In recent years, the Hexagon has clearly shifted gears to promote soft mobility. The result: bike lanes are multiplying and transforming our cities. This urban revolution brings with it a real boom in electric bike, which has become the darling of city dwellers. Through these lines, we take stock of the cycling challenge in France.
The Cycling Challenge: building a two-wheeled France
Since the launch of the Bike Plan in 2018, France has seen its cycling facilities multiply at high speed. Between the Covid-19 booster effect and the implementation of Low Emission Zones (ZFE) in large cities, the practice of electric bike has become widely popular. As a result, more and more French people choose the Pedelec daily, encouraged by infrastructures designed for their safety and comfort.
Key figures of cycling development in France
In 2022, no less than 2,638 kilometers of bike lanes were created in France, a figure added to the 56,000 km already existing. The national goal is clear: to reach 80,000 km by 2027, then 100,000 km by 2030.
This rise in infrastructure is accompanied by a spectacular increase in usage: since 2019, cycling traffic has grown by more than 40%, and electric bikes now represent a growing share of trips made. An ideal context to boost the practice, especially in urban areas.
The major cities where it is good to ride an electric bike
Some French metropolitan areas have become true paradises for cyclists. Paris continues to expand its “coronapistes” created during the pandemic, Lyon plans an additional 250 km by 2026, and Strasbourg, long a pioneer, maintains its leadership with a dense and connected network. Nantes, for its part, is investing heavily in pedestrian and cycling zones.
Ideal conditions to adopt an electric bike, and at Weebot, you will find models perfectly suited to these new urban playgrounds.
Why does the electric bike directly benefit from these cycling developments?
The success of the urban electric bike is no accident. The explosion of cycling infrastructure in recent years plays a key role in this dynamic. By facilitating journeys and enhancing user safety, these developments encourage more and more residents to leave their cars in the garage and adopt an electric bike.
More safety and comfort for electric bike users
Since the 2018 Bike Plan, France has massively invested in dedicated bike lanes, greenways, and express routes, often separated from car traffic. These developments significantly reduce accident risks and improve cyclists' daily comfort.
By avoiding traffic jams and high-density traffic areas, electric bike users now benefit from smoother, more pleasant, and safer journeys. It is noted that 74% of urban cyclists feel safer than five years ago, a figure that has risen sharply, notably thanks to continuous bike lanes and redesigned intersections.
This evolution makes the practice of electric bike not only more accessible but also more reassuring for those who were still hesitant to take the plunge.
Boost effect on the adoption of electric bikes in the city
This favorable environment has mechanically boosted the market. Between 2020 and 2023, electric bike sales in France jumped by 43%, with more than 738,000 units sold in 2023 according to the Union Sport & Cycle. We have collected several testimonials from city dwellers charmed by the simplicity and pleasure of using electric bikes for their daily trips.
Many mention time savings on commuting trips, the possibility of avoiding crowded public transport, and the incomparable comfort of new generation electric bikes. All reasons that push cities and users to accelerate this transition.
Which electric bike to choose to enjoy the new bike lanes?
With the development of bike lanes in the city and suburbs, it becomes essential to choose the electric bike best suited to your needs. Whether you ride in dense urban centers or on long peri-urban greenways, some models stand out for their comfort, safety, and range.
The most suitable urban models at Weebot
If you are looking for an electric bike for your daily trips, Weebot offers several models tailored for the city. The electric bike City Granville E-Urban is a must-have: maneuverable, lightweight, and equipped with progressive assistance, it ensures smooth riding in urban traffic. Its central motor and integrated battery offer excellent balance and comfortable range for commuting.
Another reference to consider: the electric bike Superior EXR range. Designed for commuting and weekend rides, these electric bikes combine a comfortable riding position with high-end equipment. Its powerful braking system and integrated lighting guarantee your safety, even in low light conditions.
Criteria to prioritize for safe riding
To fully enjoy the new cycling infrastructure, certain technical criteria should be prioritized. Opt for an electric bike equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, a guarantee of responsiveness and control. Good front and rear lighting is essential to remain visible at all times. For tires, choose reinforced models capable of absorbing track irregularities and preventing punctures. Finally, ensure sufficient battery life, especially if you make daily trips of several kilometers.
