Decathlon has lifted the veil on its first electric biporter, the Carbogibke F900E Velo Cargo. Present in Lille during the brand’s Reveal, Frandroid was able to discover it on site. Presentation.
Decathlon continues its momentum. The French brand, very active in the field of electric bicycles in recent years, will arm itself with a new model mainly aimed at families: the Carbogibke F900E Velo Cargo, an electrified two-wheeler capable of transporting up to three children in its cargo box at the front.
This F900E Velo Cargo was nominated in the “ Design Innovation » of Reveal Decathlon, but did not win the prize. Still, it remains interesting to see Decathlon positioning itself on a new typology of cargo after its first long tail to the excellent quality-price ratio thatFrandroidhad tested.
Ultra-comprehensive standard equipment
As a reminder, the particularity of a two-wheeler is as follows: its front axle is elongated to accommodate a compartment capable of transporting goods or people. In the case of the tricolor brand, the use is clearly focused on the transport of children and food shopping. The target is therefore families – we are nevertheless told that a version for businesses is in the teams’ little papers.
As usual, Decathlon does not skimp on the quantity of equipment provided as standard: large central stand to stabilize the machine, very well fixed tubular mudguard, rear luggage rack (which we imagine is only compatible with the brand’s luggage) capable of accommodating a child seat, rear wheel block for an additional dose of safety.
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
Note also the presence of a suspended fork to maximize comfort: this is the Suntour Mobie A32 model with 50 mm travel. “It is the only fork that meets cargo standards in terms of strength.», we are told.
This suspended fork is associated with balloon tires – 20 inches at the front, 26 inches at the rear – which we imagine are also useful for absorbing the roughness of the road. The tires are designed in-house, but manufactured by a subcontractor. “We placed emphasis on puncture protection: it is the best tire according to our tests», assures us a representative of the brand.
A very practical canopy
The front headlight is directly integrated into the frame. Consequence: the fire should not follow “the look» of the wheel when turning, but will remain straight, which is not ideal for perfectly lighting the road. At the rear, the headlight benefits from a brake light when you brake: always good for improving safety.
Another very important piece of equipment provided as standard is the space dedicated to transporting people. This bin is equipped with a canopy which is obviously useful in the face of bad weather. Highlight of the show: a small side storage space allows it to be folded in seconds. Thanks to this, you don’t have to undo this famous rain protection.
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
The tray in question includes safety belts for children, as well as cushions. Even if it means repeating, know that all this material is also provided by default. At the front, a storage compartment offers the driver a small storage space, again well designed for storing keys, a bottle of water or a smartphone for example.
In total, the front box can support 100 kg, or three people weighing around 30 kilos. In idea, this Carbogibke F900E Velo Cargo is limited to young children in CM2, or even 6th grade, the group tells us, which is based here on an average and not an absolute and definitive truth. At the very front, protection made from recycled PET – Coca-Cola bottles – has also been added.
A powerful and generous engine
Let’s look at the more technical aspects. Obviously, an electric two-wheeler needs power and good engine torque to carry the weight of the driver and that of the passengers. Here, this F900E therefore relies on a Brose S Mag central motor with a generous torque of 85 Nm, associated with a torque sensor.
The chain transmission is connected to a Nexus hub with five manual speeds, a sufficient range we are told for urban travel. Added to this are five assistance modes to adjust the power level and autonomy. In fact, the announced autonomy is 70 km.
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
This range of action was calculated with the most powerful mode, on urban journeys. With an intermediate mode, it is possible to push this slider a little further. Note that the accumulator is located under the seat of the front bin is removable and has an external charging port if you do not want to remove it from its location.
On the safety side, you have to count on hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro. A good point to take, especially since the inertia of this model could be significant given its weight of between 55 and 62 kg. “The weight is not final, because the industrial tools have not yet been completely confirmed”, we learn.
GPS tracker and in-house designed screen
2.55 meters long, the Carbogibke F900E Velo Cargo has a GPS tracker and Bluetooth connectivity to track its location on your mobile application. An essential safety feature that is always worth having. The screen was designed in-house. “We were inspired by that of the LD 920 E», Indicates Decathlon.
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
To complete this discovery, we naturally opted for this model. First observation: the driving posture is clearly upright. Also, the open frame makes it easier for the user to get on, while the ergonomic handles provide good support for your handcuffs. The height of the stem is also adjustable.
Price and availability of the Decathlon Carbogibke F900E Velo Cargo
The Decathlon Carbogibke F900E Velo Cargo will be available from May 2024 at a price of 4,900 euros – price not yet final. This is a very interesting positioning compared to other electric cargo ships, in the sense that the Decathlon model integrates a host of standard equipment that always pays for – and is expensive – among the competition.
Assembled in Lille, it will benefit from a first pilot production of 150 models in February. It will be available in taupe (photos) and yellow, and will be purchased mainly online. The models exhibited in stores will mainly be used for exhibition and testing.
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