How to choose the right electrically-assisted bicycle (EAB)?

The electric-assisted bicycle (VAE) market is exploding and has seen a more than twenty-fold increase, in ten years, for a fleet that has grown from 6,000 to 130,000 units (Union Sport & Cycle, 2017). Far behind Germany and the Netherlands -historically much more rooted in the bicycle culture, France thus still saves its place in the top 5 countries most fond of this innovation. With the 300,000 mark in annual sales well passed in France in 2019 (Observatoire du Cycle), we asked ourselves the right questions before we too migrated to this cycle ... away from the pump.

First and foremost, it's important to know that electric bicycles are highly regulated. To be authorized to ride on our roads, they must comply with the recommendations of various official texts (European Standards EN-15194 and EN-14764, consolidated version of the arrêté du 2 mai 2003 relatif à [...] la réglementation [...] des véhicules à moteur à deux ou trois roues [...], European Directive 2002/24/EC ...).

Given the regulations, the engine will therefore not be able to provide more power than 250 watts, for a maximum speed of 25 km/h (where assistance cuts out, if overtaking). Its position can vary: in the hub of the rear wheel (more difficult to change the tire, but giving a feeling of propulsion), in the crankset (better center of gravity, better torque), or in the front wheel (producing a feeling of traction).

To look at, on the motor side: the torque, in newton-meters (Nm), a good indicator of power.

When it comes to the battery (lithium or nickel), it's a good idea to take into account its current (capacity, in ampere-hours, Ah or mAh), as this has a direct influence on the bike's range; as for the nominal voltage (in volts, V), this is also useful to get an idea of the power of the current being sent to the motor. Other indicators, such as charging time or discharge cycle, are also of interest.

Finally, some VAEs feature fixed batteries, limiting disassembly. A removable battery has the advantage of being able to recharge anywhere (apartment, office...) and can also be replaced more easily. On average, an electric-assist bike battery lasts two years (or 500 recharges with daily use), and four years for less frequent outings. Charging cycles, meanwhile, last from two to eight hours, depending on the charger.

Electric-assist bikes are real concentrates of technology. Pedaling sensors, for example, are computers capable of controlling the level and, above all, the type of assistance provided by the bike. Some analyze cadence (rotation), others pedaling force (pressure), and some combine the methods. In all cases, it's best to try and judge according to use (lots of hills, desire for authentic sensations ...).

When it comes to brakes, electric-assist bikes offer various options: on rim ("pads", hydraulic ...), on hub (disc ...). The first, with its famous rubber pads, is more popular and easier to replace, but less effective in wet weather. As for discs, they offer much better braking power, but require more professional maintenance.

Outside mechanics, once on board the machine, attention turns to the dashboard, and the plethora of associated digital services. These are real tech arguments for manufacturers, who are teaming up with start-ups to offer complete e-sport solutions. Classic functionalities, such as distance calculation, found on older digital meters, or more advanced ones, such as periodic bike maintenance reminders sit alongside, on these microcomputers, the ability to set riding modes, GPS navigation functions or even fitness tracking.

Electric-assist bicycles are becoming more democratic, and the European craze is stimulating manufacturers, who redouble their efforts to satisfy all markets (Europe counted over 2 million e-bikes in 2017-2018).

Today, electric city bikes offer comfort and practicality (adapted position for riding and maneuverability in urban environments, luggage rack ...) to users mainly commuting to work.

The same goes for folding electrically assisted bicycles, which have the advantage of being just as practical on public transport as in a large trunk or the hold of a motorhome.

Finally, on the sporty side, VTTAE focus on performance. Sometimes equipped with starting assistance, and more levels of assistance, they're geared towards touring and rougher terrain, with optimized safety and braking features.

In every case, then, designs are varied, and there's something for every taste!"

These various models, by their options, configuration or destination, share the market, and the price range. A first range, below €1,000, going up to around €1,500, which focuses on urban bikes, or all-terrain bikes, offers beautiful starting models, and will suffer more quickly in performance and autonomy.

The mid-range, on the other hand, finds a more sophisticated on-board computer, disc brakes and additional equipment (kickstand, high-performance lighting...), while flirting with €3,000 as the maximum. Beyond that, standing and performance are quite different, for more specific, even professional, needs in a majority of cases.

For your information, in certain cities, the purchase of an electric bike grants certain subsidies (under certain conditions) of up to 40% of the price of the new bike!"

That leaves us to address a crucial subject. The autonomy. Yes, it's still a topic, when it comes to electric mounts, and there are too many variables to consider to categorically state anything. The importance of external factors, such as temperature, wind, rider weight or type of terrain ... has a huge influence on performance (which can even change from one day to the next, depending on the parameters).

Theoretical autonomies advertised by manufacturers' websites average between 20 and 50 km. These figures are not very revealing; it goes without saying that you can use your bike by activating the assistance only on very short stretches, thus enabling much longer, even triple-digit, rides without recharging. Some aficionados would even venture to say that the same VAE can empty itself in a single, very intense climb of a few kilometers, and, a contrario, ride for over 200 km consecutively on a flat stretch ...

Decidedly well in the saddle, the electric-assist bike has a bright future ahead of it. If we continue on our current course, France has a good chance of seeing its EAB sales top the million mark by 2025.

While the product's rise is confirmed, it's no simpler to make a choice when it comes time to make the purchase. You'll need to ask yourself a number of questions, such as how often you'll be using it, what your needs are in terms of your environment and the distances you'll be traveling. It's also important to bear in mind that these bikes are heavier than conventional bikes (between 17 kg and 25 kg), requiring beginners to be more demanding in terms of assistance and power, particularly in the early stages.