igus:bike world tour: The first 1,000 kilometers

Yuki Tsugehara | 21. March 2025

Lubrication-free and low-maintenance bicycle made from recycled plastic already covers 1,000 kilometers

60 years of igus, 6,000 kilometers with our igus:bike made of lubrication-free and low-maintenance motion plastics – that is the mission we set out on in October. Now the igus:bike has completed the first 1,000 kilometers!

From Germany through other countries

After 19 stages and no less than 365 kilometers across Germany, the igus:bike made its way to Singapore. Starting from the center of Singapore, the igus:bike made its way along famous landmarks such as Marina Bay and the National Gallery to the tranquil West Coast Park. In 11 stages, our team not only undertook the first night ride of the tour, but also set a first daily record of around 53 kilometers.

In Vietnam, the tour began in the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Here the igus:bike visited our customer ITC Port, where igus solutions proved that motion plastics can withstand a lot under literally the toughest conditions – and of course without lubrication or maintenance.

In 6 stages via Da Nang to Hanoi, igus Vietnam brought the counter to a total of 660 kilometers.

In Taiwan’s warm and humid climate, the igus:bike covered over 170 kilometers and took the readers of our world tour blog from north to south through the diverse landscapes of Taiwan. Starting at the headquarters of igus Taiwan in the center of Taichung, the tour led along the picturesque landscapes of Changhua to Nantou, to the new igus factory. The tour continued to Taipei. On the way, the igus:bike passed numerous sights, such as the architecturally outstanding Great Wave of the Kaohsiung Music Center. 

Finally, the igus:bike was ceremoniously welcomed at igus India. Here it cycled through the vibrant Indian cities of Bangalore, Chennai, Pune and Mumbai, visiting customers and picturesque locations.

The journey began in Bangalore. They cycled through India’s Silicon Valley to technology centers and research facilities. Along the coastal roads of Chennai, the tour led to the industrial centers of Pune and Mumbai. After a total of 982 kilometers and over 15 stages in India, the igus:bike had proven once again how robust the high-performance plastics from igus are.

In the eight-stage Japan tour, the igus:bike takes in many locations, from big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka to places full of nature such as the foothills of Mount Fuji and the Seto Inland Sea.

In the first stage, the igus:bike travelled through the flat, wide streets of East Tokyo, crossing the Arakawa River to visit its oldest partner, Captain Industries. This was a valuable opportunity to learn more about the history of igus Japan. After an 8 km round trip, we visited Ryogoku Sumo Hall and a sumo stable representing the area’s unique sumo culture.

Finally, the igus:bike reached Tokyo Station, a hub for railways across Japan. The Shinkansen bullet train opened here in 1964, the same year igus GmbH was founded.

At Tokyo station, the igus:bike journey has surpassed the first 1,000 kilometers!  With this milestone, the plastic bike demonstrates again the many advantages of igus motion plastics, such as lubrication-free, low-maintenance and fun to ride. On this journey so far, the igus:bike has conveyed the message of a sustainable circular economy for plastic.

The igus:bike has crossed 1000 kilometers, but the journey in Japan has only just begun!