From the 23rd of February, a fresh mode of transportation became available for hire on the streets of Paris. Dubbed Heetch Bike, this innovative service introduces a taxi alternative where a cyclist chauffeurs a passenger cabin. Initially, its operations are confined to weekends. Heetch Bike itself is distinct from conventional car cabs and the trending tuk-tuks, which have recently gained favour among tourists in the French capital.
Heetch Bike aims to assuage concerns surrounding the viability of this type of transport hire with its ambitious proposition: “Our promise is travel within Paris 40% faster and 20% cheaper than VTC,” as quoted by 20Minutes. VTC is the French term for cab services operating beyond the traditional taxi licensure sphere, encompassing various hired transport services with drivers, such as Uber. Heetch Bike aims to capitalize on the surging popularity of bicycles in Paris and the decreasing role of private cars.
According to Actu Paris, the company’s assertion of faster service than cabs is predicated on the anticipation of Limited Traffic Zone (ZTLs) implementation in the city centre later this year, which will curtail and confine car traffic in the area. This presents a prime opportunity for sustainable mobility alternatives like bicycles to take over the streets as a swifter means of navigating downtown Paris.
For those concerned about the comfort level of bike taxis compared to cars, Heetch Bike assures that their cabins feature heated bench seats, protective windshields, and a glass roof. Therefore, passengers are guaranteed a comfortable journey regardless of atmospheric conditions.
According to official results from city hall, Parisian voters on Sunday approved a proposal by the city’s socialist mayor, Anne Hidalgo, to triple parking fees for large SUV-style vehicles.
In the recent vote, 54.55% of Parisians supported a proposal to increase parking charges for cars weighing 1.6 tonnes or more to €18 per hour in the city centre and €12 further out. However, only 5.7% (78,000) of the 1.3 million eligible voters participated at the 39 voting stations across the French capital.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo celebrated the outcome as a “clear choice of Parisians” in favour of a measure deemed “good for our health and good for the planet.” Exemptions include fully electric cars exceeding two tonnes, Paris residents or workers, taxi drivers, tradespeople, health workers, and people with disabilities.
Supporters, like Gregoire Marchal, emphasized the ecological and societal aspects of the measure, encouraging a reconsideration of personal behaviour regarding car use. Nevertheless, not all voters shared the sentiment, with some expressing dissatisfaction with what they perceived as Hidalgo’s dictatorial approach.
Under Hidalgo’s leadership, Paris has implemented measures such as pedestrianizing streets and building cycle lanes to discourage driving and reduce emissions. SUVs, labelled an “aberration” by environmental group WWF, have been singled out for their increased fuel consumption, safety concerns, and greater use of public space.
Critics argue against the imprecise targeting of SUVs, with concerns raised about the scheme’s classification and potential impacts on different types of vehicles. The opposition questions the transparency of the referendum, accusing the city government of manipulation.
Drivers’ groups and France’s Environment Minister, Christophe Bechu, criticize the SUV surcharge as punitive environmentalism, advocating for a focus on vehicle weight rather than a specific category. Hidalgo’s transport chief estimates that around 10% of Paris vehicles would be affected, generating up to €35 million annually.
The anti-SUV initiative in Paris has inspired similar plans in Lyon, where the Green party mayor intends to introduce a three-tier parking fee for residents and visitors starting in June. The recent referendum’s turnout echoes a trend seen in a previous vote on banning rental scooters, emphasizing the challenges of engaging citizens in local decision-making.
Comments Off on Laka acquires French e-bike insurance broker Cylantro
European mobility insurer Laka, who provide a range of insurance and circular economy services to e-bike riders, enthusiast cyclists and companies, has announced the acquisition of Cylantro, a French e-bike insurance broker.
The company at the same time publicised its latest funding round, with the aim of building upon its leadership in the Green Mobility sector. The equity plus debt round of €7.6 million, was led by leading impact investor Shift4Good, alongside existing investors Autotech Ventures, Porsche Ventures, Ponooc, ABN AMRO Ventures, Creandum, 1818 Ventures & Elkstone Partners. Previous angel investors include Zwift CEO and co-founder, Eric Min. The fresh capital will be used to amplify Laka’s efforts to enable more customers to transition to more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
The CEO and founder of Cylantro, Thomas Arnou, has joined Laka, specifically overseeing operations in the French market. This strategic move has been prompted, in part, by the notable surge in e-bike and bicycle sales, as well as the increasing prevalence of cycling as a mode of transportation in France, outpacing other European nations. Cylantro, headquartered in Paris, operates as an insurance brokerage firm with a distinct specialization in catering to the unique requirements of its clientele in the realm of bicycles and e-bikes.
