img-7544-2

Paris, the capital of free-floating electric bikes!

undefined undefined undefined 07h30

The Editor

© Luna Danglades / Le Bonbon

Over the past few years, the bicycle has become the go-to mode of transport in the capital. Users are multiplying like hotcakes, as are bike-sharing fleets, gradually establishing the capital as Europe's market leader and breaking records left and right.

If you've been following us for a while, you know that at Bonbon, we love bikes. So pay attention, that doesn't mean we tolerate fatbikes and other reckless riders who ignore traffic lights and pedestrians. But we do think it's a mode of transport that's good for your body and the planet, fast, and above all accessible, especially thanks to an absolutely exceptional bike-sharing offer. And apparently, we're not the only ones who think so.


An alternative that's proving itself

In 2007, Vélib arrived in the capital, gradually revolutionizing how Parisians get around. However, we had to wait until January 1st, 2018 to see the first bikes

blue electrics made their appearance, very quickly challenged by Lime, which arrived at just the right time in 2019, when the bicycle gradually became Paris's darling again. Yet long the market leader, the company managed by Smovengo has found itself completely outpaced in recent months by the alternatives offered by lime-green bikes, but also Dott and Voi. The reason? Less freedom because of fixed docking stations, a subscription that has become increasingly expensive (goodbye to those free electric rides), and an offer that's increasingly less appealing. Meanwhile, the other platforms have experienced unprecedented growth, becoming essential fixtures on Paris's streets.


Unprecedented loyalty

Over recent months, the three companies have recorded peak usage rates, particularly during heat waves — when the metro was something to avoid at all costs — or major events (like the World Cup or Champions League). With a fleet of no fewer than 18,000 bikes between them, they record an average of 100,000 trips per day, nearly as much as Vélib' and its 20,500 bikes (electric or otherwise). The number of trips and users has only kept growing, and more and more people are opting for long-term subscriptions. A usage pattern also increased following the ban on e-scooters, which is expected to continue rising along the same lines in the coming months, as the annual Navigo Pass could cross the thousand-euro mark.


Tensions that Remain

Despite this unprecedented popularity, bike-sharing systems do pose a few limitations. First of all, there's a constant tension with cyclists who own their own bikes and have to fight day after day to find parking spaces on bike racks. And this, despite the regulations already in place. Next, these platforms currently create a divide between Paris and the greater suburbs, where they don't operate. Finally, many users are still limited in their practice by the danger posed by certain intersections in the capital, and by the tragic-accidents/">tragic accidents that have occurred in recent years. Some areas for improvement to consider in order to boost cycling even more on the streets of Paris.