-
French bank to close dozens of Britons' accounts citing Brexit
Regional caisse in south-west blames complicated post-Brexit rules and measures to stop money laundering
-
Change for foreign residents and eligibility to family benefit in France
People will only be able to obtain family benefits if they spend majority of the year in the country
-
What is average salary in France? How does it compare with US or UK?
We also look at the average disposable income per capita in OECD countries
Electric ‘bike bonus’ scheme a success
15,000 sign up for electric-assist wheels and get refunds up to €200
The French government’s ‘bike bonus’ scheme, which offers up to €200 off the cost of an electric bike, has proved a success - leading to calls for it to be extended.
Nearly 15,000 applications have already been registered on the dedicated website (in French), which launched in early March. The scheme is currently due to last until January 31, 2018.
"There has been a sharp increase in sales in shops," said Christophe Bayard, president of the Grenoble electric bike association Vecolo. Some sellers even printed the [government] forms for customers to fill out there and then. Overall, this is a good measure. "
Mr Bayard believes that the refunded portion of the cost "can help people take the plunge" and switch to an electric bike. However, buying a good quality bike still represents a significant investment. "Pay under €1,000, and in general they are not very durable bicycles," he added.
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France
For some recent converts, the electric bike is still a novelty. One user, Marie from Vanves (Hauts-de-Seine), has a 15km round trip to work in the heart of Paris. Two weeks ago, she paid €1,800 for her mount. "As there are a few small hills on my route, the electric assistance really helps, and when I get to the office, I'm not tired," she said.
Marie was able to get her ‘bonus’ from the local council body (communauté d’agglomération) as the government refund is only designed to cover towns across France that do not have local refund systems in place. Riders can only apply for one or the other.
"It is a matter of fairness between the regions and between modes of transport," said Olivier Schneider, president of the French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB). He is unhappy, however, that the scheme has a time limit. "We regret that this bonus is only effective until January 31, 2018, unlike the aids for electric cars for example.”
The FUB wants the refund system to be ongoing and extended to other categories of bicycles, such as bicycle-cargo or foldable bicycles.
Union Sport and Cycle (USC), which brings together the major manufacturers and distributors of bicycles in France, agrees. But its spokesman Virgile Caillet said it was not about making money: "We made a commitment to the ministry not to raise the prices [of bicycles] so that this bonus is really a boost for consumers".
To qualify, you must be over 18 years and have proof of your French address.