Used electric Vtc: Buying guide

There are thousands of references for electric VTCs! You will find them on the net and in shops at all prices and with various characteristics. Choosing a second-hand bike means taking advantage of low prices and giving a second life to an object that is still in good condition. Here is our buying guide to find out everything you need to know before buying your second-hand electric VTC!

The electric VTC: a versatile bike

The VTC electric or Vélo Tout Chemin électrique is the all-round bike par excellence. It's characterized by its ability to be ridden in the city as well as in the country, on paths and dirt roads with few irregularities. Electric VTCs are better equipped than city bikes, as they generally have mudguards, a luggage rack to carry your belongings, wider tires and a front fork with suspension, which helps absorb shocks. They offer a riding position that enables efficient, powerful pedaling.

The electric VTC, also known as a trekking bike, is the ideal choice if you intend to use your bike for commuting, running errands or hiking in the countryside. It is both a sport bike and a comfort bike. It is halfway between a city bike designed for asphalt travel and the robust, but much less equipped MTB . Electric trekking bikes offer excellent road grip, even in the rain. 

The power of their motor is superior to electric city bikes and their battery is more powerful. They are also equipped with a more sophisticated gear shifting system or an automatic gear system.

The different routes specific to the electric VTC

An electric VTC is capable of negotiating uneven and hilly roads. Of all the electric bikes, the electric VTC is the most common model. Its versatility appeals to many users and allows you to travel almost anywhere. There are still two main categories among the VTCCAE: the urban VTC and the sporty VTC. Here is a brief overview of the different routes you can take with your VTC. 

Urban routes

The electric VTC is fully capable of assisting you in your urban travel. With it, you will be able to ride on asphalt and cobblestones, move easily in a city where there are hills and weave in and out of traffic without any problems. If you travel mainly on urban routes, then you can opt for an urban VTC. It will be perfect for travelling on the road and for sometimes using paths that are not too rough, dirt roads and occasionally rougher roads. 

Urban VTCs are often equipped with a comfortable saddle, a rigid or telescopic front fork with short travel and thinner tires than sporty VTCs. They also have a wider range of comfort equipment such as mudguards, luggage racks, adjustable stems, etc. Urban electric VTCs are less equipped to withstand the shocks of an excessively hilly route. This is why they are mainly intended for city routes. 

Forest walks or hiking on dirt roads

Electric VTCs are ideal for riding in the forest or on dirt roads. If these types of rides make up the majority of your outings, but you don't want to ride on rough trails, you can opt for an electric sport bike. 

The sportier VTCs usually do not have mudguards or luggage racks and often have a double chainring. With their wide tires , they are more similar to MTB, but differ in that they have larger diameter wheels. They are just as comfortable on concrete roads as they are on paths, although their aerodynamic position is less comfortable than that of urban electric bikes. This type of EAB usually has an adjustable telescopic fork, a high-end derailleur and V-brakes or disc brakes.

The price of a used electric VTC

The price of an entry-level new electric VTC is around €1,200, with models like those from Decathlon or Kreidler, and can go up to €2,000 with brands like Arcade, Gitane or Neomouv.

The higher-end electric VTCs are priced at 2,000, such as thesuch as the models from Kalkhoff, O2Feel or Granville. If you have a small budget, it is possible to find a cheap electric VTC by opting for the second hand, with for example the Moustache used electric VTC.

At Upway, we meticulously refurbish second-hand electric bikes to restore them to a condition close to new. You will find on our website electric VTCs for all budgets: with less than €1,000, you can afford a quality e-bike, in excellent condition, both mechanically and electrically. If you want to take advantage of a more high-end model, you will also find electric VTCs for more than €5,000, whose price is 20 to 60% cheaper in the refurbished version. 

What is the difference between a MTB and a VTC?

Before buying an electric bike, many people hesitate between a MTB and a VTC. Some even think that they are the same thing. But this is not quite the case. 

The electric VTC is a touring and leisure bike that can be used for both asphalt and road trips. It is practical for touring, but also for getting around town or to work. These trekking bikes are equipped with tires wide tires that provide good grip on all types of terrain, even in the rain. They are also designed to reduce the risk of punctures. The frame geometry also allows you to ride in an upright position, which is recommended if you have a weak back or are elderly. 

In contrast, the MTB electric bikes are designed to ride on rough, muddy, mountainous roads. They are particularly strong, but also manageable and agile. The main difference between a MTB and a VTC is probably their frame geometry. On a MTB, the frame is indeed heavier, because it is stronger, but also more compact to offer all the necessary agility. 

To make your choice between an electric VTC and an electric MTB , you need to determine the use you intend to make of it. If you want to ride on roads, in the city or in places with hills, the electric VTC is recommended. On the other hand, if you are a sportsman at heart and want to go hiking in the mountains, on rough paths, turn to an electric MTB . 

How to choose your second-hand electric VTC

To choose the right second-hand electric hybrid bike, Upway advises you to pay attention to the technical details and equipment available. For example, opt for an electric VTC with a suspension seatpost that protects your back from shocks when travelling on the trails. Choose a second-hand electric VTC with a telescopic fork if you often travel on dirt roads. It thus limits the shocks created by the irregularities of the ground and provides you with better comfort. For travel on asphalt, it is not necessary. 

As far as gears are concerned, the more you plan to ride on hilly roads, make sure you have a transmission that offers a wide range of development.

As far as electric assistance is concerned, the motor of an electric VTC can be placed :

• in the front wheel: this is the case for entry-level models, but very few bikes still offer this arrangement,
• in the rear wheel: for quiet driving, powerful transmission and dynamic steering,
• at the bottom bracket: this is the case with the top-of-the-range models. This solution is ideal, as it distributes the weight optimally and offers a ride similar to that of a conventional bicycle. 

 The motor power of an electric VTC is usually 250 Watts. So look at the torque, which usually ranges from 40 to 70 Nm for the most powerful motors. The higher the torque, the faster the motor can accelerate and support you on steep hills. 

Finally, look at the equipment on your future used electric VTC: an integrated anti-theft device can be very useful if you make short stops. Also look at the total weight of the rack to make sure you can move around easily with all your stuff.