The best electric road bikes are, unsurprisingly, marketed by the most prestigious brands: Trek, Lapierre, Cannondale, Giant, BMC, Cube... Big names in the cycling world whose star models shine on the roads of the Tour de France every summer.
Because electric bikes aren't necessarily just for commuting, these manufacturers have gradually developed lightweight, high-performance electric racing bikes. These real technological gems, often made of carbon, are ideal for beginners or for getting back into cycling after a long break. They combine comfort, aesthetics and sportiness.
Who are these lightweight, powerful electric bikes designed for? How do I choose an electric road bike? What are the best models? We answer all your questions!
Used electric road bikes: for which riders?
For beginners to road cycling, or to join a group with a high level of expertise
You've been taken in by the passion of cycling (we understand!), but for the moment your legs just can't keep up? No problem, the electric-assist road bike is just the thing. To gradually get used to the higher gears of racing models and the more forward-leaning position, it can be very useful to get a little electric help.
And if you want to join a group that's already formed and get started, an electric road bike is a good solution. You won't have to suffer every time the slope gets a little steep or the ride exceeds 50 km.
You'll be able to stay on the wheels without getting too tired, just long enough to get into the rhythm and work on your endurance.
Like all electrically-assisted bikes, these models provide assistance up to a speed of 25 km/h. Beyond that, you'll have to push yourself. Above that speed, you'll have to push hard with your thighs. But on a flat, rolling section, you'll quickly reach that speed on a road bike.
Getting back on the bike after a long period
Whether due to a fall or a health problem of some kind, you may have been forced to take a long break from your favorite sport. The electric racing bike is just the thing to help you get back into the swing of things.
Is it finally time to retire, and are you itching to get out on the bike? It's also a good way for senior citizens to (re)start cycling after 60.
For long-distance travel or climbing major passes
But electric-assist road bikes aren't just for beginners or those just getting back into cycling!
It's also a very popular solution for those looking to extend their outings a little. With assistance on the trickiest sections, you save precious watts for longer rides.
And for those who dream of climbing the legendary Grande Boucle passes such as Alpe d'Huez, Mont Ventoux and Galibier, it's not uncommon to come across electric bikes on the demanding slopes of these landmarks. And there's nothing to be ashamed of! With average gradients of around 10% for more than 10 or 15 km, these passes are impossible to climb for the vast majority of cyclists.
In any case, your secret will go unnoticed: the battery and motor are completely invisible! In fact, they're integrated directly into the downtube for enhanced aerodynamics.
Choosing your electric racing bike: criteria
Size
Choosing the right bike means above all choosing the right size bike. This is determined by your height in centimetres.
Two systems coexist in this field. One is similar to that of clothing sizes (S/M/L/XL), the other is specific to bicycles, since it concerns the length of the seat tube.
Below are the recommended sizes according to the cyclist:
< 170 cm : S - 48 to 51 ;
< 182 cm : M - 52 to 55 ;
< 190 cm : L - 56 to 58 ;
Beyond: XL - 58 and +.
Even if the electric bike is your size, you'll need to adjust it carefully to avoid long-term pain.
The practice
Not all electric-assist road bikes are designed for exactly the same use. Some will be highly aerodynamic for even greater performance. For others, the geometry of the frame will favor comfort.
A performance-oriented power-assisted bike is recommended for those who want to do short, intensive rides. Conversely, an endurance bike will enable you to ride for longer periods, as it will better absorb the roughness of the road and offer a slightly straighter pedaling position.
Electric assistance: battery autonomy and motor power
Let's face it, electric-assist road bikes don't boast the most impressive electric-assist figures. Yet their performance is comparable to that of the best electric bikes. Strange, isn't it? Here are some explanations...
In some cases, electric bikes are equipped with batteries of over 600 or even 700 Wh. While some have a 500 Wh battery, the majority of road bikes are around 250 Wh. This may seem a low figure, since it's estimated that this is the capacity needed to cover around 70 km.
However, electric road bikes are relatively light: between 11 and 17 kg. This means they consume less energy. What's more, they're designed to limit wind resistance, which again means less wasted energy. Last but not least, their thinner tires wheels are less prone to rubbing against the asphalt, with a consequent gain in performance.
In other words, the battery capacity is lower, but they more than make up for this with their more sophisticated structures. If you'd like to find out more about this vast subject of electric bikeelectric bike range.
On the power side, engine torque averages between 50 and 65 Nm, comparable to that found on quality models.
The best electric road bikes of the moment
What are the best electric-assist racing bikes in 2023? In this section, we offer you our top 5, according to your profile.
The Moustache Dimanche 28.5: the French bike for long rides
With almost 500 Wh of battery power and an aluminum frame slightly raised at the front, this bike is ideal for long rides. It will provide you with assistance for a long time and spare your lumbar vertebrae.
Quality is obviously at the top of the list, with everything that has made the famous Moustache such a success! In terms of drivetrain, this Moustache Dimanche 28. 5 is equipped with a Shimano Ultegra groupset, the top of the range from the Japanese firm!
➕ A perfect bike to start road cycling on
➖ Relatively heavy weight for a road bike, even an electric one (17 kg).
The Cannondale SuperSix Evo Neo 3: guaranteed fun every weekend
Cannondale's reputation is well established. If their bikes are used by some of the world's best cyclists, it's not for nothing...
With this SuperSix Evo Neo 3, Cannondale makes it possible for everyone to ride a high-quality electric road bike. This model is ideal for those who like to ride at a steady pace at the weekend. Careful aerodynamics, low handlebars, a weight of just 12 kg, disc brakes... In short, a guaranteed dose of endorphins after every ride!
➕ Perfect aerodynamics and almost invisible electrical components
➖ Light engine torque
The Cube Agree Fazua Hybrid Carbon c:62: comfort and ergonomics
The Cube Agree Fazua Hybrid Carbon c:62 is in a completely different league. Here, the stem raises the handlebars to provide a less aerodynamic but more comfortable riding position.
But performance isn't forgotten by Cube, as this electric road bike is lightened by a carbon frame.
➕ Comfort
➖ The built-in battery is quite visible
The Trek Domane+ LT: the Formula 1 of electric-assist road bikes
When it comes to the big names in road cycling, Trek is never far away. So it's hardly surprising to find a variation of the famous Domane model among the best electric racing bikes on the market.
With only 11 kg (!) on the scales thanks to its carbon frame and carbon fork, the Trek Domane+ LT is one of the lightest electric bikes in the world!
As a result, you can enjoy assistance on the toughest sections, while feeling like you're riding a classic (but very high-end) bike the rest of the time. As on the Moustache, the transmission is Shimano Ultegra, a guarantee of quality.
This bike is clearly designed for cyclists who want to climb mythical mountain passes, or at least who consider electric cycling in a very sporty mode!
➕ A high-quality carbon bike
➖ More for regular road bikers
The versatile Lapierre E-Sensium 5.2
It's simple: this Lapierre E-Sensium 5. 2 can do just about anything.
Of course, you'll still have to pedal, but this electric bike will accompany you on an intensive weekend outing as well as on a family vacation ride. No need to worry about making it your velotaf partner either.
A versatile, high-performance, comfortable bike that has the added advantage of looking like a conventional bicycle: the electric assistance is completely invisible!
➕ A very high-end VAE at an affordable price
➖ Aerodynamics could have done with a little more work
Who said EAB was synonymous with effortless riding? These bikes prove that you can reconcile electric assistance with sporty use!