Zoov launches long-term bike rentals in Bordeaux

After its experience in the Paris region, the company Zoov (Fifteen) is arriving in Bordeaux with long-term rental electric bikes.

The largest French cities do not have a monopoly on free-floating bike-sharing. Zoov, having merged with Smoove to form Fifteen, aimed to develop its short-term rental service in the Paris suburbs, on the Paris-Saclay campus, Massy, and surrounding areas (91).

The company then rolled out in Bordeaux, offering two new plans. In addition to occasional use, the Easy (14.90 €/month) and Plus (39.90 €/month) subscriptions targeted more regular users.

Zoov electric bike in long-term lease

But today, the service launches a very different rental option for Bordeaux residents. This week, Zoov introduces its first long-term rental units. And the e-bikes are evolving too.

The new electric generation « Fusion », in 26-inch format with an open frame, features a hub motor with torque sensor, alarm, rear rack, and Shimano disc brake front. The removable battery, located behind the saddle tube, purportedly offers 65 km of range. However, we do not know its capacity.

Unlike the restricted city-center bike-sharing service in Bordeaux, the long-term rental zone will be more extensive. Zoov states that it covers « the area inside the Bordeaux ring road ». Neighboring towns such as Bègles, Talence, Pessac, Mérignac, and Le Bouscat also join the offering.

A small caveat, Zoov initially plans only 100 Fusion electric bikes. For a city of 260,000 residents or up to 1 million in the metropolitan area, it will require some effort (virtually) to hope for a unit.

A no-commitment electric bike rental

This Zoov long-term lease is attractive because it involves no commitment. Its price is also advantageous, at only 69 euros per month. In this way, Zoov competes with another rival we tried in Paris, also arriving in Bordeaux: Red-Will. The latter has also launched a no-commitment rental offer, at 83 €/month or 87 €/month for the connected model.

What does this offer include? The Fusion bike is paired with a Zoov Life mobile app, enabling geolocation, GPS navigation, and mandatory unlocking and locking. GPS and Bluetooth activation are necessary to operate the bike. The brand also includes insurance for repairs and theft.

Zoov guarantees free technical intervention within 24 hours and bike replacement if necessary. However, the company reserves the right to charge 50 euros for a damaged fender or 100 euros for a bent wheel.

As with all rental bikes, the Zoov Fusion in long-term lease is compatible with the Sustainable Mobility Package. With a subsidy from 200 to 500€ depending on whether you are a private or public employee, the monthly rent reduces to respectively 27.33 and 52.33 €.

Note that this e-bike is prohibited for professional use. The terms of use specify that Zoov forbids completing more than 100 trips and 300 km per week.

Also read: Pony: electric scooters arrive in Bourges