Pandemic, inflation, decreased purchasing power, rising energy prices, air pollution… In recent years, the electric bike has established itself as an excellent response to the many crises we are facing. As a reliable, economical, practical mode of transport suited to an often overcrowded urban environment, the electric bike has become a true ally for gentler mobility.

And at the start of 2024, the future looks bright for the cycling world. More bike lanes, better parking conditions, increasingly innovative bikes, a stronger cycling culture, fewer acts of incivility, subsidies, the Bike and Walk Plan…

Mobility in France in 2024: a great year for cycling!

Bike lanes that are increasingly adapted and secure

To notably reduce the massive use of cars, the 2023-2027 Bike and Walk Plan launched in May 2023 continues its mission to integrate cycling into the daily lives of the French. One of its primary goals is to help local authorities finance cycling infrastructure projects in their areas with an adapted and secure cycling network. The target is to reach 80,000 km of secure cycling infrastructure by 2027, and 100,000 km by 2030. Each year, 250 million euros are dedicated to accelerating the development of cycling infrastructure in France, both in cities and outside urban areas.

At the start of 2024, 59,622 km of secure cycling infrastructure have been deployed across the country, leaving plenty of room for progress in mobility in the years ahead.

Upgrading the fight against theft through registration and secure parking

Riding safely is good, but you also need to be able to keep your bike and park it securely!

The purchase price of an electric bike can be significant, so it’s important to protect it as best as possible. You can read our article on ways to secure your electric bike against theft. Other advances should also help in this fight.

Registration

Electric bike theft in cities is a real scourge and one of the main obstacles to the development of this gentle and alternative mode of transport to cars.

To combat bike theft as well as fencing and illegal resale, bikes and electric bikes have been required to be marked since January 1, 2021. This registration system was introduced under the Mobility Orientation Law (LOM). The fleet of registered bikes is gradually increasing, providing users with additional security.

Secure parking at train stations

The LOM law also requires train stations to offer secure parking spaces. “Secure parking” means equipment that stabilizes and locks the bike at two points: the frame and one of the wheels. Unlike “free” parking (stands, rails, or bike racks), these must also have a secure locking system, human supervision, or video surveillance. The decree also specifies that parking must be located in covered, well-lit areas within 70 meters of a station entrance, except in cases of proven technical impossibility.

In total, 1,133 stations are subject to this secure parking requirement under the LOM, representing 37% of all railway stations in the country. Currently, two out of three stations do not meet their targets. Will 2024 see this statistic improve in France? That’s what we hope!

Secure parking in buildings

The law for access to housing and renewed urban planning (ALUR) requires condominiums with car parking spaces to provide a secure bike garage and allocate one space per dwelling. More recently, the Mobility Orientation Law (LOM) allows one or more co-owners to be authorized by the assembly to carry out the work at their own expense: a solution that can be used when the rest of the co-owners refuse to undertake the work. In this case, the spaces are reserved for those who pay the bill. Gradually, secure garages will thus find their place in parking lots to protect our beloved electric two-wheelers.

Better education on cycling practice

Still within the framework of the 2023-2027 Bike and Walk Plan, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to generalize the “Learn to Ride a Bike” program. This program, led by the Ministry of Sports, offers children aged 6 to 11 a supervised 10-hour training course. By 2024, all children entering middle school will be required to master cycling independently in real traffic conditions, especially in cities. Since 2019, the Bike and Walk Plan has enabled 200,000 children to be trained in the program. In 2023 alone, an additional 200,000 children benefited from it.

The policy aims to establish a true cycling culture among future generations, betting on the future of cycling. This approach is accompanied by other initiatives such as the development of dedicated fairs and events: R'Bike fair, the May by Bike event, Euro Bikes fair, Vélo in Paris festival, Pro Days fair…

A good idea now would be to extend this transmission of best practices to an older audience ;)! Let’s ride!

Companies are also involved in this effort to facilitate bike use, notably through tax reductions for companies offering company bikes to their employees.

Intermodality : being able to take your bike on trains or coaches

Today, cycling mobility is not yet obvious, and taking your electric bike, mountain bike, longtail, or cargo bike on trips or travels can be very complicated. In France, trains or TGVs offer very few or no spaces for bikes, whether disassembled or not, discouraging some users from bringing their bike or electric bike, which is actually an excellent companion for the “last mile.”

In trains, the LOM (Mobility Orientation Law) mandates that new and renovated trains used for passenger transport must include dedicated spaces for carrying non-disassembled bikes, generally eight spaces.

In coaches, new coaches used for regular public road passenger transport services, except urban services, must be equipped at commissioning with a system to carry at least five non-disassembled bikes or electric bikes.

What about subsidies in 2024? A maintained and strengthened course!

As every year, the ecological bonus system changes on January 1. Mobility subsidies for bike purchases in France are maintained and even enhanced for the cycling sector.

Good news! The subsidy is now available for used bikes.

Until now excluded from the scheme, used bikes and e-bikes (electric-assisted bikes) have been eligible for the government bike bonus since January 1, 2024. To benefit, you must go through a professional. The “second life” Yuvy bikes refurbished by Elwing will now be eligible for assistance.

There are still few details on the eligibility conditions, but it is expected that this used bike bonus will mirror the new bike scheme, with aid targeted at households with the lowest incomes.

Regarding new bikes, the 2024 bonus scale remains unchanged from 2023. Cumulative with local subsidies, the state aid is set at 40% of the purchase price. However, it is reserved for the lowest income groups. The calculation basis remains the reference tax income per share (RFR).

For companies, associations, and local authorities, the bonus amounts to 1,000 euros. It only applies to adapted cycles, folding bikes, and electric trailers.

To apply for a subsidy for the purchase of an electric bike, you must visit the government conversion bonus website with your purchase invoice.

More practical and innovative bikes

Brands and cycling professionals compete in ingenuity to offer electric bike models increasingly adapted to our lifestyles. Like the Yuvy 2, e-bikes evolve to fit our new ways of life: extended range, more powerful motor, wider tires, more comfortable saddle, long-range battery... While intended to replace cars on short trips, the electric bike must offer the same advantages and comfort.

Brands and professionals in the cycling industry, like Decathlon, continuously innovate and add new features to their products. The bike is no longer just a sport; it’s a real means of transport. Trends focus on modularity, safety, and comfort...

The real asset of the Elwing Yuvy model is its two-seater saddle that can carry 2 adults up to 180 kg, especially suited for city use. Shimano Altus 7-speed derailleur, central kickstand, wide tires, Tektro hydraulic brakes... the Yuvy 2 is a true life companion for all your trips, a compact electric bike that accompanies you throughout your life, practical as a couple thanks to the two-seater saddle, with children, or solo.

2024 Olympics: will cycling be in the spotlight?

One of the major events of 2024 is the organization of the Olympic Games in Paris. Sport will be celebrated in the capital, and organizers promise these will be the greenest Olympics in history. Can we expect to see traffic centered mainly around bikes? That’s exactly what we hope for!