Arnou commented: “Cylantro was in the unique position of having a lot of acquisition interest and, therefore, able to get a clear vision of the competitor landscape. We chose to join forces with Laka because of their aligned core principles – customer first and best-in-class claims handling. We’re ready to build the European leader together.”
Tobias Taupitz, CEO and co-founder of Laka, said: “We’re excited to welcome onboard the Cylantro team to Laka. Thomas and his team have built up a fantastic offering in France, and we can’t wait to ramp up our presence across the country. E-bikes are expected to outgrow car sales by 2025 in Europe and we see huge potential in France, where the sales of bikes and e-bikes are growing at double-digits.
“We are also excited to welcome Shift4Good as an investor, and we look forward to working with them to expand our commitments to decarbonising mobility, by making it easier for consumers to insure and protect their bikes or e-bikes.”
Matthieu de Chanville, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Shift4Good, commented: “It is a great honour to assist Laka in accelerating within the highly promising market of smart mobility. Laka returns insurance to its pure, mutual heritage. Laka’s members and their shared interests incentivise positive behaviour which in turn benefits the entire community. We have full confidence in the team, their tech stack, and the momentum of Laka. We are committed to providing substantial support in both Europe today and Asia tomorrow to further their mission of decarbonizing road mobility. Creating global leaders through innovative technology isn’t just our mission; it’s a daily passion, as exceptional entrepreneurs are pivotal in driving a sustainable economy.”
About Laka
Laka, winner of the ‘Best Cycle Insurance Provider’ Award four years in a row, was founded to better serve individual cyclists and businesses with a fairer, collective-driven approach to insurance. With a tech-driven and customer-centric approach, Laka has built on being an award-winning cycle insurer, to now being uniquely positioned as the go-to micromobility insurance provider in the UK and Europe. www.laka.co
Comments Off on France’s 2023-2027 Cycling and Walking Plan is Launched
The first “Cycling and walking” interministerial committee was held on May 5, 2023, by French Prime Minister, Élisabeth Borne, to establish a real cycling culture.
In the pursuit of ensuring all citizens have an eco-friendly transportation option, France recognises the importance of incorporating cycling and walking. The enthusiasm for this is evident, with a notable surge of 52% in the use of bicycle routes since 2017.
The “Cycling and Walking Plan 2023-2027” sees the State investing 2 billion euros. “We will work with local authorities and hope that, alongside them, we will be able to invest 6 billion euros over the period,” said Élisabeth Borne.
The plan targets three lines of action to make cycling and walking integral to the lifestyles of all French people:
Encouraging cycling from an early age.
Promote cycling as an alternative to conventional modes of transport.
Develop an economic and industrial cycle sector.
1. Make cycling accessible to everyone, from an early age
Objective: 850,000 children to be taught to ride a bicycle each year.
Since 2019, 200,000 children have been trained by the “Know How to Ride a Bike” program.
2. Make cycling and walking an alternative to private cars and public transport
Objective: reach 80,000 km in 2027, and 100,000 km in 2030, of secure cycling facilities, including cycle lanes.
250 million euros will be dedicated each year to accelerating the development of cycling facilities in France.
By the end of 2022, 57,000 km of secure cycle facilities will be deployed across the country.
3. Make cycling an economic lever by supporting French players in the sector
Objective: the assembly of 1.4 million bicycles in France by 2027, and 2 million in 2030. To facilitate this, a call for projects will be launched in 2030.
This new plan aims to promote innovation and structure a complete economic sector around the bicycle, from assembly to recycling.
After 4 years of electric scooter-sharing services in France’s capital city, the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has confirmed a vote to determine if the micromobility option will be banned in the city.
The referendum in April has been announced following a lengthy review by city officials, with the mayor herself in favour of the ban. What are the key issues facing the use of e-scooters in Paris?
National laws are vague in terms of regulation.
Residents feel that riders are reckless.
Excessive riding on sidewalks and in pedestrianised areas.
Poor parking and the free-floating nature of the service have created an eyesore.
Antisocial use of the devices, particularly by tourists.
It should be noted that steps have been taken to address some of these concerns, such as limiting speeds and releasing a clear code of conduct, but the e-scooters remain extremely divisive.
