Electric-assisted bicycles, or VAE, have gained popularity among both urban and rural populations, with different usage patterns depending on age and location. In cities, people aged 35-45 often use VAE for practical purposes, such as commuting to work or running errands. Older individuals, known as boomers, tend to use them for leisure and health reasons, especially on weekends when the weather is good. However, a less-discussed group includes rural and peri-urban residents who use VAE for trips that would typically be made by car, such as visiting a neighboring village, reaching a train station, or traveling to a workplace a few kilometers away. According to an analysis by the statistical service of the Ministry of Ecological Transition, based on the 2018-2019 national mobility survey, 40% of trips made by people living in rural communes range between 10 and 100 kilometers, compared to 18% in densely populated areas. This suggests a greater need for alternative transport solutions in rural regions, where jobs, stores, and services are not always located near homes. Electric bicycles offer an efficient option, as users can maintain an average speed of 20 km/h, which is comparable to the average speed of a car in similar conditions. However, cars often take longer due to the time needed to find parking and walk to the final destination. Despite these advantages, rural areas face challenges such as a lack of proper infrastructure and a sense of insecurity among cyclists. A 2024 study by Cerema found that obstacles like poor road conditions, uncomfortable terrain, adverse weather, and the risk of theft discourage people from using VAE in sparsely populated regions. For instance, a five-kilometer trip to a train station might involve a narrow, heavily trafficked road, making the journey less appealing. Encouragingly, some areas have successfully integrated VAE into their transport systems. In the Tarn region, the greenway Passa Païs repurposes a former railway line to connect homes, workplaces, and schools, allowing people to commute or travel for leisure. In Lyon, an old towpath along the Rhône River is used by urban cyclists during the week and by walkers and joggers on weekends, showing how such routes can be used more widely if properly maintained. The use of bicycles, including VAE, depends on factors like the availability of infrastructure, the need to carry items, and the conditions upon arrival. A 2024 national survey by CSA found that 44% of households own at least one bicycle, with 9% owning an electric-assisted bicycle. However, half of the distances traveled by bicycle are for leisure, suggesting that the shift from leisure to regular use is not always easy. The cost of VAE is another important factor, and the ability to test the bicycle in real use could help people transition to this mode of transport. Long-term rental services studied by Cerema allow users to try VAE without buying them, which can be helpful for both people who currently use cars and those who prefer non-motorized transport. In conclusion, while VAE may not replace all car trips, it can start with small errands, occasional workdays, or trips to the train station. If the experience is positive and the infrastructure is safe and adequate, VAE can become a regular habit. Trips under 10 kilometers are quick and easy on a VAE, taking no more time than by car, and offering a level of enjoyment that is hard to ignore.