Red-Will Sees the City in Red

With a offering blending cargo bikes, retro-styled bicycles, and connected models, the Premium Red-Will rental service has found its urban clientele.

Launched in December 2020, Red-Will aimed to meet the demand for bike rentals, previously exclusively offered by Veligo. Now well established in central Paris and the western suburbs, Bordeaux, and Lyon, the operator with red wheels has managed to find its audience thanks to a well-positioned monthly subscription offering and a young, dynamic image.

Red-Will Urban and Connected

This success is largely due to the latest model, the Red-Will Connect 500. Unlike the more retro-looking Classic 500, this e-bike is more modern and urban in style. Mounted on large wheels with “balloon tires” like the Schwalbe Big Apple Plus, it provides a level of comfort that the “Classic” lacked.

The removable central battery of 500 Wh is well integrated into the frame and easy to transport. The mid-drive motor with effort sensor powers a fully enclosed chain. Customers wearing chinos or business suits will appreciate this welcome protection, which also has the advantage of reducing the risk of derailment on cobblestone streets. Five levels of electric assist allow adjustment of the effort to the rider’s needs and the configuration of the routes taken. The battery size theoretically offers 100 km of range. In practice, it’s probably less, but that’s not an issue since it would anyway be more than enough for daily use.

Finally, hydraulic disc brakes, a large comfortable saddle, a rear rack supporting up to 27 kg, and a front basket with 20 kg capacity make it the perfect tool for busy city dwellers. Of course, the name Connect hints at connection to a mobile app. This app manages several functions:

• Information (distance, range, etc.)
• Bike geolocation, with theft and damage insurance included
• Suspicious movement alert + activation of the alarm and remote cutoff of assistance

The pricing is somewhat higher than the competition, placed in the upper range with three subscription options: 12 months, 6 months, and no commitment.

It’s slightly more expensive than competitors, but you don’t need to be King Midas to afford it, and the array of services makes it easier to accept. For a lower price, you can choose the Veligo offer… but you won’t be riding a Red-Will.