Beirut — and Lebanon in general — is a place where cyclists are a comparatively rare site. Dutch entrepreneur Jan Willem de Coo, along with his all-Lebanese team at Wave Bike, aims to change that and, in the process, transform the daily commute for Lebanese workers.

“Cycling is one of the healthiest, most environmentally friendly, and financially accessible modes of city commuting. It is 18 times less polluting than driving a car and offers freedom of movement, reduces stress, and fulfills the daily physical activity required to live a healthy lifestyle,” explains Joyce Hamadeh, head of communications at Wave Bike.

Wave Bike was launched back in 2021, with a $250,000 investment helping the startup tackle Lebanon’s unique traffic dynamics, road systems, and geographic challenges. Now in full operation, Wave Bike’s fleet of 325 bicycles can be hired for as little as $49 per month.

Wave Bike assembles new additions to its fleet using a team of Lebanese mechanics. The bikes are shipped in from Taiwan and are specced with broader tires to navigate poor road surfaces, along with narrow bars for better maneuverability. Meanwhile, electric motors assist communities on inclines, and a handy center stand makes parking straightforward.

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The bikes are offered on a subscription basis, which, according to Joyce Hamze, also includes safety gear: “Wave offers a monthly subscription, meaning every person will receive a bike of his/her own to keep until termination, and it includes maintenance, helmet, and theft insurance”.

Although Wave’s bikes use electric motors, the batteries consume little electricity. They’re also detachable, so can be recharged in a convenient location. Meanwhile, the company also offers an app that allows riders “the chance to discover the friendliest cycling routes while enjoying special features”, including routing, journey tracking, maintenance support, and access to Bike Functions.