The Vélib’ Métropole service aims to further the development of new forms of travel across the Île-de-France region that operate alongside existing transport options.
Moving around is made much easier thanks to a fleet of bicycles which is 30% electric: Vélib’ users see their journeys shorten and defy the city's hills to climb them with ease. With a range of 50km and a top speed of 25km/hour, the electric Vélib’ bicycles represent a genuine alternative to the use of private cars that pollute the atmosphere.
Depending on how they are used, larger numbers of electric bicycles may gradually be introduced. This is one of the great advantages of the new fleet: in under half an hour in the workshop, mechanical bicycles can be made into electric bicycles!
The new fleet boasts other technological innovations beyond the electric bicycle: all bicycles are also fitted with an integrated V-Box that improves orientation, as well as a fork lock for better security.
The V-Box
The V-Box is an electronic unit built into the handlebars that allows users quick and direct access to bikes. The unit is energy autonomous since it is charged by the dynamo. It communicates with the station via a radio transmitter/receiver, meaning it can feed data into the Vélib’ service's information systems.
The fork lock
The fork lock is a patented security system. Controlled by the V-Box, the fork lock secures the bicycle in one of two different ways.
Smovengo has utilised a network of more than 100 subcontractors during preparations to launch Vélib’ Métropole, a large majority of which are French companies. Almost 80% of the value added to the manufacture and assembly of the bicycles is carried out in France.