Cycling infrastructure in major French cities: a rapidly expanding network
Urban cycling challenges are now at the heart of mobility policies in France. Each major city deploys its own cycling plan to build a secure, connected, and continuous cycling network, adapted to the needs of electric bike users. Whether it is to strengthen a cycling connection between neighborhoods or to create new structuring cycling paths, these developments transform the way of moving around the city.
Cyclable Annecy: an adapted cycling framework for all cyclist profiles
The cycling network in Annecy is rapidly expanding, supported by an ambitious cycling plan that foresees more than 400 km of cycling routes by 2030. Thanks to an adapted cycling framework, the city focuses on the continuity of cycling paths to efficiently connect the city center, residential areas, and activity hubs. This alpine cycling network promotes soft and accessible mobility, even on more technical terrains.
Cyclable Nantes: a pioneering city with a structuring cycling network
Cycling development in Nantes is based on a structuring master cycling plan. Objective: 640 km of interconnected cycling paths in the metropolis. Nantes' cycling plan relies on major, safe, and direct cycling routes, allowing a rapid cycling connection between main urban axes and peri-urban areas. It is a strong example of responding to urban cycling challenges.
Cyclable Paris: an increasingly dense cycling network at the heart of the capital
Paris continues to deploy its cycling plan with more than 180 km of new cycling paths planned by 2026. The famous "coronapistes," integrated into the Parisian cycling network, have initiated a profound transformation of public space. The capital focuses on a complete cycling connection between districts to make cycling routes smoother, safer, and more attractive for daily cyclists.
Cyclable Rouen: a city structuring its cycling network for the future
In Rouen, the cycling plan is organized around a secure and continuous cycling network, aiming to facilitate home-to-work trips. The challenge: to make each cycling path coherent with the entire urban grid. Thanks to an adapted cycling framework, Rouen works to fill route gaps and strengthen the cycling connection between the left and right banks of the city.
Cyclable Lille: a rapidly expanding cycling network serving users
The cycling network of Lille is regularly enriched with urban and intermodal cycling routes. The cycling plan of the Lille metropolis aims to create a smooth cycling connection between dense neighborhoods, university campuses, and economic zones. Each newly developed cycling path strengthens a cycling framework adapted to the needs of cyclists, with calm zones and clear signage.
Cyclable Rennes: a model of express cycling network
Rennes is developing an ambitious express cycling network with more than 500 km of cycling routes planned by 2030. Thanks to this large-scale cycling plan, the city aims to offer a fast cycling connection between the metropolitan municipalities and the city center. This structuring cycling network addresses urban cycling challenges by ensuring safety, efficiency, and attractiveness for regular cyclists.
FAQ
How to find the best cycling route in my city?
Most major cities now offer dedicated maps or apps to visualize the local cycling network. In Paris, Nantes, Rennes, or Lille, you can consult online platforms or use apps like Geovelo, Komoot, or Google Maps in "bike" mode. These tools include cycling lanes, cycling connections between neighborhoods, and secure cycling routes. They are valuable for avoiding dangerous or unadapted roads.
Are all cycling lanes secure?
No, not all cycling lanes are equal. Some are protected (separated from traffic) and others are shared (without physical separation). The safest are often the separated two-way lanes or express cycling routes on the outskirts. Check that the cycling connection is continuous and that there are no interruptions or conflict zones with cars, especially at intersections.
What to do if my route does not offer a cycling network?
In some areas, especially on the outskirts or in less advanced cities like Rouen or certain neighborhoods of Lille, the cycling network may be incomplete. You can:
• identify quiet streets without infrastructure but with low traffic,
• report infrastructure needs via participatory platforms (such as CartoVélo),
• use alternative cycling routes recommended by other users.
Municipalities regularly update their cycling plans, so your feedback can matter.
Cyclable Conclusion
Cycling infrastructure is profoundly transforming urban mobility. Thanks to secure lanes, greenways, and express facilities, the electric bike is establishing itself as a practical and enjoyable solution for your daily trips. This dynamic not only encourages more cyclists but also promotes the sale of models increasingly adapted to urban uses.
To get the most out of this equipment, choose an electric bike that matches your routes and needs. Discover now the selection of urban and folding electric bikes on Weebot and find the ideal model for your two-wheel adventures!