2024 guide to the best value electric bikes

Before you buy your VAE, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Among the technical features to consider are :

• Intendeduse (city, mixed, off-road, road):
• Type of battery installed (capacity, position, removable?) ;
• Your EAB's brakes (pads not recommended, prefer hydraulic disc brakes) ;
• Motor (central or rear, Bosch or Shimano, torque value) ;
• Frame (high, low or even semi-open, aluminum or steel).

Our French neighbors are a special case in Europe, as they own two heavyweights in the bicycle industry: Decathlon and Intersport. These two sporting goods manufacturers also specialize in bicycles with their own brands: Decathlon Btwin and Intersport Nakamura. You'll find VAEs under 1,000 euros, from classic electric city bikes to VTTAEs, as well as VTCs, folding bikes and gravel bikes.

City dwellers can also indulge in the pleasures of electric bikes, thanks to the many models specially designed for the urban environment! The best 2024 references for the city include : 

• The Bosch premium Moustache Lundi 27;
• The accessible Decathlon Elops 920 E ;
• The renowned French O2Feel Vog City Up 4 ;
• The darling of Starway Urban testers;
• The new-generation Eovolt Afternoon Pro folding device.

When it comes to electric VTCs, suitable for mixed use or hiking, and VTTAEs for rugged terrain, several references stand out, such as : 

• The Nakamura Crossover V price/performance VTC;
• The highly versatile Moustache Samedi 27 Xroad 2 mountain bike;
• The Decathlon E-ACTV 900 VTC with automatic transmission;
• The semi-rigid VTTAE Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 600;
• The must-have MTB all-suspension Orbea Wild.

Do you like getting around by bike, and new technologies hold no secrets for you? You're going to love connected electric bikes! Equipped with screens linked to your phone, these smart bikes let you keep close track of your performance. Some, like the VanMoof, Cowboy or Iweech, also offer added security, with alarms and even geolocation in the event of theft.

Are you a thrill-seeker? If you're looking for peace of mind on stony roads and trails, you'll want to consider electrically-assisted mountain bikes (VTTAE ) or gravel bikes, hybrids that combine the versatility of MTB with the maneuverability of road bikes.

Battery capacity can vary from one model to another, generally between 300 and 800 Wh. Range is indicated - in theory - from 40 to 90 km in maximum mode. Please note that this value varies according to your use: gradients, temperature, chosen mode, etc.

The comfort of a bicycle depends mainly on three elements:

• tires : the wider and higher-sided they are, the more they absorb and filter vibrations,
• Suspension: the fixed front fork can be replaced by a telescopic fork to dampen road imperfections, especially when off-road,
• The saddle: preferably hollow for men, it's more comfortable if wider and padded, or even with springs or a suspended seatpost.

Like any other road user, cyclists must respect the Highway Code. Specific signs exist to clarify the infrastructure, such as cycle paths (obligatory or not), prohibitions or specific authorizations. Greenways are also open to bicycle traffic (including electric bikes), in coexistence with pedestrians.

Cyclists are not obliged to wear helmets; only children under 12 are required to do so. However, they must wear a reflective vest at night or in poor visibility conditions.

An electric bicycle must comply with a number of standards, the most important of which is NF/EN 15194. In concrete terms, an EAB must comply with these three rules:

• electric pedal assistance limited to 25 km/h
• gas pedal allowed up to 6 km/h (run mode)
• continuous power up to 250 W

If unbridled, it can be classified as a speedbike. A speedbike can run at speeds of up to 45 km/h, with a power rating of up to 750 W. However, it must comply with legislation similar to that for mopeds: insurance, number plate, helmet/gloves, horn, forbidden cycle paths, etc.

In Belgium, there are purchase incentives for electric bikes. They vary according to your region and/or city. Good to know: municipal and regional subsidies can be combined. 

Riding an electric bike costs next to nothing! In France, the price per kWh is around 20 centimes. For a 500 Wh (0.5 kWh) battery, you can cover around 60 km in maximum mode for 10 centimes. If you ride 10 to 20 km a day, recharging your electric bike will only cost between 6 and 12 euros a year... Almost anecdotal!

Of course, a VAE is still a bike. So you have to take good care of your bike:

• Check tires inflation before each trip,
• Clean regularly (at least once a month),
• Degrease and grease the chain,
• Do not charge to extremes or store your battery empty,
• An annual check-up at your bike shop.

Read our detailed advice onelectric bike maintenance.

As with any vehicle, to try it is to adopt it. Choose a VAE to suit your needs: city for purely urban use, VTC for mixed use or greater comfort, etc.

If you have the opportunity, try out one or more models at a dealer. They'll be able to advise you on the best value electric bike for your needs. Don't forget, too, that a bike needs to fit you, so check out the size guide!

You've got plenty of options when it comes to finding a high-performance, affordable electric bike! These references promise you unrivalled value for money and a new riding experience, whether you use your VAE to tackle the city or to cross the forest.