Price, capacity, use. How to choose the right electric bike?

A quality Electric Assisted Bike (VAE) will rarely cost less than €2,500… so it’s best to choose wisely. It starts with asking yourself when you’re going to use it. “If I do it twice a year in the mountains or twice a day in the city, I don’t need the same bike,” explains Nicolas Martin, manager of Cycles Veran specialty stores in Lyon. You have to think about all the uses you want to put it to.” Road bike, city bike, all-terrain bike (MTB). Rather for a walk with your nose in the wind, or to take your children to school?

Then we recommend visiting a specialized store. in addition to personal advice, the specialist will help you adjust the height of the bike, brakes or tires. And will be able to guide you through the following criteria that are most important in finding the right saddle for you.

Engine quality

The engine can be front, rear or trunk mounted. This is the last place we prefer. “Crane motors are more reliable,” explains Nicholas Martin. Avoid in-wheel motors, which are often shoddy and cannot be repaired. Choose from Bosch, Yamaha or Shimano motor brands. they are the most efficient because they follow the pedals and accompany the effort instead of moving the bike. These brands of motors can be installed on other brands of bikes.

Battery life

It is measured in watts from 300 to 750 watts. Depending on the degree of assistance required, the battery runs at an average speed of 40 to 120 km. “More autonomy is not necessarily better. it depends on your usage,” warns Nicholas Martin. Long battery life is expensive. If you only use your bike to commute 3 km to work, you don’t need a 750 watt battery.” But if you plan to use it more for outings, think big.

Engine torque

That is, its force, which appears between 40 and 85 newtons. To choose the power of the engine, you need to consider the weight that your bike has to carry (and primarily yours) and the effort that you will require from it; sloping terrain, moving objects, etc. the more power you need, the more torque you need.

Loads or not?

Extended bicycles are more and more common in the city. most often these long tails (which have a long tail that can fit a store or two kids) or cargo ships front load : They have a large wooden box in the front that allows you to store groceries… or children. The first is lighter and more manageable, but the second is very stable, more suitable for carrying heavy loads. For business day-to-day commuting (if you have room to park them), these bikes aren’t as well-suited for touring, however.

at what price(s)

Expect around €2,000 to €3,000 for a city bike, €4,000 for a mountain or road bike, €5,000 for a cargo bike. Of course, there are entry-level bikes that start at €600, but their lifespan will be very limited; a quality battery alone costs between 500 and 700 euros.