We have all heard these remarks: "the electric bike is not sport", "the electric bike is for lazy people", "the electric bike is for those who do not want to get tired"... Since its creation, debates on the benefits of the VAE have multiplied. We will try, in this article, to clarify the enigma around the effects of the VAE on the body.

What scientists say

A first study conducted by the University of Miami consisting of monitoring the vital signs of several cyclists with two different types of bicycles (a traditional bicycle and an electric bicycle) over 5 km, showed the following results:

5 km trip (865 seconds for the classic bike and 748 seconds for the VAE)

We can therefore see that the traditional bicycle makes you spend more energy, but the VAE has its advantages: it allows you to provide a less abrupt effort and therefore generates less tension for the muscles.

If you have already practiced the VAE you also know that the use is much more pleasant and gives the impression of providing less effort.

Research by Professor Bente Stallknecht of the University of Copenhagen proves that regular cycling, even electric, contributes to lasting and significant fat loss. Pedaling on a VAE involves calorie expenditure but does not require more food intake due to the effort provided, which is less compared to a conventional bicycle.

The VAE would reduce the risk of premature death by 41%

A study from the University of Glasgow has shown that cycling to work reduces the risk of dying prematurely by 41%. The World Health Organization recommends at least two and a half hours of physical activity per week.

But riding a bike does not only increase physical abilities. The VAE also heals the mind by participating in a general well-being. This is what emerges from the study “ Bike, car or public transport: a study of stress and mood on arrival at work ” carried out by Concordia University, Canada. Finally, pedaling boosts memory, stimulates neurons and improves cognitive abilities.

Proven health effects

Many people consider the classic bike to be more sporty than the electric bike. Yet the vast majority of them have never tried the VAE!

The VAE is the victim of received ideas : the assistance does all the work, the VAE are heavy, not practical to transport...

On the other hand, on the side of cyclists accustomed to electric, many declare that its practice is good for the body and the spirit.

In general, cycling is good for your health. 16% of French people have been cycling more often since deconfinement (this phenomenon is linked to the reasons we all know: fear of public transport, a need to recharge...).

The advantage of the VAE is that it is accessible to all. It allows its users to provide a smoother effort. Whether seniors or the average athlete or in recovery, everyone finds their account. The assistance is there to reassure its user in the event of a steep slope and also present to relieve the effort.

The VAE also has other indirect but equally important impacts. It is, for example, a means of combating a sedentary lifestyle. The engine and the electric assistance come in reinforcement if necessary. The pleasure of the sport is then preserved. This paves the way for new challenges, users can now keep pace on group rides. The VAE becomes a vector of socialization.

The electric bike in competition

The electric bike is becoming more democratic even in competition. There are several championships including the French VTTAE championship organized by the French Motorcycling Federation or the Coupe de France VTTAE enduro. Electric mountain biking in competition is booming. It is structured and attracts more and more the public.

The evolution of the material allows today to engage in an intense practice of the activity. The VTTAE becomes a sport apart, with its competition circuit, its champions and even a French team of VTTAE!

In a sporting logic, the VTTAE can represent an intense or even very intense effort. This is the case in mountain biking in competition, which is now an official discipline of cycling!

Conclusion

Yes, the VAE is good for your health! Scientific studies confirm that its practice constitutes a physical activity. It allows you to play sports by adapting the effort provided according to your physical condition.

People who are not used to physical activity, elderly or overweight people have the possibility, with the EAB, to exercise without straining.

When the vintage trend meets the increasingly present attraction for eco-mobility, the result is the chopper electric bike. It is now a very fashionable means of getting around in our cities. With its ecological spirit combined with its very “chill” look, this vintage electric bike is unanimous in town, in the countryside or by the sea.

The neo-retro biker style is gaining more and more followers today. Between nostalgia, authenticity and also a way to stand out, the retro style of the chopper-style electric bike is all the rage in our streets. Electric bike manufacturers are therefore surfing on this trend and today offer you various models with a retro look.

Why choose a vintage-style electric bike?

Treating yourself to and riding an electric bike today means:

• avoid traffic jams thanks to the use of more and more cycle paths
• save time on your urban journeys (It is actually estimated that an electric bike journey allows you to divide your journey time by 2 compared to the car.)
• an increasingly easy traffic in the city despite the incivility of motorists
• protect its environment by drastically reducing its CO2 emissions
• increase in life expectancy
• be in better physical and mental health
• combine business with pleasure

But the advantage of opting for a chopper electric bike is obviously to be able to adapt your electric bike to your own style. Electric bike manufacturers offer you the embarrassment of choice as to the models and ranges available on the market. So how to choose?

What is the use of electric chopper bikes?

First of all, it is important to define your needs for its use.

To get around town with comfort and ease, a vintage urban electric bike will suffice. However, if you prefer technical terrain (mud, dirt, sand for example) and want a more sporty product, we recommend a Cruiser or Beach Cruiser electric bike with large fat bike tires.

If you want to combine driving in town and in the countryside, you can also choose a mixed electric bike model.

