Five questions to ask yourself when choosing an electric bike for the city

In recent days, phone calls have multiplied. " What do you have for an electric bike ?". " What would you advise me ?". The taunts about Parisian cyclists, the worries about the presumed dangerousness of cycling in the city have soared, swept away by the fear of finding the promiscuity of public transport. For all those who plan to get on an electric bike, here are some tips for choosing it.

First of all, keep in mind that this is an electrically assisted bicycle, (VAE for friends) and not a motorcycle. The electrically assisted bicycle does not advance if you do not pedal. It requires physical effort, even if it is less than with a simple bicycle. The assistance of the engine allows you to climb hills without flinching, like a Tour de France champion… Provided you have the right mount. This also makes it possible to travel at good speed, without arriving sweaty at your workplace or at your meetings. However, the speed of assistance is capped at 25 km / h. Beyond that, only your small muscles do the work, for regulatory reasons. Finally, since we are talking about the head, think about the helmet. It is not mandatory, but it is safer to wear one.

1. What daily distance?

Not everyone has the same needs. The first question to ask is therefore that of the daily distance that you plan to travel. Tell yourself that once you have tasted the joys of VAE, you will be tempted to make some additional trips during the day. So, for autonomy, plan at least twice the round trip home to work distance, with a small margin. Why twice? Simply to avoid having to recharge the battery every day.

2. Which battery?

Once you have defined the number of kilometers you want to cover, you can choose the battery. The VAE is electric. Its autonomy is therefore based on its battery, logic. Not all are created equal. And in the field, there is no miracle. Quality pays for itself. A first piece of advice is therefore not to skimp on the quality of the battery. Choose a well-known brand. Bosch and Panasonic are the most used.

The charm of the VAE, the little help that helps to move forward a little more easily, to climb the ribs with a smile ... that's the engine. Motors located near the bottom bracket are very common. For the city, this is the best, especially for the stability of the machine. As for the battery, avoid the slightly too exotic choices and turn to the sure values: Bosch and Panasonic. My favorite dealer also recommends Yamaha, Bafang and Impulse, among others.

3.What brakes? And what tires?

It is a question of budget. Discs or skates? Without hesitation, I would say records. But if for financial reasons you choose skates, consider changing them regularly. It's crazy how quickly they wear out in an urban environment! And if it is for riding in the city, conventional tires for city bikes do the trick, no need to watch the mountain bike or the big tubes ... except for fun.

4.What uses?

Are you going to use your bicycle to drop one or even two children at school? Go shopping? Transport goods (if you knew everything that you can carry around on a bicycle, you would be surprised)? Or just move around? Answers will depend on the choice of the frame, its robustness. For most uses, city bike frames do the trick. Without betraying any secrets, the steel is solid, but a little heavy. Aluminum, lighter but slightly less robust. Forget the carbon frames, unless you really want to break the piggy bank!

5. How many speeds?

Forget the fixie, these bikes without speed. The VAE is practiced with speeds, 7 or 8 are enough. For the derailleur: Shimano, eyes closed. You can also target a VAE with several assistance modes, depending on your mood at the time. Want to make a little more physical effort? engine assistance is at minimum (as the electric bike generally weighs more than 20kg, difficult to do without the engine). A little bit of fatigue? The assistance is increased. Depending on your budget, you will have access to three or four different assistance modes.

Practical questions (bonus)

If you can, the best is to try the bike before you buy it. Bike dealers have multiplied on the territory, especially in the big cities. Do not hesitate, ask to try to get an idea of ​​the shape that suits you best, the position of the handlebars, the seat, the size of the bike. A good dealer will advise you.

Do you have a place for the bike?

For a “good” electric bike, be prepared to spend at least 1,500 euros (excluding any subsidies). So it's important to know where you're going to park it. For the night, it is more prudent to store this type of machine in a garage, parking, bicycle storage, in short in a closed place. And during the day, it's better too. Otherwise, provide good anti-theft devices. Again, don't be stingy. It will be a good investment. Always attach the bike frame to a fixed clip. Two locks, it's good with possibly a third to avoid having the saddle stolen.

"And if not, don't you have a brand to recommend to us?" My first electric bike was a Kalkhoff. After eight years of good and loyal service, the battery no longer had the necessary autonomy to ensure daily life and the batteries are very expensive. The wearing parts were to be changed too ... In short, I found some excuses and a birthday, for a nice Peugeot, nice, but with some design flaws that I identified a little late (at the slightest shock, the guard -front mud rubs on the wheel, it puts back in place easily but it's annoying.). I also tested a Gypsy which left a very good impression on me. Mustaches have an excellent reputation, but are a little more expensive. The Vanmoofs are also attractive, with their clean lines, and their integrated LEDs.

But why don't you do a full test? Because for now, I'm like you, confined. Which considerably complicates the matter!