Shwette Bicyclettes, new partner of Virvolt & eBikeLabs: a French revolution in electric bicycles

Faced with the climate emergency, the pressure on urban centers, and evolving usage patterns, sustainable mobility is no longer a trend, but a necessity. In this context, Shwette Bicyclettes, Virvolt, and eBikeLabs are combining their expertise to offer a 100% French, sustainable, and innovative solution: a folding cargo bike equipped with the Virvolt 2000 kit and featuring intelligent embedded software.

This partnership perfectly illustrates the advantages of local production and a service-oriented approach. responsible electric mobility.

Summary

• Shwette Bicycles and Virvolt & eBikeLabs: a strategic alliance for innovation in France
• The Virvolt 2000 kit, the technological engine at the heart of the Shwette Baggy bike
• Why local production and the Shwette network & Do Virvolt make a difference?
• What are the prospects for the electrification of bicycles with Shwette and Virvolt?
• Conclusion

1. Shwette Bicycles and Virvolt & eBikeLabs: a strategic alliance for innovation in France

1.1. Who is Shwette Bicycles and why this partnership with Virvolt & eBikeLabs?

In a booming French e-bike market, with annual growth exceeding 25% in 2024 according to the French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB), the need for local innovation is more pressing than ever. It is in this context that the partnership between Shwette Bicyclettes, Virvolt, and eBikeLabs has emerged.

Shwette Bicyclettes is a French company renowned for its compact and cargo bikes, designed for modern urban travel. The brand has carved out a niche for itself thanks to products that combine practicality, design, and robustness, notably its innovative folding cargo bike, the "Baggy." However, to support the transition to sustainable electric mobility, Shwette has sought to integrate a high-performance, locally sourced motorized solution.

Virvolt, a leading French motor manufacturer, offers the Virvolt 2000 kit, a powerful, reliable motor designed for intensive use. Combined with software technology from eBikeLabs, an embedded software specialist, this kit delivers a smart, safe, and smooth riding experience.

This alliance is therefore a marriage of complementary expertise, aiming to develop a 100% French product, both industrially and in terms of software, to meet current environmental, economic and social challenges.

1.2. Why does this partnership focus on local production?

In a sector still largely dominated by Asian imports, prioritizing local production is a strong strategic choice. Manufacturing in France significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting components, thus contributing to the overall reduction of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, this industrial proximity guarantees rigorous quality control and greater responsiveness to customer needs.

THE Virvolt 2000 kit It is assembled at the Renault Refactory in Flins, an emblematic industrial conversion site dedicated to the circular economy. This factory transforms the traditional automotive industry into an innovative and sustainable production center, creating local jobs while promoting French expertise.

Our choice of local production is also accompanied by a network of more than 450 partner retailers and workshops in France, Belgium and Switzerland. This location ensures local after-sales service, a crucial factor for user confidence.

1.3. What concrete benefits do users derive from this collaboration?

Users of the Virvolt 2000 kit, particularly on Shwette Baggy bikes, benefit from a powerful motor perfectly suited to the demands of urban and professional commuting. The motor delivers 70 Nm of torque, ideal for carrying heavy loads, with extended range thanks to a 720 Wh battery.

Beyond performance, this collaboration also guarantees a strong environmental commitment through repairability. Indeed, ease of maintenance and the availability of parts in France limit electronic waste, extend the lifespan of the bicycles, and support a circular economy.

Finally, this partnership strengthens the local industrial sector, promoting job creation and French technological sovereignty. It also reassures consumers who are sensitive to the origin and quality of the products they buy.

2. The Virvolt 2000 kit, the technological engine at the heart of the Shwette Baggy bike

2.1. What are the technical components of the Virvolt 2000 kit?

The Virvolt 2000 kit stands out thanks to its advanced technical features, tailored to the demands of cargo and utility bikes. The rear wheel motor offers a peak power of 1000 W, delivering a constant torque of 70 Nm, capable of tackling steep inclines even with a heavy load.

The kit includes a 36V, 720Wh lithium-ion battery, offering an average range of 50 to 80 kilometers depending on usage conditions. This range is ideal for daily urban commutes or professional deliveries.

A sensor integrated into the bottom bracket precisely measures the force applied, allowing the eBikeOS software to modulate the electric assistance in real time. CAN communication, a standard originating from the automotive industry, ensures fast and reliable interaction between the various components.

2.2. How does the eBikeOS software improve the user experience?

The eBikeOS embedded software, developed by eBikeLabs in Grenoble, is a major advantage of the Virvolt 2000 kit. It automatically adjusts the motor's power according to conditions: incline, weight carried, speed, etc. This adaptation guarantees smooth and natural assistance, avoiding jolts and reducing cyclist fatigue.

Regenerative braking, a technology that recovers energy during deceleration, can restore up to 15% of driving range. This system is particularly effective in urban environments, with their frequent stops.

The software also includes security features, such as remote keyless locking and on-board diagnostics that facilitate maintenance operations.

