Why choose a Belgian brand?

1. Designed for Belgian conditions

Belgian brands test their bikes on the cobbles, in the rain and in all weathers. They know what works in the local context.

2. Local service and spare parts

Battery failure? Engine problem? Belgian brands have dealers near you. No long wait for parts from China.

3. Sustainable production

Many brands assemble locally, reducing transport and CO₂ emissions. Ellio, for example, manufactures entirely in Leuven.

4. Innovative technology

From dual motors (Ellio) to carbon belt drive (Cowboy), Belgian brands are pushing the limits of e-bike technology.

Top 6 Belgian electric bike brands

1. Cowboy - The minimalist urban hero

Why popular: sleek design, smart application, virtually maintenance-free

Features :

• Motor: 250 W rear wheel

• Battery: 360 Wh (up to 80 km)

• Weight: 18.5 kg

• Transmission: carbon belt (no chain)

• Bonus: integrated GPS, automatic unlocking via app

Ideal for: urban commuters, technophile cyclists
Price: new €2,500-2,900, refurbished from €1,500
No gears: perfect for the flat roads of Flanders, less suited to the Ardennes.

2. Ellio - The top-of-the-range speed pedelec

Why unique: dual motorization, assembled in Leuven

Features :

• Motors: front + rear for optimum traction

• Transmission: automatic (no gears)

• Max. speed: 45 km/h

• Range: up to 120 km

• Braking: regenerative (energy recovery)

• Production: 100% Leuven, Belgium
  
  

Ideal for: long-distance commuters, car replacement
Price : new €5,500-6,500, refurbished from €3,500
Speed pedelec = license plate, insurance (€150-300/year) and helmet mandatory.

3. Ahooga - Foldable and Brussels-based

Why special: ultra-light and foldable, Belgian design

Features (Hybrid) :

• Weight: 13-17 kg

• Motor: 250 W in hub

• Battery: 7-9 Ah (up to 75 km)

• Frame: aluminum, folds in 10 sec.

• Special feature: can run without electric assistance

Ideal for: multimodal travel (train + bike), small spaces
Price: new €1,800-2,400, refurbished from €1,100
Light structure, less suitable for long distances or heavy loads.

4. Norta - Family reliability

Why popular: sturdy, practical, family-friendly

Features (City/Cargo) :

• Motor: Bosch or Bafang 250 W

• Battery: 500-600 Wh (up to 90 km)

• Frame: solid aluminum, low entry

• Extra: reinforced luggage rack, child seat available
  
  

Ideal for: families, busy commuters
Price: new from €2,000, refurbished from €1,200
Fewer gadgets, but real solidity.

5. Minerva & Granville - Belgian classics

Why reputable: historic brands, proven reliability

Features (Granville E-Urban) :

• Engine: Bosch Active Line

• Battery: 400-500 Wh

• Speeds: Shimano Nexus hub

• Usage: commuting

Ideal for: traditional cyclists looking for comfort and simplicity
Price: new €2,000-2,800, refurbished from €1,200
More classic design, but impeccable sturdiness.

Comparison of Belgian brands

Belgian technological innovations

• Dual engine (Ellio)
  Front + rear = optimum traction, ideal for hills and slippery roads.

• Carbon belt (Cowboy)
  No oil, no dirt, service life: 30,000 km+.

• Regenerative braking (Ellio)
  Recovers 10-15% of braking energy.

• Smart applications
  GPS, anti-theft, connected maintenance: Cowboy & Ellio are truly "smart" bikes.

• Local assembly
  Ellio (and partly O2Feel) assembles in Belgium for better quality control and more local jobs.

Popular refurbished models

• Cowboy 3 & 4 the most sought-after in town

• Granville E-Urban reliable and affordable

• Norta City family-friendly and practical

Choosing the right Belgian electric bike

1. Motor type

• Central (Granville) Balanced, natural feel, more expensive but long-lasting

• Rear wheel (Cowboy) high acceleration, economical, less suitable for slippery surfaces

• Double (Ellio) : maximum traction, high price, ideal for demanding commuters

2. Battery capacity

• 300-400 Wh : journeys ≤ 15 km

• 400-500 Wh 20-30 km or 50-70 km rides

• 500-720 Wh : long distances, speed pedelecs

3. Maintenance

• Cowboy belt maintenance-free, silent

• Protected chain 50-100 €/year, lubrication every 500 km

4. Warranty & service

• Cowboy : centers in major cities

• Ellio Ellio: mainly in Leuven and Flanders

• Granville/Minerva : extended dealer network

5. Type of use

• City Cowboy, Norta City, Ahooga

• Long distance (> 25 km) Ellio, O2Feel

• Comfort/Trekking O2Feel, Granville

• Family/Cargo Norta

• Train + bike : Ahooga

FAQ

Are Belgian e-bikes suitable for hills?
Yes, especially with central (O2Feel, Granville, Norta) or twin (Ellio) motors. Cowboy is less suited to steep inclines.

How much does maintenance cost?
Approximately €50-150/year, depending on the transmission. Belt = 0-50 €, chain = 100-150 €.

Can I get repairs anywhere?
Not always. Cowboy & Ellio have their own centers, but Granville, Norta & O2Feel are more widely supported.

Service life?
5-10 years for frame and components, battery to be replaced after 3-5 years (€600-900).

Are reconditioned bikes reliable?
Yes, if they have been professionally serviced. At Upway, they come with a 12-month warranty and are inspected like new.

What's the difference between Cowboy and VanMoof?
Both are urban smart bikes. Cowboy (Belgian) focuses on minimalism; VanMoof (Dutch) went bankrupt in 2023 - avoid second-hand bikes.

Can I use a speed pedelec without a plate?
No: registration, insurance and helmet are compulsory (€150-300/year).

Which Belgian brand for families?
Nortafrom €2,000 new or €1,200 refurbished : solid frame, luggage rack, child seat available.

Conclusion: support local, drive Belgian

Belgian electric bikes combine technological innovation and functional design, designed for the country's climate and roads.
Whether you choose the smart Cowboy, the powerful Ellio or the reliable Granville, each brand offers its own unique character.

Choose Belgian if :

• you insist on local service,

• you want a bike tested on cobblestones,

• you appreciate innovation and quality,

• you want to support the Belgian economy.