Pitfalls and mistakes to avoid when buying an electric bike

Faced with the growing and ever more attractive offer, choosing an electrically assisted bicycle (VAE) is not an easy thing. Then, it is not uncommon to come across models at attractive prices on more or less reliable sites. The big problem: these bikes are not always approved and their use is prohibited in France. So, how can you ensure that you have chosen an electric bike that is suited to your practice and with which you can ride completely legally on the road?

With this guide, you will know everything not to do. To know everything he must do before buying an electric bike, click here.

Buy an unapproved VAE in France

The approval certificate (or certificate of conformity) is mandatory in France, for all motorized vehicles traveling on public roads. This is official proof automatically provided upon purchase. It certifies that the electrically assisted bicycle complies with the 3 criteria set by the standard NF EN 15194 :

1. the assistance of an e-bike must not exceed the maximum speed of 25 km/h
2. electric assistance is activated only by pedaling
3. rated motor power is limited to 250 Watts (0.25 kW)

Without this certificate, you are not authorized to drive on public roads in France. If the frame, technical sheet, product page or box of the bike, carries the words “Compliant with safety requirements”, It’s good, the bike is approved. You can ride with peace of mind and a light sock. The electric bike must also carry the CE marking.

The certificate must also stipulate that the VAE is complies with the provisions of Directive 2006/42/EC relating to machines, as well as the Directive 2014/30/EU electromagnetic compatibility.

Other mentions of ISO standards may be added depending on the model and its accessories such as: the ISO 4210-2:2014 standard (compliance with safety and performance requirements to be observed during design, assembly and testing of certain categories of bicycles) or the ISO 11243:2016 standard (for requirements related to bicycle luggage racks).

As it is prohibited to ride with an unapproved e-bike, you risk a third class fine (Highway Code, article R321-4), and to have more serious problems in the event of a road accident (coverage of your civil liability).

Finally, you will not be able to apply for state aid or take out bicycle insurance.

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Choose an eBike equipped with too powerful a motor or an unknown brand

This is what can happen when you buy an electric bike on the Internet from a brand relatively unknown to the battalion. When you have a problem or if you wish to carry out annual maintenance, the risk is that the bicycle dealer will refuse to take charge of your electric bike for safety and insurance reasons.

In France, the regulated nominal power of an VAE motor is limited to 250 watts for an approved classic electrically assisted bicycle. As a reminder: by purchasing an unapproved electric bike, you are not allowed to ride it on the road.

Finally, favor common e-bike engine brandsmore easily repairable and which have proven their effectiveness, such as:

• Bosch,
• Panasonic,
• Shimano,
• Yamaha,
• Bafang,
• Brose.

Brakes that are not suitable or powerful enough

The majority of VAEs are now equipped with disc brakes (hydraulic or mechanical) with two or four pistons. This mechanism indeed offers more efficient and powerful braking.

Some entry-level e-bikes can be equipped with pad brakes. They are indeed more economical, but they still remain less effective than discs, especially in the event of rain.

For more security, Our advice therefore remains to choose an eBike equipped with hydraulic disc brakes.

Do you want to buy a longtail or an electric cargo ship? Always choose a model equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, two-piston for a light model and four-piston for a heavier model, or if you plan to load it like a donkey.

It goes without saying that if you buy a speedbike, disc brakes are mandatory.

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Confusing VAE and speedbike: oops…

If a speedbike (or speedelec) looks like an electrically assisted bicycle, these are two different bikes. If pedaling assistance goes up to 25 km/h on an e-bike, it goes up to 45 km/h on a speedbike.

Safety and traffic rules in France are therefore not the same. The speedbike is in fact part of the moped category (ICS 43.140 standards), unlike the VAE. For example, you cannot use cycle paths with a speedbike and you must have it registered. Wearing an approved helmet and registration are also obligatory on a speedbike.

SO distrust with the misleading and catch-all term “electric bikes”. Check the characteristics (rated power, pedaling assistance, maximum speed) on the product sheet. A quick look at the FAQ doesn’t hurt either.

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Equipment that sells dreams, but not always useful

To put it simply: you don’t put a Ferrari engine in a Twingo. So buying an e-bike with an ultra-powerful engine for driving on flat terrain and cycle paths is like an SUV in town: not necessarily necessary.

Don’t look bigger than the engine. The risk is to pay more for your bike. And not to exploit all its capabilities! Remember that if the nominal power remains the same on an VAE (250 Watts), the torque power, expressed in Newtons per meter Nm, can vary depending on the engine.

For commuting or urban journeys without too much elevation gain, a 40-65 Nm motor (like the Bosch Active Line or Active Line Plus) is sufficient. No need for a Bosch Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition motor to ride the cycle path in Paris or Bordeaux! These machines are designed to swallow scree while mountain biking, they are largely oversized for your commute.

? Need a hand choosing your bike? Julien Cadot and Daz invite you to our YouTube channel Vroom for presentation videos and tests of numerous VAEs.

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Buy a used VAE without invoice, purchase book or marking

If you buy a used electric bike, ask for a purchase invoice from the seller and proof of recent maintenance (less than six months) such as an invoice with details. You are not protected from a bad surprise, but you reduce the risk of mechanical damage with a bike that has been serviced recently.

Then, marking has been compulsory since January 1, 2021 for new bicycles sold by professionals. The system was extended to used bicycles on July 1, 2021. When a bicycle is put up for sale, there is a procedure to carry out.

With Paravol for example, the seller must indicate that the bike is for sale in order to receive a code to transmit to the buyer to transfer ownership. To ensure that the seller is the owner of the bike, scan the QR code.

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