Don't miss the bike of your dreams
What is an electric city bike?
An electric city bike is specially designed for city use. This type of bike is designed for frequent use. Thanks to its raised handlebars, it offers an excellent riding comfort and allows a comfortable and upright posture of the cyclist, with a good visibility and a reduced pressure on the back and the wrists.
Electric city bikes are equipped with safety accessories such as front and rear lights, a bell and mudguards to protect you from road splashes. These are dynamic bikes, developed for agility and maneuverability. If your electric city bike isn't already equipped with these, you can easily add a basketa pannier or attach a child seat. It's the perfect everyday bike!
The electric city bike, for whom and for what type of terrain?
The electric city bike is designed for city dwellers who want to cover longer distances without getting tired. It also makes it easier to get around town, while at the same time reducing ecological impactIt also puts an end to the traffic jams and parking problems that often accompany car use.
City bikes are ideal for cyclists looking for a comfortable ride. Most of them offer an upright posture thanks to the raised handlebars. Their trapezoidal geometry or wave frame (also called "gooseneck") are perfect for frequent use when riding in the city.
These ebikes are designed for one type of terrain: the road. Their thin tires are unsuitable to ride on paths. They can be used on flat or slightly hilly terrain, with medium power engines.
What are the regulations related to electric city bikes?
Electric bicycles must meet the same regulatory requirements as traditional bicycles, as well as a series of rules defined by standard NF EN 15194.
Like a conventional bike, your city bike must be equipped with an efficient braking system, front and rear lighting, and reflectors on the wheels and pedals. Helmets is compulsory for children under 12, and cyclists must obey the same traffic rules as other vehicles. For example, they must ride on the right-hand side of the road, in the direction of traffic. E-bikes can be used on cycle paths, where available.
Electric city bikes must be equipped with a linked electric assistance system, which starts when you pedal and stops when pedaling stops. This assistance must switch off automatically once the maximum speed of 25 km/h has been reached. In Belgium, motor power must not exceed 250 W. You don't need to register your electric bike, and insurance is not compulsory. Helmets are optional for those over 12, but strongly recommended.
What questions should I ask before buying an electric city bike?
If you're looking to buy an electric city bike, take stock of your needs and the most popular e-bikes on the market, so you can choose the model that's right for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself.
How to choose the right urban electric bike?
If you want to use your bike on your daily commute, and the route is urban, a bit long and maybe hilly, then the electric city bike is the best choice for you.
But if you have to make long daily journeys on roads and tracks to get to work, the electric VTCalso known as a mountain bike, is the one for you.
If you combine different means of transportation for your commute to work, you need a two-wheeler that's compact, light, easy to handle and easily adjustable, the electric folding bike will be your ally.
Please note: it's not necessarily a good idea to give in to the temptation of the multi-purpose bike. A folding bike may be comfortable and practical for commuting, but it's not necessarily a pleasure to ride. Just as an urban bike with a luggage rack or baby carrier won't always have the right disc brakes, crankset or mudguard for riding on narrow paths.
Which brand of electric bike to choose?
It's hard to answer right away. It will depend on your budget and some other criteria such as the options you want in terms of equipment. It will also depend on whether you want a bike made in Europe or elsewhere in the world.
At Upway your favorite brand of electric city bike will be accessible in terms of price, since our bikes are reconditioned and therefore sold for 20 to 60% less! They also come with a 12-month warranty. You'll be able to find a men's or women's city bike, or a cheap city bike that's an electrically-assisted bike. You're doing your bit for the planet, and treating yourself at the same time!
Electric city bike for women or electric city bike for men?
Bikes are generally unisex. However, because of the morphological differences between men and women, some brands offer electric city bikes for women or electric city bikes for men. What makes them different? Mainly the shape of their saddle, which is wider and shorter than that of a man's electric bike, but also the size of their frame, handlebars and wheels. Women are generally smaller than men, with narrower shoulders and shorter arms and legs. Today, almost all bicycles come in a range of sizes to suit every body type.
Generally speaking, EABs with a low frame, also known as a "wave frame" or "gooseneck", are called "women's electric city bikes". This type of open frame is indeed easier to straddle if you wear a dress or skirt. But it can also be present on a men's electric city bike and is practical when wearing a suit for example. It is also a recommended frame shape if you plan to attach a child seat to the carrier to make it easier to climb.
