A standout look and a more practical frame
First impression at the station: their design. All red, with a "V" shaped frame, these new bikes are crafted by Arcade Cycles in Vendée. 5 kilos lighter than the old models (21 kg instead of 26), a seat that's finally stable and easy to adjust, a reinforced basket (even if some are already complaining it's smaller)… a real breath of fresh air!
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Ride Faster, Without Sweating More
The gears and sprockets have been reimagined to make every speed useful. So with the same effort, you zoom along at 21 km/h instead of 17. On paper, it doesn't seem like much. In reality, you can feel the difference right away, especially on long rides or when you want to overtake a human buddy on an electric scooter.
Stations and Subscriptions Evolving Too
To support the change, 8 new stations are opening this year in Lille, Wambrechies, Lomme, Hellemmes, and La Madeleine. The subscription is now free for all long-term ilévia subscribers, and for those under 18 (starting from 14), the offer is completely free! As for occasional pricing: €1.85 for 24 hours, €8.05 for a week, or €41.50 for a year. As always, the first 30 minutes are free, then it’s €1.20 per half hour.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
What are we doing with the old V’lille bikes?
No, they won’t be left to rust in a giant parking lot. They are being gradually dismantled to salvage the parts that are still in good condition, and the rest is being recycled. Some will remain in circulation until 2028, until the current 2,600 bikes are fully replaced by nearly 3,000 new models.
The first feedback is unanimous
“A cloud for the seat ☁️,” “lighter, it changes everything,” “it rides by itself…” Users are thrilled. The only drawback noted is the front basket, which is a bit smaller. But overall, the new V’lille impresses everyone: it’s so much more enjoyable to pedal around the MEL.
266 stations in the MEL (goal: 300 by 2031)
500 new V’lille bikes already in circulation since September 17, 2025