Best electric VTC

The best electric VTCs on the market combine a number of strong points: comfort, autonomy, maneuverability, excellent value for money and aesthetics. A winning combination that explains the popularity of this new mode of transport, which is both ecological and economical.

To help you make your way through the plethora of bikes on offer, we've selected 10 all-purpose electrically-assisted bicycles considered to be the champions of their class! In this article, we give you our opinion and analysis of these best-sellers.

And that's not all! As a bonus, we also give you our advice on how to choose the right electric VTC: motor power, battery life, equipment... Activate the electric assistance... and off you go!

We're off to a great (but effortless!) start with the top 10 electric VTC models for 2024.

The reputation of the French electric bike Moustache electric bikes.

Of all the electric-assist bikes assembled in France, the Moustache Samedi 28 is probably the most versatile. The Samedi 28.7 even won the coveted title of Bike Of The Year 2023 in the e-bike category! When it comes to battery life, you can rely on a capacity ranging from 400 to 625 Wh depending on the model, for a range of around 100 to 150 km: more than enough for urban use or a weekend ride!

If weight is an important selection criterion for you, you may find it useful to read our article on the best lightweight electric bikes on the market.

Riese & Müller is just as much a reference on the other side of the Rhine as the French brand here at home, and is a specialist in electric bicycles and, above all, multi-purpose EABs. The Charger4 is the perfect illustration, with its cosseted construction for all kinds of journeys.

With dozens of configurations, there's something for every rider, with two low and mixed frames, three colors, and a choice of Shimano derailleur drivetrains, Rohloff hubs or Enviolo variators. There's even a speedbike version with a top speed of 45 km/h! On the off-road and in terms of comfort, this electric bike performs wonderfully, especially with its suspension fork and large tires Schwalbe balloons.

Another premium electric VTC: the Kalkhoff Endeavour.

Made across the Rhine, this range of electrically-assisted bikes lends itself easily to the velotaf route. But make no mistake, you'll have no problem venturing out onto country lanes at the weekend.

Available in several range levels (1, 3, 5+, 7+ and L), the Endeavour also offers a choice of frame shape: trapezoid or Wave (for low straddling). Finally, you can choose between different battery capacities, bearing in mind that the "smallest" capacity is still 400 Wh, or around 100 km of autonomy.

Back to France with this all-terrain VAE assembled near Lille! Although there's nothing to stop you from venturing out on forest paths that aren't too rugged, this electric VTC is more suited to urban use. Its iconic modern design doesn't mean that the performance aspect has been neglected. Quite the contrary!

Cube is considered one of the best bicycle brands. Some professional teams even use their top-of-the-range road bike models! A convincing argument...

Here, too, we find the look of a classic electric VTC, but with an adjustable high stem, typical of northern European bikes. Available in three versions: low-set, semi-open and diamond, this perfect companion for the commute to work adapts to all profiles. However, its suspension and wide tires Schwalbe Big Ben tires mean it can also be used off-road. The Pro model adds a suspended seat and improved Shimano Deore transmission.

It's no surprise to find the Giant Explore among the best electric VTCs of 2024, when you consider that the Taiwanese brand is one of the biggest sellers of bicycles in the world! MTB From road to gravel, Giant bikes are among the best in every discipline. And the least we can say is that they're also successful in the EAB segment!

The Giant Explore E+ has a sober, modern look that will appeal to many. The Giant SyncDrive motor developed with Yamaha is powered by a 500 or 625 Wh battery, or even an optional 250 Wh extender. These capacities allow you to exceed 100 km without running out of power, provided you don't overuse the electric assistance.

A far cry from high-end electric-assist VTC models, here's a more affordable trekking bike that doesn't neglect comfort and ability. The Nakamura Crossover V is marketed by sports equipment brand Intersport.

A luggage rack, 65 mm suspension fork, 460 Wh removable battery and a torquey 80 Nm central motor... On paper, this entry-level model has nothing to be ashamed of when compared to the star bikes, and it's a worry-free way to cycle from home to work.

Everyone knows the French sports equipment giant! With such a reputation and presence across the country, Decathlon VTCs are bound to be a commercial success.

