A kit for electrifying bicycles in Grenoble

The place of bicycles in Grenoble Alpes Métropole

Grenoble’s geographical location makes it an ideal city for cycling. The city’s flat terrain makes pedaling easy. What’s more, 450 km of cycle paths are scattered across the Grenoble area. The developments that continue to take place in the city, together with government subsidies, are helping to democratize the use of bicycles in the metropolis. According to figures compiled by the Syndicat Mixte des Mobilités de l’Aire Grenobloise, or SMMAG, some 4,000 cyclists use Chronovélo 1 every day (first quarter 2024). As a result, the latter recorded the highest usage of any Chronovélo slot in France.

Cycling is an integral part of everyday life for many Grenoble residents. Many people opt for soft mobility to get to work, to university or to make any other urban journey. In fact, TAG allows bicycles to be carried on streetcars before and after rush hour (7.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.). Sunday cyclists, meanwhile, are happy to hop on their two-wheelers to unwind and enjoy the city and its surroundings.

Not just for residents, the metropolis also encourages cycle tourism as a way of discovering the city. For this reason, Grenoble’s Tourist Office offers visitors the chance to explore the city by bike. Saddle up for visits to the historic center, street art in Berriat, riverside strolls or even the surrounding countryside. In all, there are some twenty cycling loops throughout the region. Some trails pass through the city center’s major attractions, while others pass through fields and forests. You can choose to ride a mountain bike or an electric bike along these routes.

Local subsidies for buying an electric bike in Grenoble

The Grenoble metropolitan area is helping its citizens to switch to soft mobility, with local subsidies for the purchase of an electric bike. Here are some compulsory conditions to be met by the cyclist to benefit from the subsidies:

• Over 18 years of age;
• Perceive a taxable income per share (RFRPP) not exceeding €22,983;
• Buy your electric bike only from a partner store or association, especially for second-hand bikes;
• The bike should cost between €1,000 and €4,000.

Please note: two types of VAE are not eligible for local aid:

• Those that run on a lead-acid battery ;
• Those who can travel at more than 25 km/h with electric assistance.

In principle, the maximum amount of aid for the purchase of an electric bike is €750. This figure rises to €1,500 in the case of an adapted electrically-assisted bicycle or cargo bike. In all cases, to find out the amount of your subsidy, you’ll need to refer to your RFRPP. The formula for the calculation is :

Then, depending on the result obtained, here are the different possible amounts:

If the person concerned is disabled, he or she receives an allowance of €750.

The various local authority grants can be combined with government subsidies, such as the bicycle bonus and the conversion bonus.

As a reminder, the bicycle bonus applies to private individuals wishing to purchase a VAE. It is capped at €400 for those with an RFRPP of €7,100 or less, and €300 for those with an RFRPP of €15,400 or less. As far as the conversion bonus is concerned, it is awarded to any citizen who exchanges his or her polluting vehicle for a greener means of transport. For the purchase of an electrically-assisted bicycle, the amount of the subsidy is capped at €3,000, or €1,500 for low-income and very low-income households.

How can I get help to buy an electric bike?

To take advantage of local grants and government subsidies for the purchase of a VAE, it’s essential to request a quotation from your dealer or partner workshop. Then apply online at aidevelo.mobilites-m.fr. Please attach supporting documents to your application:

• The seller’s quotation;
• A valid ID;
• Proof of income;
• Proof of address less than 3 months old
• A disability card for disabled people.

Once you’ve sent in your complete application, all you have to do is wait for it to be validated. A voucher will then be sent by e-mail. Present this last document to the seller, who will deduct the amount mentioned from your invoice. Thanks to various subsidies, you can save from a few hundred to a few thousand euros when buying an electric bike.

For even greater savings, why notequip your bike with a motor kit instead of buying a new one? In this case, your total expenditure will vary between €500 and €1,500, depending on the electric kit of your choice, i.e. half the price of a new bike. What’s more, electrifying your bike is a great way to give an unused bike a second life, or to take your current bike up a gear.

