Urban Gliding is an art, a passion, an escape, adrenaline, and adventures. A global phenomenon that attracts a large number of gliding enthusiasts, not just in France. Through these lines, the Weebot team explains what is meant by urban gliding. What is its history? Why practice it on a electric scooter and electric bike? What are the best spots to enjoy urban gliding in Paris, Lyon, and Lille? And what tips are there for beginners? Whether you are a newcomer or a pro at gliding, we have written this article for you!
Urban Gliding: what's that?
In the electric field; urban gliding is the art of moving around the city in a fluid, agile, and fun way, using motorized vehicles such as electric scooters and electric bikes. It refers to a set of sports and recreational practices that take place mainly in urban environments.
Do you know the story of Urban Gliding?
Every sliding enthusiast should know the history of urban sliding.
It all started in the 70s when the first Californian skateboarders transformed sidewalks into playgrounds. Urban skating was born and quickly diversified with the arrival of rollerblades, BMX, and scooters. It took over the concrete streets of our cities.
What started as an underground practice has now become a true urban culture. But today, a new evolution has emerged: electric scooters and electric bikes, which have merged gliding and mobility. These new vehicles do not simply replace walking or traditional biking; they bring a fresh perspective to urban gliding. Among the most popular electric bike models at the moment, we find the ranges from Garrett Miller.
Urban Gliding: for whom?
Urban gliding is intended for men and women who want to move easily around the city. To avoid traffic jams, save time, or simply for pleasure, everyone finds their benefit. Young people, students, busy professionals, or even those who just enjoy exploring the city in a new way can all enjoy the fun of urban gliding. In other words, this practice is a simple, fast, and fun way to get around while being a little more eco-friendly!
Why practice Urban Gliding on electric scooters and bikes?
Urban gliding is not just about speed or thrills. This sporting practice combines a multitude of physical, mental, and social benefits. Whether on an electric bike or riding an electric scooter, every journey is a new adventure to discover. So, why dive into urban gliding with these electric vehicles? Here are some good reasons!
To stay in shape
Many still ignore it, but urban gliding on a scooter or electric bike is much more beneficial than one might think. Even though these devices assist your propulsion, you still need to work on your balance and control each of your movements. It’s a fun way to stay active without having to exert intense effort. You can adjust the intensity of the glide according to your mood or fitness level, thus adapting the effort for each outing.
A breath of fresh air for the mind
Urban gliding allows you to break free from the monotony of everyday life, makes you feel a certain adrenaline, and discover the city in a new light. Whether you are racing down a street or weaving between pedestrians, every turn and every acceleration offers you a moment of pure freedom. It’s a real breath of fresh air in an often stressful daily routine. Urban gliding is also a way to disconnect, to refocus, and to enjoy a moment of pure freedom.
A spirit of community
Urban gliding brings together riders from all backgrounds, enthusiasts of electric scooters and electric bikes who share their spots, tips, and advice. Participating in outings or events in the city gives you the opportunity to meet other enthusiasts, create friendships, and above all, develop a spirit of mutual aid that is characteristic of urban gliding culture.
The fun aspect of Urban Sliding
Finally, don't forget that urban gliding is above all a moment of pleasure and fun. Whether on a powerful electric scooter or riding an urban electric bike, the feeling of freedom and enjoyment is unmatched. You will find the same excitement as a skateboarder when they ride down a slope, but with a big advantage: the ability to cover longer distances without getting tired.
The best Urban Gliding spots
Urban gliding is increasingly making its way into our cities, and every major city has its must-visit spots where riders can have a blast. Grab your bike or your electric scooter; we will take you to visit the favorite places of riders for urban gliding in Lyon, Lille, and Paris.
Urban Sliding Paris
Paris, with its lively streets and iconic monuments, is an ideal playground for urban skating. It’s a paradise for skating enthusiasts. On the banks of the Seine, in the Luxembourg Gardens, or around the Grands Boulevards, the capital is full of perfect spots for riding a scooter or an electric bike. The bike lanes are increasingly numerous and provide a safe environment for riders.
Lyon Urban Slide
Lyon, with its mix of old neighborhoods and modern areas, is another ideal destination for urban skating enthusiasts. Along the Rhône, you will find perfect spaces for a bike or scooter ride, with stunning views of the city. The banks of the Saône and the Tête d'Or park are quiet places for a relaxed glide. Old Lyon and its cobbled streets allow you to test your balancing skills. It’s the perfect place to combine urban exploration and the joy of skating!
