Paris: Vélib’ promises compensation after battery failures

December’s temperature fluctuations have impacted the batteries of many Vélib’ bikes in Paris. 

Vélib’ electric users are experiencing battery problems. Since mid-December, the electric bikes have been directly affected by charging issues due to the weather. The users will receive a “compensation,” said the Autolib’ Vélib’ Métropole (SAVM) union this week. Francilians have turned to mechanical bikes instead. 

Vélib’ bikes out of order because of the weather

“In recent days, the experience of some electric-assisted Vélib’ users (VAE) has been affected by a battery charging anomaly,” admits the SAVM in a statement. This anomaly is caused by significant temperature fluctuations over the past few weeks.

“It seems that the cold episode in mid-December, which required many salting operations on roads in Île-de-France and near Vélib’ stations, along with the subsequent warming, may have caused oxidation of the contacts between the charging stations and the bikes,” explained the union.

Ongoing maintenance operation

Smovengo, the operator of Vélib’ Métropole, is trying to reset the battery charges. “We hope that within the next few days, the service will be restored to normal operation,” adds Sylvain Rayfaud, president of SAVM. He also requested that affected users receive compensation. “For now, we do not yet know the nature of this compensation. First, all the bikes must function normally again. Afterward, we will consider all options for providing compensation.”

The refund for trips, whether fully or partially taken, is an option being considered. “We will try to find the most suitable solution,” he adds. “Yes, it will incur a cost, but it is also a way to show we care about users’ experience,” he concludes. A “notification email” will be sent to users in the coming days. Finally, 12,000 bikes will replace the current fleet within two years in Paris, funded by the manager Smovengo.

Also read: 3,000 additional Vélib’ for the 2024 Olympic Games

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