Bicycle electrification in Bordeaux: the guide

Why electrify your bike?

Installing an electrification kit means transforming an ordinary bike into an electric one at lower cost. Note that the price of a VAE varies between 1,500 and 2,500 euros, while that of an electrification kit is between 500 and 1,500 euros. What’s more, this operationgives your two-wheeler a second life, which is a laudable ecological gesture .

Once your bike has been fitted with a motor and battery, you can enjoy all the benefits of an EAB:

– Climb a hill, pedal and face the headwinds with ease;

– Travel longer distances and carry heavier loads without getting tired;

– Save on your transport budget, since the energy cost of a diesel car is around €7/100 km, whereas it’s around €1/100 km for an ACE;

– Save time, since the average speed of rush-hour traffic in Bordeaux is 18 km/h, while the electric bike can travel at up to 25 km/h.

How do you electrify your bike?

Electrifying a bicycle involves purchasing and install an electric bike kit adapted to your bike and your needs. You can fix the kit yourself, or call in the professionals at a bike store or bike repair association.

Assemble the electrical kit yourself

Our electric bike conversion kits are easy to assemble. But first of all, we recommend that you carefully read the compatibility guide to find the right motor and battery for your bike. With us, every kit comes with assembly instructions to make the job easier.

Before electrifying your bike, make sure you have :

– The right tools ;

– Skills required;

– Time required (about two hours).

Please note that a bike installed by a non-professional is not approved.

Have the electric bike kit installed by a professional

We work with stores and workshops that install electrical systems for bicycles. Calling on the services of these professionals enables you to get your two-wheeler approved, and makes you eligible for financial aid.

Here is the list of our partners in Bordeaux metropole:

– Atelier Reine Cargo (35 Rue Montmejean, 33100 Bordeaux): this is a maintenance and repair workshop open to the general public and to all bicycles. You can visit the workshop directly, or contact us on our freephone number 05.35.54.10.90.

– Monsieur Clément (48 rue Ferdinand Buisson, 33130 Bègles): this repairer with over 20 years’ experience offers quality service to his customers. You can contact him directly via his website or by phone on 07.83.78.65.63.

Which electric bike kit to choose?

This is the motor that drives the bike when you’re not pedaling. Here are three important criteria for choosing this VAE centerpiece.

Engine torque

Engine torque is the force generated by the motor to move the bike forward. It is expressed in Newton meters (Nm). High torque makes transporting loads and climbing hills easier on a two-wheeler.

– So if you want to electrify your bike for public roads, we advise you to choose a motor with a torque of 80 Nm. That’s more than enough to get you to the office without breaking a sweat, or for a long weekend hike.

– A bike electrification kit developing more than 80 Nm is reserved for adventures off the beaten track and for leisure activities or competitions on private roads.

Engine power

Motor power, expressed in watts (W), determines the EAB’s ability to go fast. The higher the power, the higher the maximum speed the bike can reach.

– 250 W is the norm for an electric bike. This is the maximum power authorized in France and throughout the European Union.

– In the eyes of the law, two-wheelers and three-wheelers with engines of more than 400 W are no longer considered to be EABs. They are speed bikes, and require an AM license.

Motor position

Engine location has an influence on the rider’s riding experience.

– Front-wheel motor: bikes fitted with this type of motor deliver excellent acceleration performance on a straight, flat track. It becomes difficult to control when cornering or on difficult terrain. It’s a simple model that’s mainly installed on entry-level VAEs.

– Motor in the rear wheel: the weight and force it exerts on the rear wheel reinforce its grip, helping the bike to negotiate difficult terrain with ease. Self-service bikes are generally equipped with a motor in the rear wheel.

– Pedal motor: aligned with the two-wheeler’s center of gravity, this motor provides better balance for the rider and well-distributed power for the bike. Pedal motors are generally found on cargo bikes and high-end velotafs.

Which VAE battery to choose?

The battery is an important component of the VAE, acting as an energy reservoir. Its capacity, measured in Watt-hours (Wh), expresses the amount of energy available in a 100% charged battery. The higher the capacity, the longer the range.