Urban Sliding Lille
Lille, with its wide boulevards and numerous green spaces, is also a city conducive to urban skating. On the banks of the Deûle and the Lille citadel, you will discover pleasant and accessible routes to enjoy a ride on a scooter or electric bike. Navigate through the pedestrian streets of the Grand-Place and its surroundings. Take the opportunity to admire the charming architecture of the city.
No matter where you are, in Paris, Lyon, or Lille, there is always a spot to indulge in urban skating. Skating enthusiasts meet in skateparks, but also in various spots like sidewalks, ramps, and asphalt surfaces.
Events dedicated to electric Urban Gliding enthusiasts
Urban gliding comes to life through dedicated events, gatherings and festivals, where enthusiasts of scooters and electric bikes can meet, test the latest models, and share their passion. Here’s an overview of urban gliding events in Lille, Lyon, and Paris!
Urban Gliding Paris: Between Innovation and Sensations
Paris is one of the most dynamic cities in terms of electric mobility. Several events are regularly organized there to highlight electric scooters and electric bikes.
Bike Show
This must-attend show, while also highlighting traditional bikes, offers a large section dedicated to electric bikes, with numerous demonstrations and on-site trials. It's the perfect opportunity to test different models and meet experts in sustainable mobility.
Bike Festival in Paris
The Vélo in Paris festival is a true crossroads for enthusiasts of soft mobility, featuring events and spaces dedicated to electric bikes. Visitors can test new vehicles and attend demonstrations in the city. Both young and old participate.
Paris Rollers Parade
Although primarily dedicated to roller skating, this event is also a great opportunity to meet enthusiasts of electric urban gliding and to participate in a friendly parade through the streets of Paris.
Urban Gliding Lyon: The city where electric mobility takes off
In Lyon, sustainable mobility is also a key topic, and several events allow electric scooter and electric bike enthusiasts to come together to share their passion.
Lyon Soft Mobility
A beautiful event that brings together all lovers of green mobility. Demonstrations of electric vehicles are offered, allowing visitors to discover the latest innovations and to test electric scooters and bikes in real-life situations.
Lyon Bike Show
This show is one of the most anticipated for electric bike enthusiasts. Many brands come to showcase their latest creations, and test rides are organized throughout the city to try out electric bikes in real conditions.
Tour of Lyon by electric bikes
An event where participants can discover Lyon while riding an electric bike. An ideal way to combine tourism and sport, while exploring the nooks and crannies of the city. Riders will be able to test their balance and enjoy a unique urban setting to improve their skills in urban gliding.
Urban Gliding Lille: An ideal destination for electric gliding
Lille is not to be outdone, with events that allow you to discover electric urban gliding from all angles.
Sustainable Mobility Show
This Lille fair highlights alternative modes of transport, including electric scooters and electric bikes. It's an opportunity to meet experts and test different vehicles while discussing the challenges of sustainable mobility.
Lille Mobility
An event that brings together brands and enthusiasts of electric bikes and electric scooters, with self-service trials and demonstrations in the streets of the city. It’s also a good time to discuss new trends in urban transport.
Free demonstrations and trials in Lille
Lille regularly hosts more informal events where electric mobility companies organize test sessions. They are often held in open and accessible spaces, such as parks, quays, or bike paths in Lille. These events are the perfect opportunity to meet other enthusiasts, discover the latest innovations, and share a friendly moment around electric urban gliding.
No matter the city you are in, Paris, Lyon, or Lille, there is always an event that will allow you to fully experience your passion for electric mobility! Beginners can get introduced to the art of gliding, and seasoned practitioners will have the opportunity to perfect it.
Practice safely
When you start urban skating outdoors, it is super important to wear the right protective gear. Elbow pads, knee pads, and helmets are essential, especially if you are a beginner. Even though urban skating is fun, it can become risky if you do not follow safety rules, so never neglect this equipment to avoid injuries. Additionally, the hardness of the wheels on some devices can complicate practice on not very smooth surfaces. Therefore, you need to know how to adapt your riding to the environment to skate safely.
Conclusion
Electric urban gliding goes far beyond just a mode of transportation. For us, the ride enthusiasts, it is a true lifestyle that allows us to rediscover the city with fun and freedom. Whether you are in Paris, Lyon, or Lille, each city has unique spots to practice urban gliding safely. Electric scooters and electric bikes are perfect for enjoying the adrenaline while being more environmentally friendly. By taking the right precautions and choosing the right equipment, you can explore these cities in a new light and fully experience urban gliding.