LYON, France – August 4, 2025 – Lyon‘s new self-service electric bikes, introduced in January 2025, are proving to be a major draw, with users frequently enough reserving the last available units. Simultaneously occurring, the city’s original red mechanical bikes appear to be collecting dust.
Green Bikes Green Grab
The city’s electric bike-share program is a runaway success, leaving customary bikes in the shadows.
A recent Thursday evening near the Jean-Jaurès metro station revealed a familiar scene: a Vélo’V station, surprisingly well-stocked for late in the day. But the available bikes weren’t the classic red ones. Instead, a small crowd gathered, phones in hand, scanning for the coveted green, 100% electric models.
Within moments,the last three electric bikes where snapped up. Those who missed out either walked or hurried past the handful of still-available red bikes,seemingly uninterested.
The Vélo’V electric bike program launched in January 2025 as part of Lyon’s broader initiative to promote sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions. The city invested €2.5 million in the initial fleet of 500 electric bikes, supplementing the existing 3,000 mechanical bikes. The electric bikes,manufactured by a local company,Cycle Électrique Lyonnais,offer pedal assist and a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour.The program is managed by the Lyon Metropolitan Authority and is available to both residents and tourists through a subscription service or daily passes.
Did you know? – Lyon’s Vélo’V bike-share program, launched in 2005, was one of France’s first large-scale public bike-sharing systems.
The popularity of the electric bikes has surprised even city officials. Demand consistently outstrips supply, particularly during peak hours and on weekends. Users cite the ease of navigating Lyon’s hilly terrain and the convenience of arriving at their destinations without breaking a sweat as key benefits. the mechanical bikes, while still functional, are increasingly seen as requiring more physical effort for the same journeys. This shift in preference has prompted discussions about the future of the mechanical fleet and potential investments in expanding the electric bike network.
Pro tip: – Download the Vélo’V app to check real-time bike availability and battery levels at stations throughout Lyon.
Though, the trend isn’t without its critics. Some argue that the convenience of electric assistance discourages physical activity and contributes to a more sedentary lifestyle. Others express concern about the environmental impact of battery production and disposal. Despite these concerns, the electric bike-share program remains a resounding success, transforming urban mobility in Lyon. as of July 2025, over 1.2 million trips have been taken on the electric bikes, compared to 800,000 on the mechanical bikes.
Looking ahead, the lyon Metropolitan Authority plans to add another 300 electric bikes to the fleet by the end of 2025, and is exploring options for upgrading the charging infrastructure. The long-term goal is to create a fully electric bike-share system, phasing out the mechanical bikes entirely. This transition, officials say, will further solidify Lyon’s position as a leader in sustainable urban transportation.
Reader question: – Do you think electric bike-share programs encourage more people to cycle overall?
it’s a sentiment echoed by many,including members of our own team who,after a long day
