How burning e-bikes became the symbol of unrest in France

• Violent nationwide protests in France over rising living costs led to around 2,400 arrests and widespread property damage over the weekend.
• Shared mobility operators suffered heavy losses as protesters burned e-bikes, with Dott reporting €400,000 in damage and Lime losing 6 per cent of its Paris fleet.
• The destruction of e-bikes created severe hazards, as their lithium-ion batteries ignited rapid, intense fires and toxic smoke across city streets.
• French President Emmanuel Macron pledged an uncompromising response to the unrest, ordering an intelligence inquiry and authorising local curfews.
• Most criminal cases stemming from the Paris region arrests involve property destruction, participation in violent groups, and assaults on police officers.

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