# Vélib', app officielle — user reviews > 364 indexed App Store user reviews of Vélib', app officielle by Vélib' Métropole, rated 1.40/5 from 70 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/velib-app-officielle/id577807727/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/velib-app-officielle/id577807727.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 5 · 4★ 1 · 3★ 2 · 2★ 3 · 1★ 59 ## What do users think of Vélib', app officielle? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 💰 Affordable pricing for city transportation - 🗺️ Real-time bike and parking availability display - 🚴 Extensive station network across Paris - ⚡ Electric bike options available - 📱 App finds stations easily - 🎯 Convenient for short trips under 30 minutes - 👍 Helpful customer service staff (when reached) - 🔋 Battery level display for e-bikes (recent update) - 💳 Apple Wallet integration option **Cons** - 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes - 🚲 Majority of bikes in poor condition or broken - 🔌 E-bikes often lack charge or won't charge - 📍 Station availability data frequently inaccurate - 🔐 Login and authentication issues persistent - 💸 Unexpected charges and overages - 🅿️ Stations constantly full with no parking spots - ⚠️ Bikes shown available but non-functional - 🌐 Server errors and connectivity problems - 📞 Poor customer service responsiveness - 🔄 Frequent unexpected logouts - 💳 Payment processing failures - 🚫 Bike unlock mechanism frequently fails - 🛠️ Inadequate bike maintenance - ⏱️ Misleading trip duration charges - 🌍 Language settings stuck or non-functional - 📱 App only works on WiFi, not cellular data **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes on startup or login - Server error messages during registration - Payment declined despite valid cards - Incorrect trip duration calculations and charges - Bikes not properly docking/undocking - Bike unlock codes not working - Station availability numbers don't match reality - Apple Wallet pass not syncing or working - Auto-logout without warning - Language settings reverting or stuck - Map display showing blank or not loading - Notifications not arriving or persisting - Password reset emails not sending - Account locked without explanation - Subscription charges continuing after cancellation - NFC/Apple Pay integration failures - Bike display screens illegible or scratched - App not compatible with certain iOS versions - Unauthorized charges appearing days/weeks later - Two-factor authentication issues **Most requested features** - Battery level display for electric bikes - Real-time bike condition/defect reporting system - In-app navigation/directions to stations - Trip history and detailed billing breakdown - Ability to rate bikes after each ride - Notification system for trip completion - SMS notifications for ride end confirmation - Predictive maintenance alerts - Station rebalancing incentives for crowded areas - Dark mode option - Integration with Strava - Apple Watch app - Better password manager compatibility - Multiple payment options (PayPal, Klarna, etc.) - Offline map functionality - Account deletion confirmation and timeline ## Newest reviews (18 of 364) ### 4/5 — US Visitors *2026-08-12, version 8.8.0* Many reviewers mention problems with the U.S. numbers, as of mid August, I had no problem registering using the U.S. numbers. First time using is confusing, it took me about 25 minutes to figure out everything to rent four bikes, but honestly the app works as it is supposed to, works with Apple Pay flawlessly and I didn’t have any problems with payments as some people suggest. When you return the bike make sure it shows the bike is locked and shows a message that you are good to walk away. My wife didn’t push the bike all the way in and when I was double checking I realized the bike is still active, thanks to other reviews I was aware of the issue and made sure it is locked before walking away. ### 2/5 — App broken for tourists - workaround here *2026-07-25, version 8.7.0* If you have a US phone number, app cannot register you - sms will fail you. As of July servers have been failing for weeks anyway so hard to tell what's broken on purpose vs by accident. Instead: - get a navigo easy card from any metro machine, 2 euro - ignore this app. download the Ile de France Mobilites app (the official transit one, you can use it for metro tickets/reloads anyway) - in there: Buy > other partner services > Velib. pick the day pass, choose your navigo card as the unlock - at the bike press the green V, hold the card on the little screen, it unlocks. thats it, no app no codes You might also be able to use the 'codes sent to email' path in the IDF app if you don't want to deal with the card. When you dock it back WAIT for the STOP symbol on the bike screen and pull on the bike to check its locked. Otherwise the ride stays open and you become one of the other reviews here. Some bikes are