Decathlon innovates. The French leader in sports equipment is launching short-term bicycle rental with two experiments launched in twelve stores in Paris and Lyon. The brand, which had already ventured into rental but long term - from 12 to 48 months - wants with this offer called "Decathlon Rent" to follow the trend of the moment by putting a toe in the circular economy.
"It's a test and a real break with what we do," said a spokesperson at the group's headquarters in Villeneuve-d'Ascq (North). After several studies on the bicycle market, which was also booming in this post-Covid-19 period, Decathlon came to the conclusion that "in terms of consumption, we are witnessing a shift from ownership to use" . In other words, the consumer no longer necessarily wishes to have "his" own bike, with all the disadvantages that this implies in terms of theft, maintenance and obsolescence, what he wants is to be able to use a bike and preferably in good working order! A test carried out in the region on children's bikes offered for long-term rental confirmed with the Decathlon staff that there was a demand for this type of service.
Monthly rates ranging from 15 to 75 euros
How is the offer structured? Five types of bike from the manufacturer's range will be offered for monthly rates ranging from 15 euros for a muscular city bike fixie type to 20 euros and 35 euros for a more conventional vehicle. Two electric bikes (VAE), very popular, are finally offered in the catalog: a folding (55 euros) and a classic frame (75 euros). And it is an "all inclusive" offer: the tenant is insured against theft, breakage and benefits from a "turnkey" service of regular maintenance.
To compare, the average purchase price of a city bike or mountain bike in France reached 566 euros in 2019, according to the observatory of the Union Sport et Cycles. The price rises to 1,749 euros for an electrically assisted bicycle (VAE).
Unlike users of Vélib 'type self-service bicycles, the customer has his machine as he pleases and can at any time terminate his subscription, near the holidays, for example, or in the event of prolonged absence. It remains for the brand to find its place in a constantly changing market with in particular the appearance of the functional bike or the Véligo offers, the electric bike rental from Ile-de-France Mobilités which is a hit with more than 10,000 subscribers.
Faced with this competition already well in place in the Paris agglomeration like the Lyon region, Decathlon will have a lot to do and does not set quantified targets for the moment.
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It is already possible to pre-register on the Decathlon rental site, Decathlon Rent. An email will then be sent to you to choose your bike and go to the participating store. In Paris and Ile-de-France, the Decathlon stores in Montreuil, Madeleine, Rive Gauche and Rosa Parks are participating in the operation. In Lyon (Rhône) and its conurbation: Decathlon Lyon Part Dieu; Confluence; City Grolée-Carnot; Bron; Beynost; Ecully; Limonest and Villefranche-sur-Saône.