What criteria should be taken into account before purchasing?

Engine

Whether it is placed in the crankset or in the rear wheel, you should know that in order to be able to travel legally on public roads, the motor of an electrically assisted bicycle is limited to 250W in France.

Your pedaling will then be assisted up to a speed of 25 km/h . To go beyond that, you will have to rely solely on the power of your legs.

Models offering higher horsepower electric motors are considered speedbikes . This type of machine has electric assistance limited to 45 km/h.

But to drive off-road, you will be required to have insurance , a protective helmet and a license plate (but not a registration document).

The weight

An electric bike weighs more due to the weight of the components (motor and battery). In order to facilitate its transport if necessary, we advise you to test move the bike to make sure that you can get there without any problems.

The ideal is to have a garage or bike room in your home to store it easily.

Battery

Choose a battery with good battery life. A quality battery will allow you to go on longer and better journeys. It is very easy on a chopper bike to ride comfortably and effortlessly, so you might as well enjoy it on long journeys.

The price

This criterion depends on your budget for the acquisition of a retro electric bike. Indeed, manufacturers offer all price ranges, it's up to you to choose.

Comparative Chopper Electric Bike

After digesting these many tips in buying a vintage electric bike, we have selected the best models in the chopper bike category. Now let's introduce these neo-retro electric bikes and highlight their strengths and weaknesses.

RAYVOLT CRUZER: The most vintage

With a design retracing the silhouette of the first motorcycles, you will not go unnoticed on the handlebars of this super retro electric bike.

Equipped with a 3-phase DC brushless motor, quality batteries, electronic brakes and an intelligent virtual assistant, the Rayvolt Cruzer guarantees you quality electric assistance and reduced battery consumption.

This particularly long bike will give you a smooth, fast (speed-bike), intuitive and high-tech riding experience.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RAYVOLT CRUZER

• More torque, more response
• Low noise and vibration
• EIVA Smart Virtual Assistant

WEAK POINTS OF THE RAYVOLT CRUZER

• High price
• No suspensions
• A small spring saddle
• Somewhat heavy component weight
• In the Speedbike category

GARRETT MILLER X 2021: Relaxation and Technology

The Garrett Miller X , version 2021, returns even more technical and practical than its previous version.

Indeed, equipped with a 250W Brushless motor, 5 assistance modes, an improved braking system, front suspensions and unfailing comfort, this vintage electric bike is as sleek as it is pleasant to ride. conduct.

With a new color LCD display on the handlebars, the Garrett Miller will be your ally for all your rides thanks to its GPS function to show you the way. Indeed, it is possible via Bluetooth to link your smartphone to the Garrett Miller X version 2021.

The little extra of this top-of-the-range electric bike: prefer rides for two on an ultra-comfortable saddle designed for two people and with toe clips for each passenger.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GARRETT MILLER X 2021

• Comfort of use thanks to its front suspensions
• Two-person bike
• Big Kenda All-Terrain Tires
• Available in 3 colors (Black, Nardo Gray and Military Green)

WEAK POINTS OF THE GARRETT MILLER X 2021

• Price

SUPER 73 S: The most American

With an atypical and unique style , this retro electric bike does everything not to go unnoticed.

Featuring extra wide wheels, quality brakes and a very quick start, nothing will stop you with this fat bike electric bike.

Indeed, with a driving information dial (speed, mileage, etc.) and with its four different driving modes (freewheel mode to slalom between obstacles, eco mode to save your battery, tour mode which allows you to test the nervousness of this electric bike and sport mode which will give you sensations and speed), the Super 73 Serie-S adapts to all driving and road situations.

But let's be honest, this bike has all the aesthetic qualities required to impress but it is not as comfortable as its competitors.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SUPER 73 S

• Possibility to ride with two people
• Unparalleled style
• 4 driving modes

WEAK POINTS OF THE SUPER 73 S

• Price a bit high
• Uncomfortable saddle
• Slightly light suspensions
• The annoying battery

B'CLOO BOOBER: Armorican Fat Bike

Its totally vintage design with leather inserts and its XXL length make it a real electric chopper bike. From a company based in the Côtes d'Armor this bike has a 250W motor in the rear wheel and an integrated battery.

The B'Cloo BOOBER is a fat bike with big 26 inch wheels. It has a pleasant and good handling both in town and in the countryside. This electric bike inspired by the first Harley motorcycles has a look that does not go unnoticed!

Moreover, with a range of approximately 60 km, its hydraulic brakes, it will offer you comfort and flexibility on the road as well as quality braking.

B'CLOO BOOBER STRENGTHS

• Good autonomy
• Pleasure driving
• quality hydraulic braking

WEAK POINTS OF THE B'CLOO BOOBER

• Price too high
• Single seat only

SUPER 73 RX: The sportiest of all

Finally, the ultimate Super73 RX chopper is a retro bike with an ultra-sporty look. Its design is based on an all-terrain motocross that will offer you elegance and dynamism on your journeys. Indeed, the Super73 RX is optimized to offer a fluid experience on the road as well as on the paths of trails.