actually good. Leave seats backwards on ones that aren’t. 5 euro day pass. Signup is totally broken however. ### 1/5 — Vélib ruined my marriage *2026-06-29, version 8.6.2* Have you ever been held down, tied to a cold bench, and forced to pay someone 1 euro every few minutes? Thats exactly what it’s like using Vélib. I can’t tell you the torture these bikes have put me through. I had to work 2 jobs just to pay off the debt this company put on me. My starving children cried every night because we were so poor as a result of Vélib and their services. I was forced to explain to my landlord how my salary had been sacrificed to a bicycle. My accountant looked at my statement, and said, “I’ve never seen anything like this before.” My family stopped asking how my day was and just asked, “how much did Vélib take this time?” I could’ve bought 37 bikes by now. Christmas is officially cancelled untill I financially recover from one bike ride. If financial ruin had a mascot, it would be those damn green bicycles. Take this as a warning to never, I mean NEVER use Vélib! (It ruined my life) ### 1/5 — Would rather be waterboarded than use velib. *2026-06-29, version 8.6.2* Wow. Where do I start, for one half the bikes don’t work. When it does, it’s an enjoyable journey, until you lock it up at a velib station. You do everything right and still these scammers charge you 90 euro and tell you the bike is still out and you can’t do anything about it. Even after you prove to their terrible customer service that you did everything right they will tell you that you messed up and they can’t help you. On multiple occasions it didn’t register that I put the bike up and it wouldnt let me get a new one. I call customer service and they tell me I did something wrong. I prove to them on FaceTime that it is correctly docked and they say thank you I will end your trip, but they won’t refund my money. There is certainly a fiery castle in hell for those people. Save yourself your time and money and don’t use velib. ### 1/5 — sucksss *2026-06-26, version 8.6.2* doesnt work at ALL and all the bikes are broken. it takes like 20 hours to figure out how to do it and even then it sucks. i payed and then my bike was broken so i tried to change it but obviously it didnt work so i took a taxi so i genuinely lost my 4 euros + the taxi ride. i would put 0 stars if i could. ### 1/5 — Fake extra charges *2026-06-24, version 8.6.2* Would give zero stars, bike dock malfunction after locking it and charged me for an extra day, support did nothing to help ### 2/5 — Gute Idee, schlecht Unsetzung *2026-06-21* Die Idee von Vélib’ ist eigentlich super: Viele Stationen in ganz Paris, normale Fahrräder und E-Bikes sowie ein gutes 3-Tage-Ticket. Leider scheitert es an der Umsetzung. E-Bikes lassen sich oft nicht freischalten, sind leer oder defekt. Normale Fahrräder funktionieren zwar meist besser, aber häufig sind Stationen leer oder bei der Rückgabe komplett voll. Besonders ärgerlich war ein technisches Problem mit dem Pausenmodus am Fahrrad. Wir konnten die Fahrt nicht richtig beenden und bekamen vom Kundenservice nur die Auskunft, dass wir entweder 8 € für einen Techniker zahlen oder das Fahrrad weiter berechnet bekommen. Insgesamt eine tolle Idee, aber technisch sehr unzuverlässig und mit schlechtem Kundenservice. Daher leider nicht zu empfehlen. Auch die App hat ein par Biggs in sich ### 1/5 — A travesty *2026-06-21, version 8.6.2* An excuse for an application. All the developers are those that deserve to be replaced by AI. Never worked, never delivered. UI is awful as well. Avoid at all costs and consider yourself lucky to have avoided such a disaster. ### 1/5 — Wow *2026-06-20, version 8.6.2* Nothing works ### 1/5 — Bad app *2026-06-19, version 8.6.2* Your servers always seem to be down. I can’t create an account the bikes look like they might be OK but the app is trash. ### 1/5 — Worst app ever *2026-06-15, version 8.6.2* This is by far the worst app I have ever used. You get codes that you can’t retrieve (requiring a screenshot?) to save them. It doesn’t integrate with the bikes well (had to buy 3 passes). Terrible terrible terrible. Would swear if I could. ### 1/5 — worst bike service on planet earth *2026-06-09, version 8.6.2* basically a fraud bike service that steals your money. do not use. ### 1/5 — Don’t bother *2026-06-07, version 8.6.2* No way to contact for help. Bikes are charged but unable to access. ### 2/5 — Problèmes fréquents de l’application *2026-06-05* Utilisateur de Vélib depuis de nombreuses années, je suis globalement plutot insatisfait de l'application mais constate quelques améliorations récentes (notation des vélos, affichage du niveau de batterie), ce qui justifie mes deux étoiles. Cependant, les problèmes restent fréquents. Aujourd’hui, suite à un changement de tarification et l'expiration de mon ancien contrat, j’ai dû me réabonner manuellement après l'expiration du contrat ce