Decathlon is very involved in the development of new urban mobility and more particularly around the bike, with its wide btwin range. With this in mind, the brand had drawn a first generation of folding bikes, a format particularly suited to urban users. Indeed, it is possible to take public transport, for example with your folded bike for multimodal journeys. This category of bike is also perfect for limiting the risk of theft, because the cyclist can easily ride it in the office or in his apartment.
Decathlon had quickly launched an electrified version, the Tilt 500E which, despite its attractive price, had not really convinced us. For 2023, the French giant is launching a new generation currently composed of two models, the E Fold 100 and the E Fold 500.
The basis is identical. We thus find a redesigned frame which notably loses the reinforcement bar of the Tilt 500E: the lines gain in fluidity and we are even closer to the famous Bromptons. The frame is now made of steel, as is the fork. We should gain in comfort, because this material absorbs more shocks, but in return these pedelecs are overweight since the E Fold 100 weighs 19.9 kg against 18.6 kg for the Tilt 500E knowing that the E Fold 500 exceeds 21 kg. The difference in weight should be particularly felt when it comes to carrying the folded bike to face, for example, the stairs of certain stations.
Two more bulky bikes
The folding system remains quite classic, but note that the newcomers are slightly bulkier when folded: 84 x 73.5 x 46 cm against 83 x 67 x 45 cm for the previous generation.
For the wheels, Decathlon remains faithful to the 20 inch with 1.75 inch wide tires. Even status quo with regard to braking with classic V Brakes with pads.
The motor is always placed in the hub of the rear wheel. The E Fold 100 is based on a version delivering a power of 200 W for a torque of 35 Nm. This is better than the Tilt which is content with a torque of 26 Nm. This engine is here associated with a transmission with single speed with a 52 tooth chainring and a 16 tooth rear sprocket. This seems to reserve this version for essentially flat routes. Note that the cyclist will only have one assistance mode and therefore logically does not have a display.
The battery is no longer integrated into the frame, but takes place above the rear wheel. This is not ideal for the center of gravity. It has a capacity of 252 Wh (187 Wh for the previous generation) for an announced autonomy of 35 km.
We are moving upmarket with the E Fold 500. Its motor is simply distinguished by its power of 250 W for an unchanged torque and above all it now offers three modes of assistance: Eco, Normal and Boost, accessible from a control console. The 252 Wh battery is capable of offering between 30 and 50 km of autonomy depending on the mode of use chosen. The Shimano signature transmission is now 6-speed with a 14-28 tooth cassette. This choice necessarily improves the versatility of the VAE.
Note that the brand offers a high capacity battery as an accessory. It will be able, thanks to its increased capacity, 417 Wh in this case, to offer a maximum autonomy of 70 km on the bike. Both E Folds are equipped with a luggage rack, mudguards, a kickstand and integrated front/rear lighting. The E Fold 100 is marketed at a price of 899 € against 1099 € for its big brother.