Wave frame, diamond or trapezoid geometry?
Most electric city bikes come with 3 different frame shapes: the Wave frame (also called "gooseneck", it is a low and open frame that facilitates straddling), the Diamond frame (it has a horizontal top tube, which requires you to lift your leg high to sit on the saddle) and finally the Trapezoid geometry (an in-between of the two previous shapes, which is often found on mixed bikes)
To make your choice, you have to determine in which outfit you intend to use your electric city bike. If you're a skirt rider or a pro suit, a Wave frame is recommended. It's also a frame shape suitable for frequent stops and adding a child seat on the rear rack.
Finally, know that the best electric city bike for you will be the one you feel comfortable on! Be careful to make the right choice if there are several sizes on the model you want and don't forget to adjust the level of the seat (it should be level with your hips when you are standing).
How does the motor of my electric city bike work?
Electric bicycle motors do not all have the same shape depending on whether they are a pedal motor or a hub motor. However, they all have an electronic and a mechanical part in their composition. The electronic part is the bike's intelligence, the part that takes into account the data and sends them to the various sensors on the bike:
- Speed sensor
- Torque sensor
- Cadence sensor
- Control screen
Note: not all motors have the same sensors depending on whether they are high-end or entry-level bikes. An electric bike has a 250W motor, with a maximum speed of 25 km/h.
Everything you need to know about how an electric bike works.
Which motor position is best for an electric city bike?
Most city bikes have a central motor (bottom bracket) or a rear wheel motor (hub). The first one is more expensive, but allows a better weight distribution on your city bike. It offers a natural driving sensation, proportioned according to the strength of your pedaling. A central motor is recommended if your stops on the route are infrequent (few traffic lights, stop signs, etc.).
The rear wheel motor provides a thrusting sensation as soon as you start. It is ideal if you make a lot of short stops, because of road signs for example. This type of motor will give you a real boost right from the start, even if you are on a hill.
Which brand of electric assist for my bike?
Electric city bikes Bosch or Yamaha are the best-known for the quality of their electric assistance. These engines are reliable, powerful and efficient. But they are also expensive. For occasional or recreational use of your electric city bike, you can opt for a less expensive and equally adequate motorization, such as those offered by Decathlon or Nakamura.
The torque developed by the engine is less important for city driving when it is relatively flat. The power of the torque makes it possible to go up hills more or less easily. On the other hand, if you ride in an environment with a lot of hills and descents, choose a higher torque (minimum 40 Nm).
What is the battery autonomy for an electric city bike?
The range of your electric bike depends on a number of factors (battery condition, daily weather conditions, riding style, rider weight, etc.). Choose an EAB with a range that's adapted to your daily commute. The longer your commute and the more you intend to use electric assistance, the more you'll need to choose a bike with a high-capacity battery. Recharging time can also be a factor, especially if you want to recharge your battery on your lunch break or during an appointment.
Useful accessories for an electric city bike
In addition to the mandatory accessories (front and rear lights and rear lights, reflectors on wheels and pedals, and a bell), it may be worthwhile buying your EAB with additional accessories to enhance your riding comfort. Even if helmets are not compulsory for those over 12 years of age, they are still essential to protect your head in the event of a fall.
For urban use, the use of aan anti-theft device is also strongly recommended to protect your ebike from theft. There are various types to choose from, depending on the duration of your stops and the level of reliability you expect.
Finally, when you buy your electric city bike, don't hesitate to add baskets or panniers to it, especially if you plan to carry some things with you or stop to do some shopping.
What price for an electric city bike?
The electric city bike is the most affordable of the various types of electrically-assisted bicycle. Brand names such as Decathlon offer first-price models under €1,000. These are ideal for occasional users, and offer good value for money. On the other hand, top-of-the-range models can quickly fetch several thousand euros, as is the case with the following brands Riese & Müller and Tern.
Upway offers you a wide selection of inexpensive electric city bikes, thanks to reconditioning. After meticulous work by our specialized mechanics, we sell our used EABs in near new condition, but at low prices! Our models are also eligible for government subsidies.