Bastille is developing a low‑tech folding bicycle that uses 27.5‑inch wheels rather than the small 16‑inch wheels typical of many folders. Its folding system relies on moving the seat post, frame and stem—lifting the saddle, unlocking a lever on the frame brings the front and rear wheels side‑by‑side, and the stem can be removed for compactness. The bike weighs 15 kg, features a carbon-fiber Gates belt, a three-speed Sturmey‑Archer internal hub, integrated lights, an aluminum frame and a carbon fork, and will retail for €2,590. Bastille positions itself against Brompton and other urban-bike makers by offering a non‑electric product without motors, displays or Bluetooth to prioritize repairability and low maintenance. The founding team includes engineer Gilles Henry (who invented the Babyzen Yoyo folding mechanism) and Quentin Bernard (former Devialet GM for Europe). Manufacturing and design partners named in the article include Fritsch & Durisotti, Les Cycles Victoire, Expliseat and Cycleurope; frames will be produced in Angers and final assembly will take place in eastern France. The company has raised €10 million ($10.5M) from Eutopia and Ankaa Ventures and plans to make the bike available in mid‑2024.

Total raised

$11M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Oct 2023