Photo credit: Miloo

Swiss bike manufacturer Miloo has joined forces with Nespresso to introduce an innovative approach to environmental sustainability in the world of electric mountain biking.

In the realm of electric mobility, environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly vital, with companies urging consumers to transition from traditional vehicles to zero-emission alternatives. Manufacturers are also exploring inventive materials for their products, particularly in the e-bike sector where composite materials and alloys are prevalent.

Partnering for Sustainability

Enter the Miloo Xplorer Beast, a robust electric mountain bike engineered for exceptional performance on and off-road. While traditional models boast carbon fiber frames, Miloo has taken a unique approach by partnering with Nespresso to produce a version of the Xplorer using recycled Nespresso capsules.

Nespresso capsules, often criticized for their environmental impact, are typically made of aluminum, resulting in waste with each cup of coffee consumed. However, the collaboration between Nespresso and Miloo presents a solution to this issue. Nespresso will supply recycled aluminum to Miloo, which will then be used to construct frames and rims for their e-bikes. Additionally, other recycled materials such as rubber are utilized for components like tires, saddles, and hand grips, while recycled materials are incorporated into the bike’s paint and packaging.

Miloo’s Vision for the Future

Anna Bory, co-founder of Miloo bikes, expressed the company’s commitment to developing eco-friendly vehicles as a sustainable alternative to cars. Bory stated, “With Miloo, we aim to encourage the development of credible and environmentally friendly vehicles that can replace cars. Following the success of our autonomous electric bike Xplorer Beast, we saw an opportunity to focus on circular economy initiatives. Nespresso was the obvious choice for this endeavor.”

Nespresso operates an extensive recycling program with over 3,700 collection points across Switzerland, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. Through partnerships with Swiss Post, used Nespresso pods are collected from consumers’ homes and transported to Nespresso’s recycling facility. The company claims to recycle approximately 72% of all used Nespresso pods through its recycling initiatives.

Features

As for the bike itself, the Miloo Xplorer Beast boasts impressive specifications, including a powerful motor developed in collaboration with Bafang. With a power output of 1,000 watts and 160 Nm of torque, the bike can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour. The motor utilizes a torque sensor for natural pedal assistance, while LG 21700 cells ensure maximum energy density and efficiency in the battery. The bike also features a Kindernay geared hub and an optional carbon belt drive from Gates, with the option for a dual-battery setup for extended rides.

Pricing and Availability

While the carbon-fiber version of the Miloo Xplorer Beast comes with a premium price tag of 10,899 Swiss Francs (approximately $12,600 USD), details regarding the pricing of the recycled Nespresso pod version are yet to be disclosed. However, according to a post by Anna Bory on LinkedIn, the bike is set to launch in the spring of 2024, offering consumers a sustainable and innovative option for electric mountain biking.

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