Cycling is quietly finding its way.

Sunday, September 18.
For the car-free day in Paris, Upway is graciously providing 150 two-wheelers. What makes them special? Reconditioned, they are sold for 20% to 60% less than new ones. "Used electric bikes raise concerns, particularly about the motor and battery," explains Toussaint Wattinne, CEO of Upway. "So, we've defined 20 control points covering safety elements – the frame, fork, brakes – and electronics." These bicycles, guaranteed for one year, come from individuals who offer them on the start-up's website. For purchases, delivery is made to the home or to one of the 200 partner stores. Founded in November 2021, Upway has seen its monthly sales multiply tenfold since the beginning of 2022.
The second-hand market is driven by the enthusiasm for the "petite reine" (bicycle). "Sales have increased by 43% over the past two years," notes Jérôme Mortal, president of Ultima Mobility, which, contrary to its name, is betting on the French sector. Its first site was inaugurated on September 15 in Saint-Priest (Rhône), and 90% of its components are French. This guarantees autonomy when 80% of the components of the 800,000 machines assembled in France come from Taiwan. To compete with Asian prices, Ultima uses recycled carbon for the frame of its Multipath. And it only produces upon order, guaranteeing delivery within fifteen to twenty-one days.

The bicycle is very likely to advance after government announcements.
Firstly, aid is being strengthened. The bonus for buying a new bicycle now reaches up to 400 euros, and it will no longer be necessary to benefit from local aid – which excluded residents of rural areas where it did not exist. The amount even reaches 2000 euros for cargo versions, those adapted for people with disabilities, electric trailers, and, new, folding models.
As for the conversion premium, granted for a new or used electric bicycle in exchange for scrapping a polluting vehicle, it can be up to 3000 euros. And now, several people from the same tax household can benefit from it. Finally, in low-emission zones, the state grants aid of up to 1000 euros, provided that a local subsidy is obtained.
Secondly, the government has strengthened its bicycle plan, launched in 2018. The Ministry of Ecological Transition estimates that since that date, 10.8 million units have been sold, including 1.9 million with electric assistance.
In 2023, 250 million euros will be allocated to local authorities that develop cycle paths, protected intersections, overpasses, or parking spaces. This should partly address the dissatisfaction of cyclists, 64% of whom complain about insecurity or poor quality of cycle paths, according to the French Federation of Bicycle Users.
In four years, 900 projects have been supported by the state, mainly in metropolitan areas and large urban areas. This is starting to change. "More and more medium or small towns, like Saint-Brieuc, Epinal, or Landerneau, are starting to equip themselves," says Benoit Yameundjeu, CEO of Fifteen. The company assists local authorities, whether it's locating charging stations based on tourist sites or home-to-work commutes... It also advises them on fleet management: the rotation rate of a self-service bicycle is indeed seven to nine trips per day in high season (June-October), but only 1.5 in low season. They must therefore be reallocated to long-term rental.
The integration with other modes of transport will become crucial with the establishment of low-emission zones in agglomerations of more than 150,000 inhabitants. From December 31, 2024, only vehicles equipped with Crit'Air 1 or 2 stickers will be able to circulate there. As a result, three-quarters of the current car fleet will be excluded. This should boost the use of bicycles, used for 3% of home-to-work trips, according to Vélo & Territoires.
Far, very far, from the government's target of 9% by 2024.