E-bikes are becoming increasingly integrated into daily life in France, according to a study published by French think tank Fondation Jean-Jaurès in June 2026.
The study, titled Dans la France du vélo à assistance électrique, examines how French people perceive and use e-bikes. It draws on a national survey conducted by Ifop, a survey of customers of e-bike reconditioning platform Upway, and qualitative discussions with e-bike users.
According to industry data from the Union Sport & Cycle (USC) cited in the report, France sells an average of around 600,000 e-bikes per year, making e-bikes the country’s best-selling electric vehicle, ahead of cars. In 2024, e-bike sales were 33% higher than in 2019, with e-bikes accounting for one in every three bicycles sold in France that year.
The report was produced by Fondation Jean-Jaurès in partnership with Upway, a specialist in reconditioned e-bikes in France and Europe. The Ifop national survey was conducted online from May 21 to 29, 2026, among 3,003 respondents representative of the French population aged 18 and over. Upway conducted a separate survey among its customers during the first quarter of 2026, supplemented by qualitative discussions with users who agreed to share their experiences.
User Base Proves Broader Than Public Perception
The study finds that e-bikes are often associated with a “young, urban” demographic with relatively high socioeconomic status, but the actual user base is more diverse. Almost one in five people in France owns an e-bike, with younger and more affluent groups representing the main buyers.
User priorities also vary by age. Among respondents aged 65 and over, 45% placed the greatest emphasis on easier pedaling and reduced physical effort. By comparison, 28% of respondents under 35 placed greater importance on technology, equipment, formats and brands.
Commuting and Leisure Remain Key Uses
According to the study, 42% of e-bike owners use their e-bikes for commuting. Leisure activities and physical activity are also among the main uses identified in the study.
Users identified the main benefits of e-bike use as engaging in light physical activity, enjoying the outdoors, and reducing car use. Overall satisfaction remains high, with 80% of e-bike owners saying they would recommend an e-bike to friends and family.
Cost and Infrastructure Remain Key Barriers
Purchase and maintenance costs, along with a lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure, were identified as the main barriers to wider e-bike adoption in France.
Photo: LEVA-EU
