Motto: Electric bike subscription starting at €75/month

From Bloom to Motto, the electric bike rental service offers a new model, still reserved for the Paris region.

In the emerging bike rental market, projects are multiplying. Because it’s not just Véligo! In Paris, a small player in the field started under the name Bloom in April 2021. It was born from the initiative of two former employees of the self-service specialist Bird, Driss Ibenmansour and Antoine Bouttier.

However, the electric bike was not new, as it was taken over from the operator Zoov, now merged within Fifteen. So, the VAE already operated in Paris-Saclay since 2019, originally designed for self-service. Priced at 59 euros, it offered a good value for money, with damage/theft insurance, as well as a mobile app providing numerous data on trips.

A year later, Bloom becomes Motto and revises its plan. As a result, a brand new electric bike for 2022 for the Paris region.

A Motto in the Vanmoof style

The Motto draws heavily inspiration from the Vanmoof S3, with a frame featuring thick tubes, a streamlined all-black handlebar. There are some differences, however, with horizontal lighting at the handlebar, rear motor, and a battery in the saddle. On this point, Motto joins the Voltaire, another Parisian bike, which shares its screen placement.

The Bloom is therefore far behind, especially with its 80 km range thanks to the 500 Wh battery capacity (compared to 50 km and 346 Wh previously). And watch out for the dimensions, as the wheels increase from 26 to 27.5 inches, with 180 mm brake discs. The transmission remains belt-driven, like the Bloom, with a single speed.

The electric bike Motto offers two versions. One is the classic high-frame, the other with a lower bar for an open frame that’s more practical in the city and for certain users. But there’s no choice: all are black, from the wheels to the saddle.

What is the price for renting Motto bikes?

The rate is the same, at 75 euros/month, which is quite attractive (and compatible with the employer mobility package at half price). The VAE includes concierge service in case of theft or damage, an Art4 anti-theft chain, and an app that allows geolocation of the bike.

The insurance covers theft when parked attached and without batteries, and if found within 14 days (100 euros if not recovered). Options at 2 €/month are available, such as a child seat or a basket.

Motto is always without commitment, with the option to unsubscribe anytime, but until the end of the current month. Unfortunately, rentals are only available in Paris and the inner suburbs.

Facing the competition

Motto directly competes with Red-Will, since both are priced at 75 euros per month, without commitment. The difference is, this other electric bike doesn’t offer the same service or connectivity features. However, it compensates with a very comfortable Bosch motor of 80 Nm for all occasions.

The Motto also positions itself between the two Swapfiets offers, at 60 and 110 € per month, slightly more expensive, with a minimum commitment of 3 months. An advantage over these two rivals. But Véligo remains the most accessible with 40 €/month, although with a 6-month commitment, on a less modern bike.

Also read: Refurbished Electric Bike: 3 Websites to Buy Used E-Bikes