With 12 active bike and e-scooter sharing services in the city, Paris is one of the largest markets for micromobility services. The results of this referendum will therefore be watched closely by industry and consumers alike; the conclusion may well inform future decisions in comparable locations.
New innovations see carbon footprint reduced through increasingly unique, scenario-specific technologies.
The “Le Ciel & La Terre” funeral home in Paris, France will utilize the first electric-bicycle hearse named “Corbicyclette”. Using the new vehicle during funeral proceedings reduces the overall environmental impact of the event. Furthermore, the creation allows many of the capital’s new bicycle-focused regulations to be met, allowing for easier transportation in the city centre.
According to Le Ciel & La Terre, the hearse is anchored to the platform of an electrically assisted steel three-wheeled bicycle, which gives it the power to take on steep slopes. The airtight compartment intended to accommodate the coffin is made of solid, light, natural and environmentally friendly marine plywood. Being a Light Electric Vehicle, the Corbicyclette does not emit any greenhouse gasses during its operational phase.
Creator Isabelle Plumereau shared, “The Corbicyclette is to propose a new ritual for families that I accompany, especially at the cemetery,” allowing for “a slow, silent, quiet procession, to the rhythm of the steps of the people who walk behind and who make the procession.”
With the goal of boosting bicycle usage from 3% to 9% by 2024, the French government has launched a subsidy scheme for the purchase of e-bikes.
The highest subsidy amount is available to those with a low income, who can trade in their old diesel car (from before 2011) or petrol car (from before 2006) and gain support in purchasing an electric bicycle instead.
This allows individuals to receive up to 40% off the purchase price to a maximum of 3000 euros. Those who live or work in environmental zones can benefit from additional aid of up to 1000 euros. In total, it is possible to receive a total conversion bonus of 4000 euros.
For those with higher incomes, the maximum reimbursement is 1500 euros. Anyone who has nothing to trade in may also qualify for a subsidy.
Of course, subsidising e-bike purchases is not a wholly new concept. The scheme is more or less mimicking that in Lithuania, where one could receive a subsidy of 1000 euros when returning an old vehicle, an amount that could be used for the purchase of a bicycle or a public transport card.
Comments Off on Swedish electric motorcycle pioneer CAKE expands operations in France
Local organization and central Paris storefront to meet the rising demand for electric, two-wheeled vehicles in the city of light.
CAKE, the Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorcycles and LEVA-EU member, today announced an expanded commercial focus on France, with Paris becoming a key city in the company’s multi-city structure philosophy. With a sales team already in place, plans include a growing local team to better serve both B2B and B2C customers. A CAKE Pop-Up Store just opened its doors in the Marais district of Paris, with a full-service CAKEsite expected to open later this year.
“Paris is a key market for us, being the epicenter of innovative, environmental legislation, a place that is buzzing with excitement for clean transportation options. We simply couldn’t think of a better city to head to next,” said Stefan Ytterborn, Founder and CEO of CAKE.
Paris bans cars Paris is targeting a late 2023 introduction of legislation, effectively limiting the movement of cars in its city center. CAKE electric mopeds and motorcycles will be exempt from the ban that is expected to remove approximately 100,000 cars from the streets each day. Additionally, two-wheelers using combustion engines will by September 1st be subject to parking fees, while electric alternatives continue to enjoy free parking on Paris streets.
“Paris is leading the way and this is an opportunity for both companies and citizens to embrace a very promising future. Fewer cars and trucks equal less congestion, enabling smoother last-mile delivery chains and cleaner, more liveable cities. Clean, silent, and efficient transportation is our entire reason to exist as a company, so we applaud this exciting development,” added Dominique Dutronc, General Sales Manager France, CAKE.
The CAKE Pop Up Store Paris is now open and is located on 55 rue Notre Dame de Nazareth.
The French government has announced an unprecedented conversion bonus for the purchase of electric or very low-polluting vehicles. This figure could reach €6,000 depending on income conditions, with full details yet to be confirmed. In practice, the new premium will replace the current subsidies offered in France.
Alongside this incentive, the French government has highlighted further plans to increase the prevalence of electric two-wheelers in the population. Further communication and coverage regarding the safety of two wheels will be implemented, with safety training incorporated into the B license. Additionally, from 2022 a new generation of radars will be installed with the goal to control noise emissions of two-wheelers.
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