2.3. The Virvolt 2000 kit: a modular solution adapted to all types of bicycles?

Thanks to its modular design, the Virvolt 2000 kit can be installed both as an OEM (factory-integrated) and on existing bicycles via retrofit. This opens up possibilities for many manufacturers, such as Shwette, as well as for individuals wishing to electrify their utility or cargo bikes.

Compatibility with different types of frames, including folding or compact, makes it a flexible and scalable solution.

3. Why local production and the Shwette network & Do Virvolt make a difference?

3.1.What is the impact of the Renault Refactory in Flins on local production?

Since 2025, Virvolt has been assembling its engines at the Renault Refactory in Flins, a site that embodies the transition to a circular and responsible industry. This factory reuses existing buildings, reduces industrial waste, and promotes local skills, thus creating a virtuous circle between industry and the environment.

For Shwette Bicycles, this local production is a guarantee of quality, transparency and environmental responsibility.

3.2. How does the network of more than 450 resellers guarantee local after-sales service?

The strength of the Virvolt-Shwette partnership also lies in its dense network of specialized retailers and workshops. These partners handle the assembly, maintenance, and repairs of the kit, thus avoiding long waits and high costs.

This local service also guarantees better availability of spare parts, an essential point for the repairability and durability of bicycles.

3.3. The Shwette Baggy equipped with the Virvolt 2000 kit: a concrete and promising example

The Baggy folding cargo bike perfectly illustrates the effectiveness of this collaboration. This model combines the maneuverability of a folding bike, the robustness of a cargo bike, and the power of a state-of-the-art electric motor.

The Baggy thus meets the needs of city dwellers, delivery drivers, tradespeople and parents who want a versatile, high-performance and environmentally friendly vehicle.

4. What are the prospects for the electrification of bicycles with Shwette and Virvolt?

4.1. Which new bicycle formats will be affected by this innovation?

Virvolt & eBikeLabs, in collaboration with Shwette Bicycles, is already preparing the next generation of kits to meet the specific needs of gravel, mountain, and folding bikes. These emerging segments demand lightweight, powerful, and intelligent solutions adapted to a variety of uses.

4.2. What role does repairability play in the transition ecological?

Repairability is a fundamental pillar in the strategy of Virvolt, eBikeLabs, and Shwette Bicyclettes, especially in the current context where the ecological transition requires us to rethink our consumption habits. Unlike disposable products, an electric bike kit designed for easy repair extends the lifespan of the equipment and significantly reduces the production of electronic waste, which is often difficult to recycle.

The Virvolt 2000 kit is designed according to this principle: each component is accessible, repairable, and durable. This facilitates technical interventions by local repair technicians within the Virvolt network, thus avoiding the need to replace an entire system in the event of a minor fault.

This approach aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where reuse and maintenance extend the value of products while minimizing environmental impact. It also responds to growing consumer demand, as consumers are increasingly sensitive to the sustainability and transparency of the products they purchase.

Finally, this repairability also promotes local industrial sovereignty, as spare parts are manufactured and stored in France, allowing for increased quality control and unparalleled responsiveness compared to imported solutions.

4.3.What advice is there for choosing and using an electric bike kit?

To fully benefit from an electric kit like the Virvolt 2000, it's essential to choose your equipment carefully based on your intended use. Here are some key recommendations:

• Bicycle compatibility: Make sure your bike, whether it's a utility, cargo, folding, or urban bike, can accommodate the kit. Thanks to its modular design, the Virvolt 2000 fits many frames, but prior inspection is recommended.

• Suitable power: Choose a power and torque suited to your journeys and loads. The 70 Nm motor is particularly efficient for loaded bikes, such as cargo or utility bikes.

• Local after-sales service: Choose solutions with a repair and maintenance network near you. The Virvolt network and its 450 resellers ensure fast and reliable support.

• Regular maintenance: Use the on-board diagnostics offered by eBikeOS to anticipate maintenance needs, ensure battery and motor longevity, and prevent breakdowns.

• Responsible use: To maximize the lifespan of your kit, avoid excessive overloading and adopt a smooth riding style adapted to the capabilities of your electric bike.

By following these tips, you will benefit from an optimized, sustainable and safe electric mobility experience.

Conclusion

The partnership between Shwette Bicyclettes, Virvolt, and eBikeLabs perfectly illustrates the innovative dynamism of the electric bike sector in France. By combining powerful and reliable motors, intelligent embedded software, and responsible local production, this alliance creates a solution tailored to the urban and professional needs of tomorrow.

The Virvolt 2000 kit, exclusively integrated into Shwette's Baggy folding cargo bike, embodies this technological and ecological revolution. It offers high-performance, flexible, and above all, sustainable electric mobility, thanks to a design focused on repairability and the circular economy.

By choosing this French partnership, users not only support an innovative local industry, but also actively participate in a transition towards cleaner and more environmentally friendly modes of transport.

Feel free to share your experiences, ask questions, or discuss your electrification projects in the comments. Together, let's advance sustainable mobility!