ADEME, in partnership with the Association of Public Cycling Actors (AVVP), has just published a brand new study. This report demonstrates to what extent the electric bike has established itself among consumers and how it has profoundly changed user habits, starting with the car.
We mentioned it in our columns some time ago, the use of electric bikes has exploded in the streets of the capital, especially since the ban on self-service electric scooters. Obviously, users have fallen back on the VAE offers from the various operators operating in Paris. According to a recent report from Lime, the total number of e-bike trips has doubled between August and September 2023 within the City of Lights.
However, a new study carried out by ADEME and the Association of Public Cycling Actors has just confirmed this growing popularity of electric bikes, in Paris and throughout France. This very first “Public Bicycle Report” is based on data and responses from 168 service managers and more than 4,500 users, which according to the two organizations allows them to offer “a detailed photograph never before seen in France of the offer and impacts of public bicycle rental services”.
Also read : Electric bikes – Paris enters the TOP 10 of the most “bike-friendly” cities
The electric bike is in great health in France
Here are the main figures to remember:
- France has around 940,000 subscribers to VLD (long-term rental bicycle) or VLS (self-service bicycle) offers.
- 133,000 rental bikes are currently in circulation (2/3 in VLD, 1/3 in VLS)
- The number of electric bicycles continues to increase: from 3,000 in 2015, it has increased to 85,000 today.
- 49% of respondents cycle regularly again in their free time thanks to the services
We also learn that more and more women are opting for cycling in their daily journeys (particularly home-work). Thus, they represent 62% of subscribers for long-term rental and 44% of VLS users. Unsurprisingly, the use of green mobility, the health benefits and the low cost of cycling remain the main motivations cited by users. “Two thirds prefer to rent a public bicycle because it is more economical, practical, secure and maintenance-free.”
What we will especially remember from this report is the ever-increasing share occupied by the bicycle compared to the car. For good reason, 49% and 26% of subscribers to VLS or VLD offers, respectively, drastically reduce their use of the car. Even better, 10% of them say they have given up on buying or sold their cardeeming their bicycle subscription sufficient for their travels.
Source: Association of Public Cycling Actors