A little history: the invention of the first electric bicycle

The history of the electric bicycle goes back more than a century. Indeed, the first attempts to electrify bicycles were made as early as the end of the 19th century. The invention of the first electric bicycle was made possible by a combination of factors. Firstly, the advent of electricity and related technologies, which made it possible to imagine the use of this energy to propel vehicles.

The first electric bicycle was created in the 1890s, at a time when innovations in transportation were flourishing. The first electric bikes were very different from the ones we know today. They were heavy and unwieldy, but they laid the foundation for an innovation that would revolutionize the world of transportation.

Since that first attempt, the electric bicycle has continued to evolve, benefiting from technological advances and the growing popularity of environmentally friendly modes of transportation. Today, the electric bicycle is considered a choice alternative for getting around town in an ecological and economical way.

In the 19th century, scientists turned their attention to electricity and its potential applications. It was at this time that batteries were invented, paving the way for a more practical use of electricity. The first electric motors were also created, which led to thinking about ways of using them to propel machines.

That's when some inventors started asking the question, "What if we used electricity to power a bicycle?" As we said earlier, the first prototypes were heavy and cumbersome, but the idea was there. Technological advances have led to better batteries and motors, making electric bikes more practical and efficient.

Several inventors played an important role in the development of the electric bicycle. In 1895, Ogden Bolton Jr. filed the first patent for a "two-wheeled electric vehicle." In 1897, Hosea W. Libbey built an electric bicycle that could reach a speed of 32 km/h.

These visionary inventors paved the way for a new era in transportation, and made electric bikes what they are today: a practical and environmentally friendly alternative for getting around town.

Over the past few decades, technological advances have greatly improved the performance and practicality of electric bikes. Electric motors have become smaller and lighter, yet more powerful. Batteries have also evolved, offering longer range and faster and faster charging.

Modern electric bikes are also equipped with many advanced features, such as LCD screens to display information on speed, battery life and distance covered. Most models are also equipped with safety features such as warning lights and anti-lock braking systems.

Today, electric bikes are increasingly popular, especially city bikes, which have become a practical and environmentally-friendly alternative to cars and public transport. Self-service electric bike rental services have proliferated in many cities, enabling users to get around easily without having to buy their own electric bike.

Electric bikes are also used for goods deliveries, particularly in urban areas with heavy traffic. Delivery companies such as Amazon and UPS (particularly in the USA, where they are widely tested) have begun using electric bikes for their deliveries to reduce their environmental impact and improve efficiency.

Finally, electric bikes are increasingly used for leisure and outdoor activities. Cyclists can cover longer distances without tiring, while MTB electric bikes can climb the steepest slopes with ease.

In short, technological advances have allowed the electric bicycle to evolve from a simple means of practical transportation to an environmentally friendly, economical and efficient alternative to other modes of urban travel. Commercial uses of electric bikes have multiplied, offering new opportunities for businesses and individuals, while contributing to the preservation of the environment.

In France, electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular. According to data from the Cycle Observatory, sales of electric bikes increased by more than 30% in 2020 compared to the previous year, with nearly 400,000 bikes sold. Electric bikes now account for more than half of all bike sales in France.

The commercial use of electric bicycles has also increased in France. Self-service electric bicycle rental services are available in many cities, with operators such as Vélib' in Paris, Vélo'v in Lyon, and VélôToulouse in Toulouse. According to the French Environment and Energy Management Agency, more than 14,000 self-service electric bicycles were available in France in 2020, with nearly 70,000 subscribers.

Electric bikes are also used for goods deliveries, particularly in urban areas. According to Ademe, electric bike deliveries increased by over 70% in 2020 compared with the previous year, with around 30,000 deliveries made every day by electric bike.

Finally, EABs are also used for leisure and outdoor activities. According to data from the Cycle Observatory, sales of MTB electric bikes increased by more than 40% in 2020 compared to the previous year, with nearly 75,000 bikes sold.

If you're concerned about the environment, an electric bike is the perfect transportation choice for you. Unlike cars, motorcycles and scooters, electric bikes produce no polluting emissions or greenhouse gases. By pedaling an electric bike, you can help reduce air pollution and the impact of climate change, and get some exercise at the same time! Using an electric bike to get around town can also help reduce traffic congestion, which is good for everyone.