Ecological, practical, but expensive, electric assistance bikes are available for long-term rental (LDD), which allows you to pay the monthly expense. An attractive formula, provided you know the blind spots.
From 1000 euros to 5000 euros and more… If buying an electric assistance bicycle (EAB) is undoubtedly a good idea to reduce your carbon footprint and the cost of your daily travel, the entry fee can be high, especially if you opt for a high-end model, those which provide the best compromise between aesthetics, comfort of use and autonomy.
To facilitate access to these high-tech bicycles, private companies, but also certain local authorities, offer long-term rental offers. In exchange for 20 to 45 euros per month, you can access the joys of electric cycling. Be careful, these formulas also include some pitfalls, which it is better to anticipate. 60 million consumers took stock of the subject.
300,000 bicycles are stolen each year, and rarely found
Don’t forget insurance!
Popular and expensive, e-bikes are a prime target for bike thieves. And there are many: (…) 300,000 bicycles are stolen each year, and are rarely found, recalls 60 million consumers. In this case, obviously, you will have to reimburse the price of the bike to the rental company.
To avoid getting to this point, you must not bargain on the price of the anti-theft device. It is also advisable to add to the monthly rental price that, including between 5 and 8 euros per monthof a insurance against theft and damage.
Some private rental companies include insurance in the rental cost. But there, you risk incurring, in the event of a problem, deductibles of several hundred euros.
Beware of maintenance costs!
Certainly, the maintenance budget of an e-bike has nothing to do with that of a car. However, count on 50 to 100 euros for the price of an annual service at a bike shop, and more if certain wearing parts (brakes, transmission, cables) need to be changed. And remember that some rental companies require you to maintain the bike regularly.
Penalties in the event of damage
Like any rental formula, the LDD commits you to return the VAE in good condition. Legitimate wear on the tires or brakes does not result in a penalty, however any damage linked to a fall or lack of care (scratches, broken headlights, etc.) will be billed to you at the time of return. .