The Dream of a Smart E-Bike Crashes Hard

Angell, the French smart electric bike startup that once promised to revolutionize urban mobility, has hit a dead end. In a heartbreaking email to customers, the company announced it is declaring insolvency and seeking judicial liquidation. Co-founder and CEO Marc Simoncini, also known for his role as a judge on the French version of Shark Tank, confirmed the news on Instagram with a somber message: “It’s over for Angell.”

“A hardware problem has put an end to the adventure, despite all our efforts and the incredible work of all our employees.”

Marc Simoncini, Angell Co-Founder and CEO

From Innovation to Insolvency

Founded in 2019, Angell set out to create a sleek, connected e-bike that would stand out in a crowded market. Their flagship model boasted a small color touchscreen embedded in the handlebar, offering turn-by-turn navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. With features like an integrated lock, alarm system, GPS chip, and cellular modem, Angell aimed to compete with European rivals like Cowboy and Vanmoof. But as fate would have it, Vanmoof itself filed for bankruptcy in 2023, and now Angell is following suit.

The Breaking Point: A Flawed Frame

The final nail in Angell’s coffin? A critical hardware flaw in its first-generation bike. In an email to customers, the company revealed that the bike’s frame was prone to breakage due to manufacturing defects. Specifically, the welding of the tubes was compromised, making the bikes unsafe to ride. Angell pointed fingers at its manufacturing partner, SEB (the industrial giant behind brands like Tefal and Krups), and design collaborator KickMaker. But as the seller, Angell bears the financial responsibility—a burden it can no longer shoulder.

• 7,000 Faulty Bikes: Angell faces the daunting task of recalling or reimbursing customers for up to 7,000 defective bikes.
• Server Shutdown: Customers with newer models may soon lose access to smart features as Angell warns it could turn off its servers.
• Legal Battles Ahead: The blame game between Angell, SEB, and KickMaker is far from over, with potential lawsuits looming.

A Cautionary Tale for the E-Bike Industry

Angell’s downfall is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by hardware startups. Even with cutting-edge technology and a passionate team, a single flaw can bring everything crashing down. For Angell’s loyal customers, the future is uncertain. Will their bikes become obsolete? Will they lose access to essential features like electric assistance and smart locks? Only time will tell.

“The fragility of the bike’s frame represents a risk of breakage. We understand that it is a defect connected to the manufacturing process of the frames.”

Angell’s Email to Customers

What’s Next for Angell Owners?

For now, Angell bike owners are left in limbo. First-generation bike owners are stuck with unsafe rides, while newer model owners face the looming threat of server shutdowns. As the company heads to court, the e-bike community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that doesn’t leave customers stranded.

Angell’s story is a wake-up call for the tech industry: innovation is thrilling, but execution is everything. Let’s hope this isn’t the end of the road for smart e-bikes—just a bump in the journey.