Now under the Rockrider brand umbrella, rather than the disappearing Riverside, the all-mountain electric bikes have a new-generation E-ACTV 500, which manages the feat of offering good-quality equipment at a reasonable price. Under 2,000 euros, it offers very modern styling, with an open frame for easy straddling, a large tube housing the removable battery, and a beautiful eucalyptus or lavender green paint job.

Here's a VTC that won't worry about getting you to work!

In addition to its 625 Wh battery (approx. 180 km in eco mode) and powerful Bosch motor, the slightly forward-leaning riding position reflects a sportier attitude.

Another wildly successful one!

It's got it all: this electric VTC for under 2,000 euros has a 522 Wh battery, giving it a range of almost 100 km. An exception at this price!

It offers 6 levels of assistance and a feature that lets you walk alongside it without pushing. And as if that weren't enough, its geometry is a perfect cross between MTB and VTC.

Back to basics never hurts!

VTC stands for vélo tout-chemin. Unlike MTB, this type of bike doesn't pride itself on being able to ride on all terrains, but on all roads. It can therefore venture off tarmac roads, but the pavement must still be passable and not too uneven to ensure a comfortable ride.

The fact that it is "electric" simply indicates that it benefits from electric pedal assistance, limited to 25 km/h like all electric bikes. This gives cyclists room for physical activity, which may be limited but is good for the health.

Thanks to a more upright riding position than a VTTAE, the VTC is a very pleasant type of bike to use on cycle paths. They give cyclists a good view of their surroundings for greater safety, while protecting their backs. They are generally quite maneuverable, which can be useful on urban routes as well as winding country lanes.

Unlike MTB, tires are less notched and narrower. As a result, they offer very good performance - less rolling resistance - and therefore greater range. Their comfort remains superior, however, thanks to a front suspension that smoothes out the roughness of both asphalt and roads, and a fairly soft feel.

And not without saying, electric VTCs have an added advantage: you can pedal without getting tired or breaking a sweat. A powerful argument before a day's work...

Before choosing your electric VTC, you need to think about how you're going to use it. Is it an electric bike for commuting? Or is it more for family outing with the family at the weekend?

Depending on the distances you plan to cover, the altitude difference, your weight and your load (even a child), you'll need to opt for an electric VTC with a suitable battery.

For a short, flat commute, a capacity of 400 Wh is enough to last a week. On the other hand, if you want to have fun on steep paths or on long outings, you'll need a battery of over 500 Wh.

On the other hand, while a removable battery may be easier to recharge (especially if you live in an apartment), you have to admit that it's a little less attractive on some models when it's not perfectly integrated. It's up to you to decide...

It's the law that dictates. electric bike motors develop a maximum continuous power of 250 W, admittedly higher at peak (a powerful motor can sometimes exceed 600 W). What sets them apart is torque, in Nm (Newton-meters).

The torque reference is different depending on whether the motor is central - or pedal-mounted - or rear-wheel-mounted. To give you an order of magnitude, a central motor of 85 Nm or 50 Nm at the rear is a guarantee of efficiency everywhere and strong acceleration. On the other hand, below 50 Nm (crankset) or 35 Nm (rear), your motor is going to be a little weak for some inclines.

Also pay attention to the feel of the motor, depending on its position and sensor type. A pedal motor, found on mid-range and top-of-the-range electric VTCs, offers natural pedaling. A hub motor in the rear wheel may feature a rotation sensor on entry-level or older models. It operates smoothly, independently of pedal pressure, and requires no effort.

Torque transducers are becoming more and more widespread, adapting to your natural strength by approximating the behavior of a central engine. It will increase your own power tenfold.

• Hydraulic disc brakes will give you incomparable braking quality whatever the weather;
• A derailleur transmission for greater versatility or if you are a frequent tourer, or a Nexus-type hub if you ride mainly in town on the flat;
• The lighting system must be powerful enough to be clearly seen by motorists and to see outside urban areas;
• The saddle should be comfortable, padded enough for long journeys or even suspended, or a telescopic saddle if you want the must-have;
• A luggage rack is always a plus for taking your child to school and/or your belongings in panniers.

Environmentally friendly, economical and good for your health, the VAE has many advantages that are motivating more and more people to adopt this means of transport for their daily commutes. By choosing one of the best electric mountain bikes, you're giving yourself a welcome electric boost to get your day off to a great start! And it's a gesture for the planet, as an electric bike has a lower carbon footprint than a car or scooter.