation to the distances traveled.

 

France is moving towards two-wheelers

The capitals of Northern Europe, such as Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, have demonstrated its sustainability and effectiveness for around ten years.

In France, the development of the use of two-wheelers is in full swing. This has been particularly pronounced in recent months: through the new self-sharing mobility services (ride-sharing), but also through the various crises where the bicycle returns each time in force: societal crisis of the yellow vests, strike against pension reform, or at the moment the Covid-19 health crisis. It is the symbol of our independence, freedom of movement and also allows a certain distance when necessary.

In the long term, French metropolises dream of a Nordic model. They are fully aware of the sustainable challenge that two-wheelers represent compared to existing alternatives. Cities' public policies focus, today and for years to come, on the construction of cycling infrastructure and encouraging its use.

 

Two-wheeled vehicles are becoming a way of life

Two-wheelers, particularly bicycles, are becoming a norm in the city. It becomes the tool of a society which reclaims its journeys as well as its freedom of movement. It is no longer the means of transport of a movement, be it that of the "ecologists" or the "bobos", and these clichés are still holding some people back. It's becoming a common part of our daily lives: for activities, leisure, outings, and increasingly for work: home-work and meetings.

Using a mechanical bike has its limits, as the inconvenience of sweating often acts as a brake. The electric bike is therefore a suitable alternative, but one that is still expensive to buy (on average €1,784 is spent on the purchase).

 

In this context :

Why must the company re-appropriate the growing use of two-wheelers by its employees?

Why does it have every interest in going further by democratizing and encouraging these new uses among its employees?

 

The company has its place in providing its employees with electric two-wheelers

Back Market, European leader in the reconditioned market, uses the Starbolt solution within its company: connected electric bikes for rental and free sharing for its 250 employees.

 

The electric two-wheeler provided by the company appears to be a practical and safe issue for both the employee and the employer.

In the short term, two-wheelers answer to a practical, safety and particularly today health issue. Public transport is, for the coming months, a strong exposure of employees to sources of transmission of covid-19. Two-wheelers help avoid this and appear to be the most suitable and secure solution for getting around the city.

In the long term, providing a two-wheeler insured against all risks, belonging to the company, allows the employer to be calm about the use of the employee in his professional context.

 

The electric two-wheeler improves the employee's experience and the attractiveness of the company

Companies that are pioneers in the subject – such as in the United States: Google or Facebook – in France: Alan or Back Market – succeed on two levels: selling their products/services and creating a new employee experience within their structure. They understood that promoting the work experience of their employees considerably improved team cohesion, well-being, the feeling of belonging and had a direct influence on the company's success. This comes down to corporate and managerial culture, the suitability of the work environment, its comfort and the right work tools.

The company providing a fleet of electric two-wheelers sends this message: it accompanies its employees in a sustainable, agile and practical way to their customer meetings or to their homes.

 

The company: actor of its sustainable development

At the same time, electric mobility is a simple way to have a positive impact on your environment. Transport represents the first share of air pollution. The concentration of thousands of cars and exhaust gases in the same area has a destructive greenhouse effect.

Enabling less polluting alternatives has a considerable impact and makes it possible to build a sustainable society. The company can be one of the pillars of this change.

How can a company set up a mobility solution without taking care of the rental of electric two-wheelers, maintenance, insurance management, and the digital tool that allows easy use?

 

Starbolt: packaged two-wheel electric mobility for businesses

For 2 years now, Starbolt has been democratizing and facilitating the use of electric two-wheelers through the company with a turnkey offer.

The company subscribes to the Starbolt service and then its fleet of electric 2-wheelers is delivered to your site (choice of equipment from electric scooters/electric bike/electric scooter). She chooses either to share it freely or to allocate a vehicle to an employee.

Starbolt speaks here of “packaged mobility”. The two-wheelers benefit from complete insurance, maintenance and assistance. Finally, the solution is digitalized and the vehicles are connected. This allows employees to book and unlock their two-wheeler for the self-sharing solution and the fleet manager to manage it as best as possible.

We have two goals:

– make it easier for the company to implement and manage – simplify the use for the employee

 

Mobility is an issue that gets people talking. It changes the habits of some while being at the heart of the development of public space. However, the issue is common. The whole car is no longer suitable, the whole bike will not be either, nor will the whole short-term rental or the whole property.

The construction of sustainable mobility will be shared on two levels:

  • our responsibility as citizens to choose the appropriate means of transport
  • the responsibility of public authorities to develop space to encourage other secure alternatives to the car.

To accelerate this transition, the role of companies in helping their employees use two-wheelers when possible is essential. Our role is to support the implementation, management and use of these two wheels.

Let's ride smart!

 

To find out more: www.starbolt.eu/

 


 

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