Discover our batteries, which stand out for their ergonomic design and perfect integration with all types of bikes:

– The 250 Wh battery battery: more than enough to get you to and from the office, to run errands and to take your kids to and from school. This is the type of battery to install on a city bike.

– The 630 Wh battery We recommend it for cyclists looking for greater autonomy, such as for cycle touring. We also recommend it for those who carry heavy loads (two-wheelers, scooters, long-tail bikes, bikes converted into kiosks…).

– The 840 Wh battery coupled with the TSDZ8 motor : more powerful and with greater autonomy, this battery will enable you to make the Bordeaux-Bassin d’Arcachon round trip, without having to recharge your VAE.

What are the advantages of choosing a Syklo kit?

At Syklo, we’re convinced that using an electric bike as a means of transport is part of a sustainable development approach. Knowing that the price of an e-bike can discourage many people, we are committed to offering a low-cost solution.

Here are the various advantages of buying the Syklo conversion kit:

Kits to suit your needs

Do you want a bike to get around town, ride the Vélodyssée or challenge your friends on a private track? You can choose the conversion kit best suited to your needs from the 4 variants available from us.

A lifespan that benefits the planet and our customers

The durability and repairability of our electrification kits are among our top priorities. We know that with a durable product, we pollute less and preserve resources for future generations. Thanks to the quality, repairability and ease of maintenance of our parts, you can enjoy your bike for a long time to come, while acting as an eco-responsible citizen.

An exceptional guarantee

Our kits are built to last. That doesn’t mean we can’t offer you 24 months of free after-sales service to serve you better. To support you in your development, we remain at your disposal even after these two years.

Firmware to customize your bike’s motorization to your needs

The firmware, the intelligence that manages the signals from the various sensors, can be customized to adapt the motor’s behavior to your needs. You won’t find this kind of open-source firmware in other kits, such as the Bafang BBS.

Disconcertingly easy to use

Our electric motor kits are designed to provide a pleasant user experience. Would you like to rediscover the joys of purely muscular pedaling? Assembly and disassembly of our conversion kit is child’s play.

Competitive pricing

Our top-quality, high-performance kits are competitively priced. Take a look at the comparison: our TSDZ2 is less expensive than the Bafang BB01.

Bicycle electrification in Bordeaux: how can the city help?

In France, anyone planning to buy a bicycle for their daily commute can obtain financial assistance from the State and/or local authorities. The Bordeaux metropolitan area has set up a subsidy to help its residents acquire a VAE. The grant amounts to 100 euros per bike and per beneficiary.

Conditions of eligibility

– be an adult with a taxable income of 2,200 euros or less;

– Have their main residence or place of work located within the Bordeaux Metropolitan Area;

– Electrify your bike with a device that complies with NF EN 15 194 standards, or buy an eligible bike (cargo bike, folding bike, recumbent bike, electrically-assisted bike, bike adapted for the disabled).

Steps to take

To benefit from the subsidy, go to the Bordeaux Metropolitan Council website and download the application form. The complete file should be sent by e-mail or post to the address of the metropolis.

Here are the documents you need to enclose with your application:

– Application form duly completed and signed ;

– Copy of your ID ;

– Proof of address less than 3 months old ;

– Copy of your last tax assessment ;

– RIB for the eventual payment of the bonus ;

– Completed Metropole mobility questionnaire ;

– Paid purchase invoice ;

– Bicycle homologation certificate ;

– Liability waiver for electrified bike conversion kits.

This bonus can be combined with the ” bonus vélo“, a government subsidy capped at 300 euros or 400 euros, depending on the person’s taxable income.

FAQ

Can I buy an extra battery?

You can buy as many batteries as you like to extend the duration of your outing. However, we advise you not to leave a battery without charge for more than 4 months.

Does my bike recharge while I’m riding?

No, electric-assist bicycles are not equipped with systems that allow them to recharge while riding.

How fast can I ride my electric bike in Bordeaux?

The law limits the maximum speed of an ACE to 25 km/h. If you wish to exceed this limit, you must reclassify your bike as a moped and comply with the relevant regulations.

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