The V-Box is an electronic unit built into the handlebars that allows users quick and direct access to bikes. The unit is energy autonomous since it is charged by the dynamo. It communicates with the station via a radio transmitter/receiver, meaning it can feed data into the Vélib’ service's information systems.

The V-Box contains a contactless RFID/NFC card reader and a piezoelectric keyboard, and can activate and deactivate the lock that secures the Vélib’. It therefore guarantees that bicycles are correctly locked at stations.

The new Vélib’ Métropole service uses an overflow management system that is one of a kind. This system (which is also called "Park +") is designed to:

minimise instances where a user arrives at a station to return their bicycle but cannot do so because it is full;
double the number of bicycles available at the most popular stations before the morning rush hour.
Smovengo is the only operator to have tested this overflow management system in real conditions, in Helsinki. The "Park +" function, which is configurable and flexible, symbolises the new generation of self-service bicycles.

When a station is full, it gives users the option to attach a bicycle the other way around between two bicycles already parked. Bicycles docked in this way are secure since they are attached by a cable and protected by a Neiman lock that blocks the steering. The system allows the public road around the station to be kept as clear as possible.

The fork lock is a patented security system. Controlled by the V-Box, the fork lock secures the bicycle in one of two different ways:
At a station, the user parks their bicycle in a "docking station". The V-Box registers the end of the hire period and then electronically activates and engages the fork lock, which secures the bicycle.

For stops of a few minutes at places other than stations, the user scans their subscriber's card over the V-Box (or enters their PIN on the keypad) to indicate a temporary stop. The V-Box then blocks the handlebars (using a Neiman-style lock). The cyclist can also attach the bicycle to a fixed structure using the anti-theft cable which has been cleverly integrated into the handlebars.

Moving around is made much easier thanks to a fleet of bicycles which is 30% electric: Vélib’ users see their journeys shorten and defy the city's hills to climb them with ease. With a range of 50km and a top speed of 25km/hour, the electric Vélib’ bicycles represent a genuine alternative to the use of private cars that pollute the atmosphere.

Depending on how they are used, larger numbers of electric bicycles may gradually be introduced. This is one of the great advantages of the new fleet: in under half an hour in the workshop, mechanical bicycles can be made into electric bicycles!