matin. Or, l’application refuse la réabonnement en raison d’une erreur technique indiquant à tort que l’abonnement est toujours actif — ce qui n’est pas le cas. Résultat : je suis arrivé en retard à un rendez-vous. De manière générale, l’application présente souvent des bugs, me déconnecte sans raison, et il arrive que la localisation des stations ou le nombre de vélos disponibles disparaissent subitement. ### 1/5 — Unbrauchbar *2026-05-31* Die App habe ich geladen und versucht einen account zu erstellen. Nach Eingabe aller Daten und eines Passworts kommt stets die Meldung, dass eine Störung des Servers vorliegt. Das haben auch schon andere Nutzer moniert. Darum hat sich die Idee, ein Fahrrad in Paris zu nutzen erübrigt. Schade. ### 1/5 — Touristen *2026-05-27* Leiht euch andere Fahrräder aus… alles klappert und bei keinem hat alles funktioniert. Lime oder Ähnliches deutlich besser… größter Quatsch und vollkommen überteuert ### 1/5 — Terrible UX *2026-05-22, version 8.6.2* Totally unclear why they need all the information and don’t just use oauth login. Horrible privacy and UX. ### 1/5 — 0 if possible *2026-05-05, version 8.6.2* Bought a one day pass. Wasted over 30 minutes trying to get a bike. There was an attendant working on bikes at the stand. He couldn’t get it to work either. Wasted 5 euro ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Use another bike share *2026-08-06, version 8.8.0* I used Voi instead, it’s slightly more expensive but a way better experience. I bought a 5 trip ticket with Velib and I only got 2 rides out of it before giving up. Feels like they put the 45 minute window on your ride so you have to go through their broken system again and if it fails they take a ride/money from you ### 1/5 — Terrible *2026-08-01, version 8.8.0* Awful nothing world ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work *2026-07-30, version 8.7.0* I downloaded the app made an account, went to login the next day wouldn’t let me login. Wouldn’t let me change password. I tried to call customer service. She said it’s because my phone isn’t French. so maybe if you’re not from France don’t try to use it. Or you’ll have to download Google Chrome and get on your laptop and spend like 15 minutes trying to get it to work and then in the end it doesn’t work anyways ### 1/5 — Appalling, do not use *2026-07-27, version 8.7.0* Useless, could not unlock bike. Terrible app. ### 1/5 — It sucks!!!! *2026-07-23, version 8.7.0* I just spent the last hour trying to get the bike to accept my code so that I could ride the bike. I never got the bike to read my code within the Apple wallet but it took me for my money. And now I need to contact my credit card to make sure I won’t be charged for the service I never received. ### 1/5 — Want to be pickpocketed in Paris? Just use this service. *2026-07-22, version 8.7.0* Couldn’t agree more with samwell’s review. DO NOT use this service or app. They claimed I didn’t return a bike properly after I did and charged me €38 euros for a 24 hour day of rental when I wasn’t even using the bike. I then tried starting a new rental period, got charged, and then couldn’t retrieve any bikes. That’s another €10. I contacted customer service and they of course said it’s my fault even though somehow the bike never moved from the station dock for the last 24 hours since I returned it. This is a scam pure and simple. Going to be initiating charge backs and warning everyone else I can to never ever ever use them. ### 1/5 — Worst for hire bikes ever *2026-07-20, version 8.7.0* I’ve lived in many countries, I’ve never seen a worse bike system ever. Not only is it so hard to find a bike, but when you do find it it either doesn’t work or you can’t return it cause the station is full. After failing to find a bike for an hour, I’ve asked for a rerun and they refused. Worst system. ### 1/5 — Not fit for purpose *2026-07-12, version 8.7.0* I bought a €10 24 hour pass and nothing I did with any of the bikes would release the bike. I spent 40 minutes in the middle of a heatwave with my cousin who came from England and didn’t have any suncream on. She wanted to put cream on but we needed to hire a bike first. Thanks to Vélib she got a little burnt on the nose and forehead. Anyway, luckily we were having a late lunch and hadn’t made a reservation so we weren’t in too much of a hurry to get to the canal Saint Martin for a dip to cool off. I bumped into a friend while I was trying to release the bike who asked me “don’t you have your own bike?” Bingo!, I thought… I actually do but I’d forgotten. So I went back home to get my own bike and I had to use that. I now need to spend time to get in touch to get my tenner back. Or maybe I won’t bother and just forget about it. But seriously. Just don’t use this service. It’s really annoying and impossible to work out how to use it. ### 1/5 — Horrible *2026-07-03, version 8.7.0* Every bike is broken ### 1/5 — 1 star is too