InnoTrans 2026: Decathlon and Alstom join forces to imagine tomorrow's daily commute
InnoTrans 2026: Decathlon and Alstom join forces to imagine tomorrow's daily commute
Berlin, September 22, 2026 - How can we simplify and streamline the journey for users who cycle or ride an e-scooter to the station before continuing their trip by train? This is the challenge taken up by Decathlon, a global multi-specialist sports brand and mobility solutions designer, and Alstom, a global leader in rail transport and smart mobility. Today at the InnoTrans 2026 trade fair, both companies revealed the results of a joint design, exploration, and R&D initiative.
Born from a field study on the real-world constraints faced by commuters, this alliance brings together the innovation capabilities of two French industry leaders to align rail engineering with active mobility ergonomics, creating a seamless journey for users and the environment alike.
A synergy between two complementary areas of expertise
This collaboration combines two unique and highly complementary sets of know-how:
- Decathlon brings its in-depth understanding of cyclists, daily commuting, and user experience, driven by its expertise as a designer-manufacturer.
- Alstom contributes its global expertise in trains, rail systems, and passenger flow management.
By combining Alstom’s rail timelines (long-cycle interior and equipment design) with Decathlon’s design agility, the teams have developed new solutions to make intermodality intuitive - from leaving home to arriving at the final destination.
An end-to-end ecosystem: from the street to the train
To turn this vision into reality, Alstom and Decathlon designed an end-to-end mobility chain where every step connects effortlessly:
- A connected bike/scooter built for trains: Developed through extensive design research, this new generation of micro-mobility equipment fits seamlessly within train constraints (improved ergonomics, reduced footprint) while incorporating smart connectivity.
- A seamless station entry experience: Thanks to advance booking via a mobile app, passengers are automatically guided along the platform to an identification device for instant check-in of their active mobility vehicle.
- A redesigned "Active Mobility" onboard space: On board, a dedicated and secure compartment accommodates bikes and scooters. Passengers no longer need to keep an eye on their equipment: the layout guarantees peace of mind for everyone, prevents crowded aisles, and allows travelers to settle comfortably into their seats.
"Within the Decathlon teams at B'twin, 'Cycling Life' is our dream, but also our commitment. In this spirit, we are thrilled to work alongside Alstom to explore how to bring two naturally complementary modes of transport even closer together: the bicycle and the train."Cédric Mollet, B'twin / Decathlon Leader
"The role of design is to simplify people's lives. With Decathlon, we set out to remove the obstacles that still make traveling with a bike or scooter complicated. Beyond the product itself, we share a core conviction: mobility can no longer be approached mode by mode, but as a continuous experience. The goal is simple: enable everyone to switch between transport modes as easily as possible, because the ecological transition will only happen if it also means freedom and enjoyment in how we move."Alexis Bonnet, Design Director at Alstom
A shared ambition
Through this initiative, Decathlon and Alstom aim to demonstrate that innovation is not just about inventing new vehicles or infrastructure, but also about making connections between different transport modes simpler, smoother, and more accessible to all.
*Mention IA: Prospective concept. Al generate ed visuals.
About Decathlon
A global multi-specialist sports brand serving everyone from beginners to high-performance athletes, DECATHLON is an innovative designer of sports gear for all skill levels. With 102,900 teammates and 1,902 stores worldwide, DECATHLON and its teams have been working since 1976 to achieve a continuous goal: making the benefits of sport truly accessible to everyone.
Decathlon Press Service: www.decathlon-united.media
About ALSTOM
Alstom, a global leader in the rail industry, makes rail the cornerstone of sustainable mobility. We design and manufacture a complete range of cutting-edge solutions: high-speed and regional trains, metros, monorails, trams, turnkey systems, integrated services, infrastructure, signaling, and latest-generation digital solutions.
With 87,800 employees across 61 countries, we combine local presence with international expertise to offer passengers more connected, enjoyable, and environmentally friendly journeys.
Working closely with our partners and customers, we unlock the full potential of rail, contributing to the transformation of regions and improving quality of life. Listed in France, the Group generated revenues of €19.2 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026.
Discover the world of Alstom: www.alstom.com