Tut Tut: what’s it all about?
If you work for a company, you’ve probably already heard of the company bike. Maybe you even have colleagues who show up every morning fresh and full of energy after a good dose of fresh air, while you’re battling traffic jams or a packed metro.
But in practice, how do you set up a fleet of bikes in a company? That’s where Tut Tut comes in, a Lyon-based company that makes cycling easier for employees by offering company bikes or shared fleets.
Behind Tut Tut are Marc Vidal and Pauline Emmelin, two soft-mobility enthusiasts who kicked off the adventure in May 2021. Their ambition? To make the bike a means of transport as simple and obvious as the car or public transport, only better.
By the way, a little anecdote: Pauline and I have known each other since high school! Back then, we’d never have imagined our paths would cross again years later around a mobility project. Just goes to show, some connections happen naturally… and maybe, without realizing it, our daily trips around the city were already destining us to take an interest in getting around!
And to find out more about this great adventure, I decided to interview Pauline. We’ll talk about how the project began, the challenges they’ve faced and, above all, the future of the bike at work.
From concept to action: how does it work?
The idea is simple: you choose your bike, and Tut Tut takes care of the rest.
🔹 They insure the bikes against theft and damage,
🔹 They come and do the maintenance right on the company’s premises,
🔹 And above all, they support companies so the transition is smooth and easy.
Basically, everything is designed so that employees can pedal stress-free and hassle-free.
And what’s interesting is that their approach isn’t limited to a simple rental offer. They offer bikes suited to the specific needs of companies and their employees: e-bikes, folding bikes, cargo bikes, hybrid bikes, and even non-electric bikes for the bravest. And a touch of local pride: 60% of their bikes come from manufacturers in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
In fact, flicking through their catalog, I’d happily be tempted by O2 Feel’s Ivog 3.1 or by Kino’s speedster, which has quite a character. But every bike has its own personality, so you might as well choose carefully!
Why are so many companies taking the plunge?
Companies are starting to understand that encouraging cycling isn’t just a matter of image or CSR policy. It’s real added value for their employees:
🚴 Less stress: No more putting up with traffic jams or transport delays.
🌿 A positive environmental impact: The bike means zero emissions and an ultra-low carbon footprint.
💪 A health boost: Getting around by pedaling guarantees you build physical activity into your daily routine.
📈 Better productivity: An employee who arrives relaxed and fit is a more focused, more efficient employee.
And companies like Renault Trucks, Bel Air Camp, 8EC, Caats, the Opéra de Lyon and Batigère have understood this well! They’ve already adopted Tut Tut’s solutions to make life easier for their staff.
Local roots and a vision for the future
Since late 2022, Tut Tut has set up shop at the Grand Plateau in Villeurbanne, a place dedicated to active mobility. This choice is no accident: being surrounded by players working towards greener mobility is essential to keep innovating.
And when you see how bike commuting has taken off in recent years, it’s clear this transition isn’t a passing fad but a genuine shift in society. Being able to get around freely, no longer depending on bus timetables or traffic jams, and actually enjoying your commute… Who would say no to that?
🎤 9 questions for Pauline to dig deeper 🚲
As I said, I wanted to talk directly with Pauline, co-founder of Tut Tut. Because behind every project, there’s a human adventure, strategic choices and challenges to take on.
Can you tell us how the idea for Tut Tut was born?
Originally, the idea came from her business partner, who, right after the Covid crisis, was thinking of launching a bike repair service directly in companies. After fixing up his own bike, he figured everyone was probably going to get back in the saddle. One thing led to another and the thinking evolved: what if the company bike became a real alternative for work travel? That’s how Tut Tut was born, with the desire to support companies in this transition towards more sustainable mobility. GO!
What was the biggest challenge when launching Tut Tut?
The biggest challenge? Entering the bike market at a time when… there were no bikes left to sell! With the post-Covid shortage and soaring demand, finding suppliers and building a fleet was a real headache.
What are you proudest of after 4 years?
One of the greatest successes is seeing that the work-study students don’t want to leave once their contract is over. Working with Pauline and the whole team makes them want to continue the adventure, to the point of asking to extend their contract. It’s really satisfying to know that Tut Tut isn’t just a company, but a project that brings people together, motivates them and makes them want to commit for the long term. When talent stays, you know you’re on the right track!
How do you select the bikes you offer to companies?
The selection of bikes is based on several key criteria: reliability, sturdiness, comfort and value for money. The goal is simple: to offer companies bikes that go the distance over the long term, as pleasant to use as they are high-performing.
We also favor premium brands, known for their quality and durability, to guarantee users the best possible experience.
In your view, why is bike commuting becoming more and more popular in France?
The reality is simple: driving in the city is becoming more and more complicated. Between traffic jams, driving restrictions and the lack of parking, alternatives are becoming essential.
And among them, the bike naturally stands out as the best option for trips under 10 km. Those who try bike commuting quickly realize that it’s not only doable, but often faster, smoother and far more pleasant than the car.
Cities aren’t mistaken either: they’re speeding up the construction of bike lanes and rethinking urban space to make more room for soft mobility. The bike is no longer a niche solution, it’s the new norm for getting around the city efficiently.
What are the most common obstacles companies face before getting started?
A lot of people still see the bike as a leisure activity and don’t think of it as a genuine everyday means of transport. Yet bike commuting and a Sunday ride are completely different things!
When you ride to get around the city, you develop different reflexes, you take suitable routes and, contrary to popular belief, you’re often safer thanks to the growing number of bike lanes.
That’s where trials play a key role: they let users picture themselves doing it, try it out for themselves and, above all, get past their worries.
What are Tut Tut’s plans for the future?
The goal is clear: grow the team, expand the peloton and bring more and more people along on the bike-commuting adventure.
We want to see more employees choosing the bike for their daily trips, help even more companies adopt this solution, and extend our impact to the French metropolis.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to start a business in mobility, what would it be?
One essential piece of advice: get out in the field! Whatever the sector, there’s nothing more valuable than being as close as possible to your users.
It’s by talking directly with them, observing their needs, their obstacles and their habits, that you get the best insights. Nothing replaces feedback from the field: the more you listen, the more you learn, and the more you fine-tune your product or service so it truly meets expectations.
And you, what’s your favorite bike in your catalog? 🚴♀️
Without hesitation, the Riese & Müller Nevo 4… in white!
And you, what are you waiting for to pedal towards change?
If you’re an employee, talk to your HR department about it. And if you’re an employer, maybe it’s time to ask yourself: how can I make my teams’ commute simpler, more pleasant and greener?
To find out more, contact Tut Tut and send an email to Pauline at the following address: pauline@tuttut.fr or head straight to their website: https://www.tuttut.fr
Because after all, why choose between mobility, well-being and ecology when you can have all three? 🚲