It’s no surprise to anyone, the motorcycle technical control decided by the European Commission in 2014 will finally see the light of day in France from 2024, after many twists and turns. The measure, formalized by the Minister of Transport, is accompanied by a revaluation of aid for the acquisition of a new, cleaner mount.
Faced with the grumbling of bikers, largely driven by the French Federation of Angry Bikers (FFMC), the Government is trying what it can to please everyone, bikers as well as openly anti-two-wheeler associations Ras le Scoot, Paris without Car and Breathe, which had seized the Council of State to accelerate the implementation of the measure.
A technical control at around 50 €
Between the price of gasoline, the flowering of the ZFE-m and the various measures deemed liberticidal by bikers, it was imperative that this technical control not be seen as a financial bludgeon. Thus, Clément Beaune affirms that the Government puts pressure on the control centers so that the price of the technical control is around 50 €.
Similarly, the schedule was for a check every 5 years of the vehicle and then every 3 years. The latter will be less than that applied to cars, comprising “4 times fewer checkpoints”. Too bad that with 4 times fewer controls, the price is not divided by 4 as well, especially since apart from the measurement of noise and polluting emissions, the control of the security organs is done by eye naked and is taught by driving schools.
Up to €6,000 to afford a new motorcycle
The Government adds a few measures thinking that a ticket would make it easier for bikers to pass the pill. Thus, the conversion premium increases from €1,100 to €6,000 (up to 40% of the total price), for the most modest households when acquiring or renting (more than 2 years) a an electric model of more than 11 kW, corresponding to the equivalent 125 cc and more.
If the scale remains identical to that in force, only households whose RFR/Part is less than €14,089 will be eligible. Difficult, once again, to push such a modest household to part with its old economic frame. In addition, the offer in terms of electric two-wheelers, combining autonomy and recharging is still insufficient, or even non-existent, to convince extra-urban motorcyclists to turn to a brand new two-wheeler unable to go further than 100 km before stopping 6 hours to refuel.
Moreover, the aid only concerns two-wheelers over 11 kW, excluding all mopeds. It is therefore difficult to believe that the incessant ballet of delivery scooters, rarely in good standing, backfiring under the windows of residents happy to receive their fast food without moving, will come to an end.
Whatever, the figures are flattering and it will suffice to blame the bikers on the ground by explaining to them that a new two-wheeler would have been much better for their safety.