Source: People’s Daily
The French e-bike market is growing rapidly
Our reporter Liu Lingling
According to data recently released by the Federation of the French Sports and Fitness Products Industry, bicycle sales in France will reach 2.8 million in 2021, a year-on-year increase of 15%. Among them, the sales of electric bicycles were 660,000, a year-on-year increase of 28%, which is equivalent to one electric bicycle for every 4 bicycles sold. Thanks to the French government’s incentive policies and the change of people’s travel concept, the French electric bicycle market has ushered in rapid development.
The general representative of the French Sports and Fitness Products Industry Union, Verge Le Calle, pointed out that electric bicycles have gradually become the means of transportation for many French people, especially commuters. It is expected that the production of electric bicycles in France will continue to increase this year, exceeding 1 million units.
Cecil Gouber, secretary general of the French National Association for the Development of Electric Vehicles, believes that the popularity of electric bicycles is inseparable from France’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. The transportation sector accounts for 31% of France’s total greenhouse gas emissions and is a key control area for reducing carbon emissions. In the context of France’s overall push to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, electric vehicles and electric bicycles are increasingly favored by French people. Gouber said: “The promotion of bicycles, especially electric bicycles, not only makes the French travel more green and low-carbon, but also contributes to the global response to climate change.”
The French government has taken various measures to encourage people to use bicycles to travel. On the one hand, citizens can get subsidies when buying a car, and the subsidy is capped at 50% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of 500 euros. In addition to this subsidy, electric bicycles can also receive an “ecological bonus” of up to 200 euros. On the other hand, residents who already have bicycles can also enjoy subsidies: the French Ministry of Ecological Transformation and Solidarity has set up a “bicycle fund” with a total amount of 60 million euros in 2020. Residents can reimburse 50 euros for bicycle repair costs, and companies will pay bicycles to bicycles. Employees who commute by bicycle are given a certain transportation allowance. Local governments can also apply for funds to build bike lanes.
In order to ensure the safety of residents riding, the French government requires cyclists to abide by the relevant regulations of the European Union and France, and make specific requirements for electric bicycles. For example, the speed of electric bicycles must not exceed 25 kilometers per hour, the rated power must not exceed 250 watts, and the cyclists must wear helmets. In addition, those who manufacture, import and sell electric vehicles without a certificate will be fined up to 1,500 euros.
Many places in France have also expanded bicycle lanes to create favorable conditions for green travel. Paris has added 52 kilometers of bike lanes during the pandemic, bringing the total length to more than 1,000 kilometers. The Ile-de-France Region has invested 300 million euros in the construction of 9 bicycle paths, connecting Paris and surrounding provinces, of which 5 lines will be completed by 2025. This inter-provincial bicycle network will also improve related supporting facilities such as parking spots to create a safe and convenient cycling experience for the public and help green development.
(Paris Newspaper)