What is the Woodybus Project?
The Woodybus, also known as S’Cool Bus in Seine-Eure, is a fresh take on school transportation—a collective school bus that’s not your typical ride. It’s an electric-assist quadricycle designed to carry 8 kids plus 1 adult. But here’s the twist: everyone pedals. Yes, all the children contribute to the movement, while an adult driver handles the steering and safety. This clever setup not only gets kids cycling but also helps them build a sense of teamwork and learn the road code early on. Born from the Nantes-based company Humbird, the Woodybus is all about turning dreams into eco-friendly solutions, making school runs more fun and sustainable.
Main Benefit: Replacing Cars with a Greener Alternative
Woodybus was created with a clear goal—to replace up to 8 cars making short, often polluting trips of 3 to 5 kilometers. This isn’t just about cutting emissions; it’s about shifting how communities think about mobility. By introducing Woodybus into urban areas, it nudges citizens to rethink their daily travel habits and embrace softer, cleaner transportation options.
- Dimensions: 3.5 meters long, 1.15 meters wide, 1.90 meters high
- Weight: 200 Kg empty, 650 Kg total loaded weight
- Battery: Neogy, 3.7 Kg
- Power: Maximum 250W electric assist
- Speed: Capped at 25 km/h, assistance cuts off above this speed or when pedaling stops
- Certification: CRITT certified as an electric-assist quadricycle (NF R 30-050 standard)
Everyone Pedals: Building Collaboration and Road Mastery
One of the coolest things about Woodybus? The kids don’t just sit back and relax—they’re all pedaling contributors. This collective effort encourages collaboration and physical activity, making the ride more than just a commute. Plus, having an adult driver ensures safety, so parents can breathe easy. It’s a smart way to get children cycling regularly while teaching them the rules of the road in a real-world setting. The morning ride becomes a moment of inclusion and focus, setting kids up to be alert and ready for the day ahead.
Eco-Friendly Design and Positive Externalities
Woodybus isn’t just about getting from point A to B—it’s designed with the planet in mind. Manufactured in Nantes, it follows a virtuous life cycle that includes eco-design principles, sustainable use, and recycling. This approach means the Woodybus leaves a smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional vehicles. Beyond the environment, it promotes health by encouraging daily physical activity, helping combat sedentary lifestyles among children. And there’s a social angle too: it fosters well-being by promoting inclusion and concentration, while strengthening community ties and encouraging a gentle transition toward greener habits.
Technical Features and Compliance with French Regulations
Technically speaking, Woodybus is a marvel of thoughtful engineering. It’s a compact quadricycle, just 3.5 meters long and weighing 200 Kg empty. The electric assist is powered by a lightweight 3.7 Kg Neogy battery, delivering up to 250 watts of power. It’s certified by CRITT under the NF R 30-050 standard since January 2023, having passed rigorous performance, resistance, braking, and stability tests. The electric assistance cuts off at 25 km/h, aligning with the NF EN 15-194 standard for electric-assist bicycles. However, as a quadricycle, it’s not allowed on bike lanes or paths unless local police authorities give the green light.
Project Impact: Linking to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Encourages physical activity and combats sedentary behavior
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Promotes eco-friendly urban mobility
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Eco-design and recycling focus
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Reduces pollution by replacing short car trips
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthens community ties and collective action
Encouraging a Shift Toward Soft Mobility
Woodybus is more than just a vehicle—it’s a movement. By replacing short car trips with a pedal-powered, electric-assisted quadricycle, it invites citizens to rethink their daily routines without pressure. It’s about making soft mobility accessible, fun, and collaborative. The presence of Woodybus in neighborhoods sparks curiosity and opens minds to greener alternatives. It’s a small step with a big impact, helping communities transition smoothly toward a more sustainable future, one pedal stroke at a time.
