Monaco is not only known as the city of the rich and beautiful, but also as a pioneer in terms of environmental protection and energy saving. With his foundation of the same name, Prince Albeert II has already invested more than 110 million euros in projects to preserve planetary health. A concept with rentable e-bikes from the company Monabike fits perfectly into this concept.
There are 49 stations throughout Monaco where you can conveniently hire a bike in just a few minutes via an online app. And thanks to electric assistance, even the ascent to Casino Square is completely comfortable (or is it? More on this later in the article).
And the best thing is that Monabike advertises free use for up to 30 minutes at every e-bike station. But is that really true? Unfortunately not… the information is wrong.
But first I borrow the bike in the hope of testing an e-bike completely free of charge.
Rent an e-bike from Monabike Monaco: this is how it works
1. download the free PBSC app for my Android mobile phone here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pbsc.bikes&hl=fr).
Apple users will find what they are looking for here: https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/pbsc/id557237724
2. then I create an account and choose a tariff. The free offer for use under 30 minutes is missing. I choose the tariff for 1 euro. Perhaps this euro will be refunded to me at the end?
3 I take a bike, adjust the saddle height and cycle through Monaco for 20 minutes. The ebike is easy to ride and supports you very well on uphill stretches. Technically, there’s really nothing wrong with the Monabike.
4. after I drop it off at another charging point, I receive an email confirming that the cost (coût) is 0 euros. So brilliant, the ride must really have been free….but I still had 1 euro debited from my account.
5 When I want to take another bike for the return journey a little later, I’m asked to pay another euro. But I should have a credit balance? But where do I see that? I am confused and write to customer service.
Now it is revealed: There is no free ride at Monabike Monaco
Each use costs at least 1 euro, according to the customer service on the website. Yes, there is, but I read the price information on the panels and they say otherwise.
That’s why I’m annoyed. It’s a matter of principle for me. And lies annoy me, no matter how big or small they are.
Why advertise it if it’s not true? Does the Monabike really need to relieve tourists of one euro in this way? The concept is great enough as it is and surely no-one would object to spending 1 euro for a 30-minute journey. Especially as an annual subscription of 72 euros for a fully functioning, always charged electric bike is really great.
As customer service does not realise that the statement ‘1 – 30 minutes = free’ is wrong, I appeal with this article: please change the misleading signage with the free use at the stations.
And I have another small disappointment when cycling through Monaco: Cyclists are also prohibited from using the Avenue de Monte-Carlo (where Gucci is located) as far as Casino Square. It’s not written on any signs, but the friendly policeman at the start of the road tells me when I turn in that you’re not allowed to cycle here. Presumably this is to prevent cheap bikes from spoiling the image of the beautiful luxury cars. And not even if they are electrically powered bikes from monabikes. I wonder if this is in the interests of the environment-loving prince!