Are Velib's heavy? Why do so many Velib' users totter and struggle with their Velib'? Velib's are sturdily built as each of them will be used between 10 and 15 times a day. A Velib' weighs 22 kg (48.5 pounds), 22% more than a commercial bike, yet in line with the choice of materials used, which have to be extremely hard-wearing.
Besides, most Velib' users are not experienced bikers, that probably explains why they don't look very self-assured every time they move off.