Made in France like the bike it equips, the new Virvolt 900 motor integrates Jean Fourche’s first electric bike (VAE), the Jean Foudre. We were able to take it in hand, here are our first impressions.
After having started with a “500” electrification kit for individuals, Virvolt is beginning the second phase of its existence with the “900”. The Virvolt 900 is a mid-pedal motor, which the French brand has decided to assemble in France.
We also visited the backstage of this new block for VAE, taking place in Flins in the Renault factory. The car manufacturer has indeed integrated the startup into its Refactory, this multi-activity conversion replacing car manufacturing, with industrialization support.
The Jean Foudre in the spotlight, the first electric signed Jean Foudre
This motor is also different since it is intended for bicycle manufacturers wishing to switch to electric, in addition to compatibility with existing bicycles. For the moment, a few brands have chosen this block, including Hyboo, Caminade and Jean Fourche. And as Virvolt and Renault offered us, we did not miss the opportunity to discover and take control of an electric bike equipped with this engine.
It is the new Jean Foudre, present during our visit, that we rode. It’s a faithful electrified version of the first muscular model, halfway between a city bike and a recumbent. I had personally discussed with the brand during its presentation, where its co-founder Benoît Maurin explained that he wanted a simple conversion, easily repairable, not changing the spirit of the bike, and above all made in France.
This Jean Foudre thus displays the same 24-inch wheels and a rear luggage rack supporting 35 kg, all with a semi-open frame. Delivered from this month of June, it costs 2,290 euros, a very attractive price in view of the components it embeds.
We tested the Jean Fourche bike with a Virvolt motor
The copy is still in prototype – for the stem in particular – but integrating the Virvolt 900 series motor. The integration into the pedals is rather successful, while the battery (still temporary with a 3D printed box) is housed under the frame.
The operation is that of an electrically assisted bicycle, with a torque sensor delivering energy smoothly and very naturally. Everything is controlled via a small LCD screen on the handlebars, with speed, battery gauge and current level of assistance, plus some secondary information including mileage. With 80 Nm sent to the rear wheel, the block has no trouble pushing the lightweight Bordeaux bike, especially in maximum mode (there are 5 of them).
The bike weighs 22 kg after switching to electric, with balanced weight distribution, since motor and battery are in the center. The Jean Fourche therefore remains transportable if necessary, and quite handy on the handlebars. Clearly, this VAE brings a flexibility of use – especially in load or child in the back – with unevennesses which will not be afraid any more. If Bordeaux is flat enough to be crossed by muscle bike, this Jean Foudre would find its place more in Grenoble for example.
And urban use, with its frequent stops, is facilitated by the Shimano Nexus 7 transmission. This rear hub allows you to change gears when stationary, and gets rid of the derailleur. The choice of a 7-speed shows the bike’s desire for versatility, seeking to satisfy as many people as possible. In addition, Virvolt offers a very wide range of action on this bike, equipped with the 691 Wh large battery option. We could thus easily cover 80 to 110 km per charge depending on the brand.
But to verify this, and the first impressions experienced on the first laps within the Renault factory in Flins, it will take a more complete test. We hope to test soon this Jean Fourche “Jean Foudre” equipped with the Virvolt 900.
A Virvolt 900 motor adaptable to your bike
We also share a photo of the second bike presented by Virvolt, unofficial, because it is a unique conversion of the Finna Avenue with the 900 kit. This superb Spanish bike is here equipped with a 378 Wh capacity battery in bottle format, more discreet. The kit is available on the Virvolt site at 1,225 euros, to be installed via a professional only, and at 1,525 euros with a 691 Wh battery. The brand specifies that 98% of the bikes on the market are compatible.
