This Saturday morning, there is a line in front of the cycle store at 78, rue Damrémont (18th century). Bike owners are patiently waiting to enter the store. When they discover that they will have to wait 3 weeks if they want to take advantage of the financial boost of € 50 to have their two-wheeler repaired!
"We receive 80 calls per day"
“Since the device was put in place by the state on May 11, we have been overwhelmed. We receive 80 phone calls per day and around 100 emails per week. Local customers want to have their bikes repaired to avoid particularly crowded metro line 13, even during this period of deconfinement, ”explains Sliman, co-manager of Villovelo, which is sold out until June 26.
“My company refuses to let me take public transportation, so my bike, which I had left in the yard for months, will resume service. I had two puncture-resistant tires installed to be quiet, ”explains this 57-year-old architect who came to collect his bike.
"I have an appointment in July"
Alice sets out again on foot with her punctured bicycle. “I have an appointment in July. I have not been able to drive since the start of confinement. I am an actress and fortunately, I do not need to travel since the theaters are closed. But I would like my bike to be repaired quickly so that I can get out more freely. ”
No wonder times are getting longer. "Many people have brought their old bikes out of the cellar and want to restore them by benefiting from the state premium", explains the manager who has also seen his sales of new bikes - electric or traditional - soar since the reopening of the store.
Change of derailleur, repair of the brakes, replacement of a broken chain, change of tires and repair of the light… All these repairs are covered up to a limit of € 50 and excluding VAT. Changing saddles or purchasing accessories (helmets, panniers, etc.) are not eligible for government assistance.
“But instead of anticipating, people come at the last moment and are unhappy that we cannot revise their bikes during the day. It is like air conditioning, it is better to install it in winter than to wait for the arrival of hot weather, "squeaks a repairman installed in Batignolles (17th century) whose appointment book is filled up to in early July.
Lack of spare parts
Same situation with repairers located in the Place de la République sector (11th century). “I can't find one who wants to overhaul my brakes for three weeks. I'll end up forgetting the premium and paying for the repair because I don't want to have an accident, ”explains Ariane, on an internship in the neighborhood.
The lack of spare parts further lengthens the deadlines. "Our suppliers replenished us when the factories restarted, but we ran out of inner tubes and anti-theft devices for a few days," says the manager of Villovelo (18th century).
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So, a word of advice: do not wait to pre-register on the coupdepoucevelo.fr site or make an appointment directly with the approved repairer in your neighborhood.