If it is a bit heavy with its 36 kg on the scale, the Super73 Serie R is no longer very well equipped. With suspensions both on a front fork but also at the rear, this provides better comfort. Its regulatory 250W motor in the rear wheel and its Magura hydraulic braking make it the most upscale electric bike.

SUPER73 RX HIGHLIGHTS

• Dynamic
• Elegant and Sporty Look at the same time
• Magura hydraulic disc brakes
• Front and rear suspension

WEAK POINTS OF THE SUPER73 RX

• Very high price
• Saddle always a little hard

Conclusion on the retro electric bike

As you have understood, choosing the right chopper version electric bike is not easy.

Indeed, with the multitude of models and styles offered, you will have to try the different bikes in order to position yourself on the best for you as to its usefulness.

We advise you to test the retro electric bikes that you like: driving (acceleration and braking, torque), weight but also comfort in order to choose the bike best suited to your needs and take full advantage of this electric experience!

It is interesting to ask how the city of tomorrow will be organized.

How will cities adapt and transform in the face of the development of technology?

Will we give priority to bicycles or be invaded by drones and autonomous cars?

We will try to answer all these questions in this article.

THE two main requirements for city travel are: reducing pollution and improving traffic. While it is unlikely to see autonomous or even flying cars like in the films arrive in the short term, the city of tomorrow will have to adapt to new modes of transport.

Towards a total disappearance of cars in the city?

The car will gradually give way in order to meet the demands of reducing pollution and congestion in cities.

Today, in Paris, 50% of the roads are dedicated to motorized vehicles, which only represent 13% of travel modes !
There is also an issue on the professional side. In fact, “last mile transport” represents nearly 40% of pollution in cities.

Companies are now forced to restructure their vehicle fleets and their strategy in opting for more ecological solutions than the good old diesel vans to make their deliveries. Many people have already opted for the cargo bike where the electric bike with trailer.

On their side, cities are taking steps to encourage alternative means of travel : urban tolls, traffic bans, pedestrianization of the banks, 30 zones, cycle lanes, etc.

Public transport and soft mobility, the future of city travel?

Public transport provides the best environmental performance in relation to the number of passengers transported per kilometer. They therefore remain essential in dense areas.

Regarding the use of bicycles, if investments are sufficient, the number of users could increase dramatically.

A Copenhagen, capital of Denmark, renowned as one of the European capitals with the most bicycles, 49% of trips are made by bicycle compared to 4% (even 12 to 15% in certain cities) in France.

France is a larger country compared to Denmark for example, which implies a vision of transport as a multimodal network. Parking lots could be created on the outskirts of cities to then allow users to travel by bike or public transport.

Developments and road works will be necessary to create cycle paths and reduce roads.

European plan to promote cycling

This plan was definitively adopted on May 18, 2021. He covers 54 countries, including the 27 of the European Union. This is a major first on a European scale.

All of these countries demonstrate their desire to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transport. It is a leading initiative that addresses the climate emergency and the need to reduce CO2 emissions.

The goal is to succeed in double the number of trips by bike in just 10 years, it will be essential that the governments concerned put in place a proactive policy.

Of the 54 countries involved, 16 have already adopted a national strategy, while 9 others are developing one for the first time. This therefore means that a majority of these countries still do not have a national bicycle development strategy.

France is one of those countries that will have to put in a lot of effort to achieve the set objective!

Here are the general recommendations provided by the plan:

• Double up on cycling in the region by 2030
• Significantly increase cycling and walking in all countries
• Reallocate space cycling and walking
• Improving mobility infrastructure active in all countries
• Improve security cyclists and pedestrians
• Develop national policies, strategies and plans in favor of cycling
• Integrate cycling into health policies, infrastructure and land use planning

The Netherlands tops the ranking of countries where cycling is most practiced, with 27% of trips made by bicycle.

Countries like Denmark (15%), Belgium (12%) and Germany (11%) share the top of the ranking.

France, for its part, is still lagging behind (2.7%). On the other hand, all have shown increasing figures since 2020, particularly as a result of the coronavirus health crisis.

What is the place of technology in this transformation?

This first goes through a massive electrification and automation of transport (buses, autonomous shuttles, electrically assisted bicycles, etc.). An autonomous metro, for example, means less energy expenditure and more transport capacity.

Secondly, the smart city can provide solutions to promote soft transport. There are sensors that detect when a cyclist or pedestrian arrives to automatically change the light to red. This type of tool also makes it possible to better regulate traffic flows and avoid congestion.

On the other hand, we must be wary of false good technological ideas, such as autonomous cars, which provide user comfort but risk increasing traffic by diverting users from public transport.

Everyone takes more and more awareness of ecological issues. We realize that search criteria for new vehicles are moving towards hybrid or electric models.

These new behaviors are strongly encouraged by the aid put in place for the purchase of such vehicles.

In the future, polluting vehicles will be taxed more and more and removed from city centers, so be a pioneer by adopting the right actions now!