high. *2026-07-02, version 8.7.0* Spent 30 minutes getting a ticket and then no bikes worked. Truly awful design ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — App Works Well! *2026-07-27, version 8.7.0* I think most of the reviews below are fake reviews from bots, maybe from competitor companies. I registered on the website first and then bought a 24 hour pass. I then used my code + PIN on normal (not electric) bikes all day and was able to check a bike out and in easily. One bike had issues, so I re-docked it and reported it. You can use the app to view bike locations and quantity. You will see US competitor bikes across Paris but they’re expensive compared to Velib. Apple should clean up the reviews here - the misspelled rubbish posted makes it obvious. App was flawless for me! ### 5/5 — Auch für kurze Aufenthalte *2026-05-27* Selbst, wenn man als Radlfreund (als Tourist) nur einzelne Tage in Paris ist, macht es großen Sinn, sich im Vorfeld(!) diese App herunterzuladen und sich (via PC & Browser) zu registrieren. Die App ist mittlerweile so mächtig und umfassend, dass man sich am besten vorher in aller Ruhe damit befasst. Das (erstmal nahezu) kostenlose Abo V-Libre kann gleich aktiviert werden, es läuft dann ein Jahr – und damit macht es riesig Freude, mit oder ohne „E“ durch die Radlstadt Paris zu düsen. ### 5/5 — Mise à jour BRAVO *2025-10-19* Quand des choses vont bien il faut aussi le dire et cette fonction ajoutée de la BATTERIE DISPONIBLE sur les électriques CHANGE LA VIE de l’utilisateur littéralement !!! Finis les déplacements inutiles si aucun vélo n’a de batterie, et vive la jauge qui permet de prendre selon niveau de charge ! Enfin !! Merci ### 5/5 — Faut quand même dire que y’a des ameliorations *2025-10-08, version 8.4.0* Alors déjà je fais bien le distinguo entre le SERVICE Velib, qui est à la limite de la honte, et l’application Velib. Force est de constater qu’en 7 ans l’application a beaucoup progressé dans le positif, entre correctifs de bugs et ajouts de fonctionnalités QOL. ### 5/5 — GOAT *2025-09-20, version 8.3.1* Le meilleur service client que j’ai vu de toute ma vie, ils sont efficaces, simple et rapide, compréhensive de ma situation élégant, chargé en bas et intelligent ### 5/5 — Escencial para turistear Paris barato *2025-09-15, version 8.3.1* Nos encantó. Tomamos el Servicio mas de 10 veces en dos días y solo pagamos 5 Euros. Entregabamos la bici cada 30 minutos y no nos cobraban más. Creo que es una app que cualquier turista debería tener si quieren ahorrar dinero. ### 5/5 — Je vous trouve dur *2025-08-24* Alors personnellement j’utilise Velib depuis maintenant 2 ans et j’en suis globalement satisfaite. Je sais que le service n’est pas parfait mais le tarif est très abordable, les vélos fonctionnent globalement et les utilisateurs sont courtois entre eux. J’ai eu 3 fois le service client au téléphone, toujours des gens aidants. Franchement pour 9€ par mois c’est raisonnable comme service ### 5/5 — Great *2025-08-16, version 8.3.1* Works like a dream ### 5/5 — 🩷 *2025-06-23, version 8.2.1* je t’aime ### 5/5 — Optimal für Städtetrip *2025-04-27* Aufgrund der schlechten Bewertungen, war ich sehr unsicher, ob ich das Angebot von Velib nutzen sollte, und bin wirklich froh, dass ich es getan habe. Wir haben als vierköpfige Familie mit einem 24-Stunden-Elektrik-Tarif Paris mit dem Fahrrad erkundet. Das hat super geklappt und ich würde das jederzeit genauso weiterempfehlen. 1. Paris ist inzwischen eine extrem Fahrradfreundliche Stadt. 2. Velib hat in Paris mit Abstand das dichteste Verleihnetz - in 5 min Laufweite findet sich immer eine Station und der Anteil an e-Bikes ist mit geschätzten 30% sehr hoch. 3. Die App ist sehr nutzerfreundlich. Empfehlung: lest Euch zb während der Anreise die Anleitungen durch und sucht Euch einen der angebotenen Tarife aus. 4. Der Ausleihprozess ist ebenfalls unkompliziert sofern man bei der Buchung des Tarifs sich für Identifikation per NFC entscheidet und den gekauften Tarif ins Wallet importiert. Dann lässt sich die Ausleihe lediglich durch das Drücken des grünen Hakens am FahrradDisplay und die Bestätigung am Handy ausführen. Ergänzen möchte ich, dass auch bei uns nicht alles aalglatt verlief. Auch wir haben bei der ersten ausleihe 10 Minuten gebraucht, auch wir sind mal vor einer vollen Station gestanden und konnten die Räder nicht abgeben und auch bei uns war nicht jedes Rad in einem einwandfreien Zustand … jedes Mobilitätskonzept hat seine Vor- und Nachteile. Wenn ich einen wichtigen Termin wahrnehmen müsste, zum Beispiel eine Zugfahrt nach Hause, würde ich auf jeden Fall viel Puffer einbauen, oder auf ein anderes Verkehrsmittel setzen. Für unseren Einsatzfall ohne zeitliche Verpflichtungen war das eine wunderbare Möglichkeit die Stadt zu erkunden und ich würde sie jederzeit ggü. Bus- und Bahn vorziehen. Paris ist genau dafür umgestaltet worden!!! --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-27.*