E-bikes and Electric Scooters: Easier and Cheaper Repairs in 2023
This page is translated from the original post "Vélos et trottinettes électriques : une réparation plus facile et moins chère en 2023" in French.
- 01/01/2023 12:00
Thanks to the provision of spare parts and a repair bonus, repairing your scooter or electric bike will be more affordable and easier in 2023.
You are probably hesitant to switch from a traditional bicycle to an electric one. Or you wonder if an electric scooter is worth it. Is durability the main concern? Rest assured, this is changing in 2023.
5 Years of spare parts for bikes and scooters
As of March 1, 2015, manufacturers and retailers only had a minimal obligation, which was to indicate the availability period of spare parts. Unfortunately, most electric bikes and scooters come from China or Asia, making component supply complex, and thus their availability optional. Since March 2016, these modes of mobility must also have a 2-year warranty on electrical components. A battery or motor cannot fail 24 months after your purchase without free replacement. This does not apply to wear parts, such as brakes or tires.
In 2023, products must now guarantee the availability of vital spare parts for electric bikes and scooters for 5 years. However, this is not directly indicated on technical sheets or if you are a customer. Article L111-4 of the Consumer Code only requires the provision of spare parts to “sellers of their products as well as professional repairers and reconditioners, upon their request”.
This article still does not specify that bikes and scooters are included in this scheme. Only the amendment to the Climate Law was voted in March 2021. But the official website of the Ministry of Ecology clearly states “including bicycles, electrically assisted bicycles, and motorized personal transportation devices”. We may have to wait for a decree in the coming days to be certain.
A repair bonus for electric bikes and scooters
In 2024, a repairability index may be introduced for electric bikes and scooters. Currently, it exists for 11 categories of electronic products, such as washing machines or laptops, with a score from 1 to 10.
In the meantime, the government is giving a boost. Since December 15, 2022, a repair bonus is available for many electronic products. Electric bikes and electric scooters (more hoverboards or gyropods) can receive €15 to help with repairs. Note that this is not available for a product already under warranty. Also, it is only applicable at a professional who meets the Qualirépar label.
Read also: Used bike: Biked, to buy or sell between individuals
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