A report from France 2 highlights a subsidiary of La Poste whose role is to refurbish electric bicycles in bad shape. Once made, each model is sold at an affordable price of 1290 euros.
One of the main obstacles to buying an electric bike is undoubtedly the price. You made it clear to us without any ambiguity in one of our surveys. In 2021, the average price of a VAE was, for example, 1993 euros. To spend without breaking the bank, several solutions exist.
Entry-level electrically assisted bicycles are an alternative to consider, to the detriment of an optimal experience. The other idea is to set your sights on reconditioned models, which are gradually gaining in power. The Upway company has made it its specialty.
70% of parts are recycled
Another lesser-known player has also positioned itself in this niche… for one type of bicycle in particular: La Poste’s electrified cycles. The genesis of this project is to be credited to Jean-Marc Pierret, former director of a post office, who wanted to react after learning of the tragic fate of La Poste VAE deemed to be in poor condition.
This story is told to us by the France 2 teams, who went to Tours (Indre-et-Loire) to meet Nouvelle Attitude, the La Poste subsidiary in charge of the project. This branch currently employs four people in professional reintegration and aims to double its workforce during the year 2023.
? A La Poste employee had the idea of recycling postmen’s bikes to benefit those who wish. The bike is electric and sold at a good price.
▶️ #JT13H pic.twitter.com/mzGNScprGg
– Info France 2 (@infofrance2) January 3, 2023
The idea is simple: the yellow bicycles of La Poste judged to be in poor condition are sent to the workshop in Tours. The process then consists of dismantling them, sorting the functional components, washing them and then reassembling them. In total, 70% of the parts are recycled. Conversely, 30% of the components are new.
The Recy’Clo Project site gives interesting details on the ins and outs of the project. Nouvelle Attitude makes a point of honor to the safety and reliability of the bike, since the main components in this area are new: tires, saddle, transmission, lighting, reflector, cables and sheaths or even handles.
Good theoretical autonomy
In addition, the frame and fork are completely dismantled and stripped bare, specifies the subsidiary. The bearings are then removed, greased or changed depending on their condition. The frame and fork, always, also pass a “inspection of welds by penetrant testing (non-destructive testing) carried out by APAVE“, can we read.
This method consists of detecting emerging discontinuities – a crack, for example – by applying a liquid to the surface to be examined.
The technical sheet of reconditioned bicycles then resold to professionals or individuals contains interesting elements. Like the torque of 65 Nm, which should ensure a certain dynamism. The 561 Wh battery claims a range of 80 kilometres. On the other hand, it is not specified which type of sensor is used: torque or rotation sensor.
Less than 1500 euros
The presence of a front and rear luggage rack makes this VAE practical, as it is capable of carrying several loads. On the other hand, his weight of 29 kg clearly does not make him a featherweight. It is an element to take into account, as is its length of 195 cm. Finally, you have to deal with a six-speed transmission.
The refurbished model from La Poste is below the average price of a VAE in France, since it officially costs 1290 euros – at this price or for less, other models exist such as the NCM C5 or the Decathlon Elops 120 E. In the future, two new workshops will open their doors to step up the pace: one to Lyon, the other to Rouen.
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