We want to do this not by creating one big Op Wielekes (scale-up) but rather by strengthening the model and making it multiplyable for all cities and towns in Belgium (scale-out). This includes transferability across Belgium, open source principles and support where needed. With this project, we want to investigate and shape the feasibility of this.
This project ticks off a lot of criteria of the circular dimensions, the children's bikes are repaired, maintained, parts are recovered, but above all we apply the core strategy of the circular economy: shared use. A sharing system ensures that each little bike is put to its best use, not waiting needlessly for the next child. A 2nd hard and important choice is that for second-hand, we very consciously choose to activate the bicycles that are now in people's homes through donations. If we expand this work further, the impact increases because then far fewer new bicycles need to be made. Developing a scalable business model for the successful launch of a bicycle depot with shared fleet will lead to a greater number of recovered, repaired and shared bicycles and supplies. Through the Demo depot, we aim to find an appropriate design to organise a depot, and this in different contexts. The Demo depot will be an active depot but can inspire and enthuse interested start-ups as a 'show version'.
To shape a valid Op Wielekes model, research is needed on the needs and thresholds of the target group, the support needs of depot holders and the potential they perceive. Through qualitative and quantitative research, Arteveldehogeschool is mapping this out.
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