Voltitude prototype bikes shown at LIFT 12 conference in Geneva

Voltitude's ethical approach publicly recognised

Voltitude is proud to be a Swiss Ethics Prize 2011 nominee.

Voltitude founder interviewed by HEC Lausanne Review

"Offering consumers products that are fun, sexy and ecologically sound is still the best way to promote sustainable development!" That's according to Eric Collombin, graduate of HEC Lausanne and founder of Voltitude SA, a young SME which has launched a revolutionary folding electric bicycle concept, in the Swiss colours.

You graduated in 1992. What did studying at HEC bring you ?

A perception of the issues at stake for an entrepreneur, a sensitivity to business ethics and above all, the tools to help me to master them. However, it's taken me twenty years to learn how to use those tools properly!

How did you end up becoming an entrepreneur?

It's a character trait, a state of mind that you can apply equally well as an employee in a major company or as the founder of a start-up. I was extremely lucky to spend fifteen years working at Firmenich, a company that cultivates and rewards the spirit of enterprise. It was therefore completely natural for me to become independent (although not necessarily painless!). I started by joining an existing SME before starting out on my own in 2010.

The company you have just founded, Voltitude, is involved in the field of electric mobility. What are you adding to this exciting sector?

The demand for electric bicycles is growing fast because it is an additional vehicle which is ideal for city use. However, its market penetration is hampered by its greatest failing: its size means that most people would have to leave it on the public road, where it will inevitably be stolen or vandalised.

So we created the only electric bicycle in the world which can be folded and unfolded with just one hand, in just a second and which you can easily push beside you, either to put it away or to take it on the train. Considered as a bicycle under the terms of the law, it has pedals, a silent electric motor and a powerful battery that you recharge from the mains supply. Designed to evolve in an urban environment, it also takes its inspiration from scooters with its large and grip-on wheels, powerful brakes and attractive bodywork.

We also offer a unique fleet concept for companies consisting of Voltitude bicycles, mini docking stations and an online reservation system.

You presented a preview of your product six months ago at the Geneva Motor Show. What was the reaction ?

The public welcome and media attention exceeded all our expectations. Its ease of use and dynamic action amazed and amused the hundreds of visitors who tried the Voltitude. Media from all over the world welcomed its innovative design. Influential blogs such as Gizmodo, Yanko Design, MTV and Huffington Post all praised its launch. All this buzz directed a lot of traffic to our website and there are now more than 1000 names on our waiting list. What's more, we have just won the Canton Prize for Sustainable Development (Geneva).

What is your vision for sustainable development?

I don't believe that sustainable development is just an option any longer, it's a must for companies and consumers alike. Many people have been brandishing their sticks to impose their vision of sustainable development - here at Voltitude we're offering a carrot instead: fun, sexy and ecologically sound products make the necessary improvements and changes, products which include the principles of Swiss precision and ingenuity.

Voltitude moving forward

Dear Fans,

We are proud and thankful that so many of you have taken the time to write, comment  or pre-order the Voltitude bike.

We presented our first prototype in Geneva at the International Car Show and were amazed by visitors’ and press response. Those who tested the Voltitude loved its fun design, its ease of use and the responsiveness of its motor. Major blogs such as Gizmodo, Yanko Design, MTV or SwissMiss have reviewed the Voltitude. Through press and word of mouth, more than 1,000 have placed pre-orders on our site!

Our company has just moved to larger offices just 20 minutes away from Geneva Airport. The team is working very hard to make the Voltitude even more beautiful and safe. We are now touching up its design, preparing the production process and the set up of a reliable after sales service. We will communicate its final price and specifications before October 2011. 

We really appreciate your contribution to our effort in revolutionizing urban mobility.

All the best.

The Voltitude team

Voltitude on Swiss national TV

Eric Collombin is awarded Geneva State Prize for Sustainable Development

Eric Collombin (left) next to Pierre-François UngerAt an official ceremony hosted at CERN, near Geneva, Voltitude founder Eric Collombin received the Geneva State Prize for Sustainable Development from the hands of Geneva Minister of Health and Economy Pierre-François Unger. This award further confirms the relevance of the Voltitude bike in facilitating the conversion of car and motorbike urban transportation towards more sustainable means.

Former Swiss President Pascal Couchepin visits Voltitude

Former President of Switzerland Pascal Couchepin (top left) and Geneva State Education Minister Charles Beer (top right) paid a visit to the Voltitude booth today at the Geneva Student Fair where they met with Voltitude founder Eric Collombin (down center). They were impressed by the Voltitude demo and Mr Couchepin joked about his satisfaction at seeing so much genius and creativity coming from Alpine valleys.

Other officials such as Daniel Rosselat (Mayor of Nyon and Founder of the Paleo Festival) (down left) also paid visits to the Voltitude booth.

Découvrez Voltitude au Salon du Livre et de l'Etudiant de Genève

Voltitude sera présent au Salon du Livre et de l'Etudiant de Genève, du 29 avril au 3 mai 2011. Deux prototypes du vélo électrique pliable révolutionnaire seront présentés sur l'espace HES-SO (stand CU311) à l'entrée du Salon. Venez découvrir le système de pliage le plus rapide du monde et laissez-vous surprendre par la puissance du Voltitude qui vous emmène sans effort jusqu'à 25 km/h sans plaque ni permis. 

Discover Voltitude at Energissima 2011 - Fribourg, Switzerland

The Voltitude bike will be presented at the next Energissima Sustainable Development show in Fribourg, Switzerland, April 13th to 16th 2011. Come admire its beautiful design on the HES-SO booth (207). Test trials will also be possible on Friday April 15th.

Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey visits Voltitude

The President of Switzerland, Micheline Calmy-Rey, paid a visit to the Voltitude booth at the Geneva Car Show where she was welcomed by Founder Eric Collombin who demonstrated the amazing folding electric bike to her.