Why choose an electric bicycle?

Over the past two years, we have seen a real revival of the classic bicycle and an unprecedented boom in electric bicycles, also known as VAEs (228,400 VAEs sold in Belgium in 2020). Unexpected results of the health crisis? Massive awareness? Why are more and more people choosing electric bikes?

The VAE, electrically assisted bicycle, definition

This means of locomotion, known as soft mobility, is defined as follows in the Highway Code:

"A cycle equipped with an auxiliary electric motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kilowatts, the power supply of which is progressively reduced and finally interrupted when the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 km/h, or earlier if the cyclist stops pedalling." 

Ecological awareness

According to a survey by Touring, almost 50% of daily journeys are less than 3 km long. Therefore, taking the car becomes a nonsense. Considering the parking time and the often heavy traffic in the city, being a solo car driver wastes time when you think you are saving time. The Dutch electric bicycle (upright type), city bike or other, is therefore more efficient than the car on short journeys (less than 5 km) in urban areas with its 25 km/h maximum speed and its agility.

More and more people have understood this and municipalities are adapting to this new mobility by creating adapted infrastructures: cycle paths, courtesy zones, roadway developments allowing bicycles to go up them...

And with accessories like a luggage rack or child seat, the electric bike is easy to use for shopping, dropping your kids off at school or commuting to work without the hassle of parking.

A new-found health

With the successive confinements, the widespread teleworking and the stress generated by the COVID-19 epidemic, the desire to exercise and get back into shape has conquered many people. We are not all equal when it comes to effort and getting back on the bike can sometimes be complicated.

This is where VAE comes in.

It is less tiring than the classic bicycle, but the cyclist must pedal to ride. As its name suggests the electrically assisted bicycle VAE, helps but does not do it for you Unlike mopeds, which only require pedalling effort when starting up.

Bodywork

The electric bike allows you to work your body in a harmonious way, as the majority of your efforts are no longer concentrated on your legs. 

• Legs, of course, as cycling promotes blood circulation
• The heart, yes, because the bicycle favours endurance work, even if the effort is supported by the electric assistance.

The electric bike therefore allows you to get back into shape gently if you ride it regularly.

The pleasure of hiking

The electrically assisted bicycle allows you to go almost anywhere, you just have to choose the model that suits your needs.

You can ride for long distances without fear of getting tired quickly. The measured effort allows you to enjoy the scenery without focusing on pedalling power or recovering your breath after a slope.

Discover Belgium and its landscapes, alone, with family or friends.

The only caveat is that you should make sure your battery has enough life. Choosing a battery according to its use is essential. For long-distance rides, you should opt for a lithium-ion battery that charges in 5 to 6 hours and provides a range of 80 to 90 km.

Purchasing solutions

Electric bikes cost money, and even entry-level bikes can be quite expensive. In Belgium, there are subsidies available for the purchase of an electric bike new or a second-hand bike. There's also a solution that combines the purchase of a good-quality or even top-of-the-range bike, a gesture for the planet and control of your budget. Second-hand bikes refurbished. 

Aid from regional or local authorities

These are financial grants that depend on your municipality or region. They are sometimes subject to certain income conditions. Not all regions do this at the moment, but the scheme is expanding. In addition, many communes offer assistance schemes. It is agood idea to check withyour local authority.

Regional aid

In the Brussels-Capital Region

Bruxell'Air offers incentives to people living in the Brussels region who decide to deregister their number plates. This includes both new and second-hand bikes (if sold by a professional).
The bike allowance also allows you to take a training course on how to ride a bike in the city or to buy accessories such as a headlight, a lock, a helmet, a child seat or a luggage rack. You can find a list of all the accessories here.
Micro, small and medium-sized companies located in the Brussels-Capital Region that wish to purchase a cargo bike or bike trailer can benefit from a purchase premium Cairgo Bike

In the Walloon region

In order to support soft mobility and encourage two-wheeled travel, the Walloon government grants financial aid to individuals and companies for the purchase and use of a bicycle for home-work trips: 

The subsidy amounts to a maximum of 20%, 30% or 40% of the purchase price of the bike, including VAT, with ceilings ranging from €50 to €1,250. You can find details of the subsidies here to see the amount that applies to your situation (bike new or second-hand, classic or cargo, personal resources and employment...).

The second-hand bike

Used electric-assist bicycles let you enjoy a good electric bike at a lower price. Purchased from a specialist retailer, it is refurbished at new, tested and guaranteed so you can enjoy it with peace of mind.

In addition, the prices are lower than those of new bikes and allow you to have for the same budget the satisfaction of a higher range bike and a renowned brand such as Moustache, VanMoof, Btwin Cannondale, Velobecane, Cowboy and Kalkhoff and many others.

You will find all types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes), mountain bikes MTB(mountain bike), the city bikes, folding bikes (mini-bikes) and even speed bikes. Beware, however, that the latter are subject to special regulations.

In short, the electric bike offers many advantages, manoeuvrability, safety, agility, in town and in the countryside, not forgetting its role as guardian of our health and vitality. Let's bet that the E-Bike adventure has only just begun.