A fleet of 1,000 electric scooters and bikes in Cherbourg

With 1,000 devices across 155 stations, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin is focusing on dockless electric scooters and bikes to advance mobility.

As we just mentioned, electric scooters are no longer exclusive to major metropolitan areas. Medium-sized cities, like Cherbourg, are embracing this micro-mobility solution to achieve specific goals.

Cherbourg rides the wave of success from Le Havre

“Cherbourg-en-Cotentin is the first city in the department to offer a comprehensive micro-mobility service,” says Mayor Benoît Arrivé, “a complement to various modes of transportation, both individual and collective.”

“This could serve as an alternative for residents during the BNG (New Generation Bus) construction, especially to avoid traffic,” adds Arnaud Catherine, Deputy Mayor for Transportation of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, to the site actu.fr, “there’s no reason it shouldn’t succeed. Not far from us, in Le Havre, it’s a hit.” Indeed, the elected official bases this on Le Havre’s success, which boasts the highest utilization rate per inhabitant worldwide for such devices.

155 stations and some zones limited or prohibited

The service was launched on July 7, 2022. To serve the entire city and its metropolitan area, Cherbourg established 155 stations. These are used to borrow and park bikes or scooters, available in dockless systems similar to Lime, Dott, or Tier. Here is the city’s station map:

Bird has spared no effort in Cherbourg, with 1,000 electric vehicles planned to be available. During the one-year trial, 500 bikes and 500 scooters will traverse the city.

Like all such devices, their electric motors are limited to 25 km/h. However, certain zones “near schools or pedestrian areas” will automatically reduce the speed limit to 10 or even 8 km/h.

How much does it cost to rent bikes and scooters?

To use an electric device in Cherbourg, you must download the Bird app and be over 18. Simply unlock the bike or scooter in front of you by scanning the QR code with your phone.

Once on board, usage costs 1 euro plus a subscription fee of 14 cents per minute. Rental must end at a designated spot indicated on the app. Lastly, for those still unaware, usage requires adherence to the traffic laws.

The mayor also warns, after the failure of several scooter services. “If misconduct such as vandalism or abandonment occurs on the vehicles, the system will be immediately discontinued,” assured Benoît Arrivé. For example, the Pure service in Villeneuve-d’Ascq closed after only 24 hours due to damages.

Read also: Dott scooters and bikes arrive in Grenoble