Alstom and Decathlon show bike-to-rail concept at InnoTrans 2026

# What was announced

# The components of the concept The concept has three linked parts:

• A compact, connected bicycle or scooter designed specifically for train travel. The product priorities are size and features that make it easier to bring on board.

• A digital process for station access. Passengers would reserve space for their bike or scooter through a mobile application before travelling and use a station identification terminal on arrival to validate access before boarding.

• Redesigned on-board space labelled 'Soft Mobility'. Bikes and scooters would be stored in a dedicated compartment, keeping aisles free and removing the need for passengers to monitor their equipment during the journey.

# Why this approach

# Who contributed what Alstom contributed rail-vehicle and passenger-flow design expertise. Decathlon contributed cycling and micromobility product design know-how. The collaboration pairs Alstom's experience with vehicle systems and passenger flows with Decathlon's product and everyday mobility design.

# Notable statements Alexis Bonnet, Design Director at Alstom, said the project seeks to remove obstacles that complicate travelling with a bike or scooter and to make switching modes as easy as possible. Cédric Mollet, Head of B'twin at Decathlon, stated that the partnership explores bringing cycling and rail closer together to support living by bike as a commitment.

# How the user journey would work (concrete steps)

1. 1Reserve space for a bicycle or scooter in the mobile app before travelling.
2. 2Arrive at the station and use a designated identification terminal to confirm the reservation or access rights.
3. 3Board and stow the bike/scooter in the train's Soft Mobility compartment designed for secure, out-of-aisle storage.

# What this demonstrates The project is presented as an example of using design and digital tools to improve connections between existing transport modes. It focuses on user experience improvements that can be implemented through equipment design and process changes rather than only through new rolling stock or major infrastructure works.

# Where and when it was shown The concept was presented at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin during the event dates 22–25 September 2026 as part of Alstom and Decathlon's programme.

# Practical implications to watch for

• Integration with existing ticketing and station access systems will be crucial for adoption.
• Train operators will need defined physical space for Soft Mobility compartments and clear boarding rules tied to booking.
• Product durability and folding/compact performance of bikes or scooters will determine real-world usability on busy services.

# Bottom line The Alstom–Decathlon concept packages equipment, a booking flow and dedicated on-board storage to make multimodal trips with bikes and scooters simpler. The approach treats the trip end-to-end and aims for incremental changes that improve passenger experience without requiring large infrastructure builds.