Good reasons to electrify your bike

Grenoble is a metropolis that favors green mobility. Its rental fleet (Métrovélo) has over 7,000 bicycles available. To free yourself from rental costs and the sometimes staggering expense of buying a new bike, buying an electrification kit is a good idea. In fact, there are many advantages to electrifying your bike.

• Electric bikes are practical. Reduce pedaling effort with motor assistance.
• Electrifying a bicycle is an eco-responsible gesture. In fact, you’re making an ecological gesture by avoiding the construction of a new bicycle, which requires a certain amount of energy and natural resources.
• The kit can be disassembled. You can install it on another bike in case you change your old one.
• Electrification can helpimprove your bike’s durability. In particular, opt for a quality kit to make it more robust.
• By opting for a quality motor kit, the bike can cover many kilometers over several days before needing to be recharged.
• The electrification kit can be adapted to different models of bikes, city bikes and mountain bikes.

What are the different types of motor kits for electrifying a bike?

Three main motor kits are available for electrifying a bike.

• Front wheel motor. This transfers power to the front wheel and provides light assistance. In other words, you ride with the same feeling as with a conventional bicycle. For this reason, this type of kit is best suited to occasional use or short trips.
• The rear-wheel motor is ideal for sporty driving, offering ideal assistance with good traction and braking power. Among other things, this type of kit ensures better stability and handling of the bike. Thanks to the motor located on the rear wheel, the bike can tackle difficult terrain and climbs.
• The pedal motor kit offers a more comfortable driving mode than the first two. In fact, the power of the assistance is adapted to your needs, offering a natural pedaling experience.

Of these three kits, the one with the pedal motor remains the most interesting, as it’s easier to install and more practical. However, note that this type of kit remains relatively heavy compared to a wheel motor kit, which can weigh up to 5 kg. Its market price is also more expensive. We offer 3 models of pedal motors:

• The 250 W TSDZ2 for short urban trips,
• The 500 W TSDZ8 for versatilityâ,
• The DM01 1000W for hiking on difficult trails.

When it comes to the battery to accompany the kit, there are several factors to consider in order to find the one best suited to your needs. Points to consider include capacity, autonomy, durability, recharge time, weight and shape. Also take into account your driving style and the type of journey.

Bike electrification in Grenoble: who can do it?

If you have DIY skills, you can easily assemble your bike’s electrification kit yourself. If you can’t, you’ll have to call in a professional. Among other things, this second solution is much wiser.

Before installing the kit, you need to make sure that the bike to be electrified is compatible with it. Only an expert in the field can determine whether this is the case. If the bike version and the chosen kit are not compatible, a professional workshop can modify the bike’s system before fitting the electrification kit.

Here are 3 of Syklo’s Grenoble partners:

• Velarep is a mobile repair shop for classic and electric bicycles. He offers a full in-home service and travels within a 15 km radius of Voreppe. This professional works from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm (12 pm on Saturdays). Visit their website for further information. They can be reached at 0785885864
• TMS La Grange à Vélo is a workshop-shop based in an old 17th-century barn in Meylan. In addition to its welcoming showroom, this professional also has a workshop to carry out various repairs on any model of bicycle: To contact them 0623175191 or e-mail: thibautmarriauxtms@gmail.com
• The Métakin bicycle workshop specializes in electrifying bicycles in Grenoble and the surrounding area. The company welcomes customers by appointment. Just call 07 68 98 83 58 or visit their website.

FAQ

Is bicycle electrification compulsory?

Electrifying your bike is not compulsory, but it is recommended, particularly as part of the ecological transition.

Where to go to electrify your bike in Grenoble?

You can contact one of our partner workshops. And if you’re good at DIY, you can assemble your own bike electrification kit.

How do I choose an electric kit for my bicycle?

You can choose between the wheel motor kit and the crankset motor kit. Syklo offers a more practical pedal motor kit.

How can I benefit from funding for bicycle electrification?

To benefit from local aid for the purchase of an electric bike in Grenoble, the cyclist must be over 18 years old and have an RFRPP of no more than €22,983. Local subsidies can be combined with the bicycle bonus and the conversion bonus.

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