Screws, passion and 60 km/h: Simson mopeds – Berlin’s rolling circular economy

About the event

They’re as much a part of Berlin as the TV Tower: the Schwalbe, the S51 and their siblings. None have rolled off the production line for more than two decades, and yet they still rattle and glide through the city every day. Because they were built to be repaired. Because almost every spare part is still available. And because there’s a community behind them that would rather tinker than throw things away. That’s the circular economy, long before the term even existed.

At LOOPTOPIA, Schwalbetogo, Second Ride and Karl Lorenz are demonstrating how this cycle continues today: preserve, renew, electrify. Take a look under the bonnet, ask your questions, have a chat with the experts and take a spin yourself on an electrified Simson.

Here’s what you can expect
• Test rides on electric Simson mopeds
• Mopeds and exhibits you can get up close to, ranging from original models to electric conversions
• A Schwalbe with a trailer and child seat: the many possibilities of durable, versatile product design
• The history of Simson since 1856: its foundation, nationalisation, the economy of scarcity, liquidation and a new lease of life
• An open discussion rather than a lecture: your questions, our experiences, practical solutions

Also taking part
• Karl Lorenz outlines what we can learn from mopeds about a circular economy
• Second Ride brings them up to 21st-century standards: electric conversion kits for existing vehicles
• Schwalbetogo keeps the classics on the road: workshop, restoration and helping people to help themselves

For the test ride: don’t forget your driving licence (category B or M) and, if you have one, bring your own helmet. Helmets are available to hire on site.

Organiser

Lorenz Impact

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