Electric Biking in Lyon: An Updated 2024 City Guide

Lyon is not only known for its rich history, gastronomical delights, and silk weavers, but also as a haven for cycling enthusiasts. With the rise in eco-conscious travel, electric bikes have surged in popularity, and Lyon, with its bike-friendly streets, picturesque paths along the Rhône and Saône rivers, and dedicated bike lanes, offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable e-biking adventure.

Whether you're an experienced cyclist seeking to navigate the city's distinctive districts or a novice rider looking to explore Lyon's hidden gems, our guide will equip you with all the information you need. From the basics of e-biking, best routes to explore, recommended e-bike rentals, to insider tips on Lyon's must-see spots, we've got you covered.

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Lyon's Best Electric Bike Trails

Lyon's bike paths offer a mixture of urban landscapes, riverside scenery, and even a dash of hill-climbing for those looking for a bit of a challenge. Here are some of the best e-bike trails in the city:

Banks of the Rhône

Banks of the Rhone is an easy and flat trail that takes you along the Rhône river, allowing you to explore some of Lyon's top sights such as the Parc de la Tête d'Or and the Musée d'Art Contemporain. It's a leisurely ride with plenty of spots to stop, rest, and take in the views.

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Fourvière Hill

If you're up for a challenge, take your e-bike up the Fourvière Hill. It's a steep climb, but the views from the top, overlooking the entire city, are well worth the effort. Just remember, the beauty of an e-bike is that you can engage the motor when the going gets tough!

Confluence District

Located where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, this trail takes you through a modern and dynamic district, where you can explore the Musée des Confluences and enjoy the riverside parks.

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Lyon's Electric Bike Infrastructure

Lyon has been at the forefront of developing an integrated cycling infrastructure and promoting bicycle usage for years now. Electric bikes are an integral part of this. Here's a look at Lyon's electric bike infrastructure:

‍Vélo'v System: Launched in 2005, this was one of the world's first major bike-sharing systems and it includes e-bikes. With over 4,000 bicycles (including electric ones) available at 350 stations across Lyon and Villeurbanne, it's a popular option for both locals and tourists. The service also allows for easy online booking and payment.‍
Cycle Lanes and Tracks: Lyon boasts an extensive network of bicycle lanes and tracks, reaching over 500 kilometers. These lanes offer safe and efficient routes for e-bike riders throughout the city and surrounding areas.‍
Charging Stations: To facilitate the usage of e-bikes, Lyon has strategically placed charging stations across the city. These allow riders to conveniently charge their e-bikes while exploring the city. Some bike rental services also offer portable batteries.‍
Regulations and Laws: E-bikes in Lyon, like in the rest of France, are subject to certain regulations to ensure the safety of riders and pedestrians.‍
Integration with Public Transport: Lyon's public transportation system is well-integrated with its bicycle infrastructure. Many Vélo'v stations are near tram, metro, and bus stations, and bicycles are allowed on certain public transport options outside peak hours, making it easier for people to combine cycling with other forms of transport.‍
Cycling Culture and Education: Lyon's city government promotes a strong cycling culture, offering road safety education programs and encouraging businesses to support employees who cycle or use e-bikes.

Overall, Lyon's e-bike infrastructure is well-developed and continually improving, making it one of Europe's most bike-friendly cities.

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Lyon's Electric Bike Tours

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Renting an Electric Bike in Lyon

Lyon has several e-bike rental companies offering a wide variety of models for different needs, from urban commuting to exploring the countryside. Here are some of the best places to rent an e-bike in Lyon:

Vélo'v

Velo'v, the city's public bike-sharing program, includes e-bikes in their fleet. These are available at various stations around the city and can be rented easily with a Vélo'v card or a credit card at the rental stations. There's also a Vélo'v app which allows you to find nearby stations and check bike availability.

Lyon Bike Tour

Lyon Bike Tour offers not only e-bike rentals but also guided tours of Lyon. The tours are led by local guides and are a fantastic way to learn more about the city while riding.

Cyclable Lyon

Cyclable has several shops in Lyon and offers a range of e-bikes to rent. They also offer long-term rentals if you're planning a longer stay in the city.

Ecoriders Lyon

This is a great choice if you're interested in off-road e-biking. They offer robust mountain e-bikes perfect for the hills and terrain around Lyon.

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Lyon's Best Electric Bike Shops

Whether you're looking to buy a new e-bike, need repairs, or just want some expert advice, there are several reputable electric bike shops in Lyon. Here are a few to consider:

Cyclable

With multiple locations throughout Lyon, Cyclable offers a wide variety of e-bikes for city cycling, touring, and even mountain biking. They also provide maintenance and repair services.

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Altermove

This shop specializes in eco-friendly urban mobility, offering a range of electric bikes including commuter, folding, and cargo e-bikes. Altermove also has a good selection of accessories and parts.

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ECOX Lyon

ECOX Lyon is an e-bike specialist shop that offers all major e-bike types, including city, commuter, and cargo. They have an extensive selection of the best brands including Cannondale, Giant, Haibike, and Kalkhoff.

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Culture Vélo Lyon Nord

A bit outside the city center, Culture Velo Lyon Nord offers a wide range of e-bikes, from commuter bikes to more sporty models. They have top brands like Trek, Eovolt, and Scott.

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Lyon's E-Bike Rules and Regulations

In Lyon, as in the rest of France, electric bikes are subject to a set of rules and regulations to ensure safety and manage the coexistence of different types of vehicles on roads and cycling paths. These rules include:

‍Classification: E-bikes in France are categorized into classes according to their maximum motor-assisted speed. The most common class, which does not require a license or insurance, is the pedal-assisted e-bike that does not exceed 25 km/h. E-bikes that can go faster than this may be classified differently and subject to additional regulations.‍
Age Limit: Riders must be at least 14 years old to ride an e-bike that does not exceed 25 km/h. For faster e-bikes, the age limit may be higher.‍
Equipment: E-bikes must be equipped with a bell, lights, and reflectors.‍
Alcohol Limit: The legal blood alcohol limit for cyclists, including e-bike riders, is the same as for motor vehicle drivers.‍
Infrastructure Usage: E-bikes should generally use bike lanes where they are available. They are not allowed on highways and are typically not allowed on pedestrian sidewalks unless explicitly marked.‍
Maintenance and Safety: E-bikes should be regularly maintained, and the motor should be turned off when not necessary for safety reasons. It's important to keep in mind that in certain conditions, like slippery roads, the stopping distance of an e-bike can be longer than a regular bike due to its weight.

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