VAZY: go on, but go where, exactly? 🚲👟

Not long ago, I discovered VAZY, a mobile app designed to encourage sustainable travel. The concept? Very simple: every kilometer you travel without a motor vehicle (walking, cycling, on an e-scooter, a skateboard, a hoverboard, or even on public transport) earns you points. You can then exchange those points for rewards from major national chains, but also from your favorite local shops. A virtuous circle where moving differently pays off!

What I found particularly brilliant is that, beyond individual efforts, the VAZY team has thought about companies too, letting them organize mobility challenges for their employees. A great way to bring teams together around a common goal while improving the company’s environmental impact.

Today, VAZY already has 27,000 active users, 458 partner stores across France, and a combined distance equivalent to more than 160 times around the Earth! Impressive, right?

But where exactly does this idea come from? It was in 2021 that Loïc Robbiani, the founder, decided to launch VAZY after noticing a striking reality: more than half of the French population uses their own car every day, even for very short trips.

And you know what? I’m guilty too! Whether it’s going to the childminder’s or to the gym (both less than 2 kilometers away), I very often take my car. But that was before! For 2 months now, encouraged by the arrival of sunny days, I’ve been walking to the childminder’s every single time. Next goal: switching to the bike for my workouts! I promise I’ll keep you posted.

In the meantime, I’ve downloaded the VAZY app (which, by the way, is really gorgeous and intuitive!), and I’m already starting to earn my first points.

But I can see where you’re going with this: “Marie-Charlotte, that’s all very nice, but we want to know more!” You’re right, which is why I went straight to Loïc Robbiani with my 10 questions, to find out more about his journey, his vision and the future of VAZY.

🎤 10 questions for Loïc Robbiani – Founder of VAZY

How exactly did you come up with the idea for VAZY? Tell us about that lightbulb moment.

One day, it really clicked: I had to change the way I got around. Sick of traffic jams, sick of meaningless commutes. I realized that soft mobility wasn’t just a trend, but a necessity. And I wanted to create a tool to make it easier to take action.

What was your biggest challenge when launching the app?

Without hesitation: having a stable app. It’s the basics, but it’s also a real pain when you’re starting out. Everything had to work without bugs so we wouldn’t lose the trust of our first users.

Why did you decide to reward users with exchangeable points? Did you have other models in mind?

Yes, I thought about it quite a bit, but a reward system is what works best to encourage positive behavior. It’s our way of saying thank you to everyone who chooses soft mobility, whether by bike, on foot...
And above all, we made a clear choice: no Starbucks, no McDonald’s. We reward with local, authentic stuff, hand-picked partner shops. And the best part? The reward is instant.

Today, what are you proudest of with VAZY?

Giving meaning to my job. Vazy started out as a little seed in my head… today, it’s a concrete project that’s really changing the way people get around. And that’s awesome.

What’s your goal in number of users two years from now?

300,000 users. No less. And we totally believe in it.

In your view, what’s the main thing stopping people from adopting soft mobility for good?

Clearly: habits. But once you try it… it’s hard to go back. You rediscover the city, you enjoy getting around differently.

You’ve managed to bring local and national partners on board. How did you convince the first ones to join the adventure?

Thanks to great PR, orchestrated by Stéphane Damian-Tissot. He’s the one who managed to carry the message and shine a light on our mission.

Do you have an anecdote to share about how one of your users or a partner company uses the app?

Yes! One user told us she’d sold her car thanks to the app. Now she rents a car when she really needs one. And the rest of the time? She walks or pedals. 💪

If you could give just one piece of advice to someone who wants to start a business in mobility, what would it be?

Go for it! There’s room, loads of things still to invent, especially in services. But above all: test, test, test. You don’t need certainties, you need convictions, and you need to listen to your users.

Finally, a more personal question: of all the soft mobility options available, which one do you prefer to use day to day?

The folding bike! And I also have a more classic bike. Well… honestly, I’m a real enthusiast, I even have a tandem: I own 11. Yes, eleven. 😅

If you want to find out more, head to their website: https://www.vazy.app/