What if it was the right time to buy an electric bike? Return of the beautiful days which makes people prefer physical activity to public transport, better infrastructures, financial boosts… there are plenty of reasons to switch to an electric bike.
The electrically assisted bicycle is booming, the interest of the French exploded in the aftermath of the health crisis and the craze for the little queen has not fallen since. Whether it’s to enjoy rides without sweating, to avoid the crowding of public transport or to reduce the journey time between home and work, the VAE is an interesting alternative to the classic bicycle. Prices for e-bikes vary from a few hundred to several thousand euros. Also, to make your choice better, we offer you a selection of the best bikes tested over the last few months and which each in their own way embody the new generation of bikes.
Ecological bonus: up to 500 euros in savings
If sunny days, the development of an ecological conscience or the desire to avoid public transport are valid reasons for considering the purchase of an electric bicycle, the economic aid put in place by the State or the region also have something for you to take the plunge. Indeed, there are currently subsidies that reduce the bill while encouraging the energy transition. First of all, there is the ecological bonus. It is not the easiest to obtain, but is growing in many municipalities. As for Ile-de-France residents, they benefit from substantial aid since the boost from the Ile-de-France region can go up to 500 euros.
- Read: Ecological bonus: how to benefit from the bonus for your electric bike?
- Read: Ile-de-France: how to benefit from the aid of 500 euros for the purchase of an electric bike?
The best electric bikes for the city
Cowboy 4
Will 2022 be more Cowboy or VanMoof? For the moment, it is the Belgian who dominates the debates and for good reason, his Dutch competitor is not yet available on the market, the first deliveries being planned for the end of the summer. While waiting to be able to test the final version of the VanMoof S5 (we have only been able to try a prototype for the moment), and if you can’t wait for the comparison between the two contenders, then the Cowboy 4 or 4 ST in its open frame version appears as an ideal solution. Compact, relatively light (17 kg) and particularly dynamic for an electric bike, the Cowboy 4 excels on short journeys and busy urban environments. Equipped with a belt, an automatic transmission and a more powerful engine, the new version of the Belgian bike is also very easy to access and easy to maintain. Finally, as a connected bike, the latest Cowboy works with an application that not only locates it, but also secures it against theft. The only downside is its rising price.
Read the full Cowboy 4 ST review
Score: 8.2/10
Price: €2,790
Mustache Monday 27.3
If the Cowboy is more oriented towards dynamism and explosiveness, what characterizes the Lundi 27, in addition to its unique design, is its extreme comfort. The French electric bike specialist has renewed its most emblematic model this year. Le Lundi still keeps its unique design, but improves on many points, starting with the battery which is now integrated into the frame. The Bosch motor is now supported by an Intuvia display, which can be detached from the handlebars. As for pure performance, it is simply excellent, whether from the point of view of assistance, comfort or even autonomy. In any event, the Lundi 27.3 is a very well-made e-bike and arguably the best city e-bike of the year.
Read the full Mustache Monday 27.3 review
Rating: 9.6/10
Price: €3,199
Top e-bikes for commuting
Specialized Turbo Vado
The benchmark for electric bikes suitable for long distances is putting its crown back on the line this year by presenting its new version. Well he took it. The new version of the Vado is not only more successful, but it presents improvements where we did not expect it. Always exemplary on the road, the Vélotaf specialist at Specialized now has interesting connected functions and a really well thought out application. With its configurable display and pedaling cadence sensor, the Turbo Vado also encourages its owner to make the most of its large 710 Wh battery. In a word: it is always the reference.
Read our Specialized Turbo Vado review
Score: 8.8/10
Price: from 3,400 euros
Nakamura Crossover XA
As well as being an excellent urban bike, Intersport’s top-of-the-line model probably offers the best value for money of our selection. Indeed, for a price of less than 2,000 euros, the Nakamura Crossover XA offers the advantages of interesting equipment (front fork, hydraulic disc brakes, etc.), a truly advanced engine (with a natural assistance mode ) and a solid frame. Above all, it has a “little brother”, slightly less well equipped, but sold 400 euros cheaper, the Crossover A or V depending on the type of open or closed frame.
Read our review of Intersport’s Nakamura Crossover XA
Score: 8.2/10
Price: €1,990
Top e-MTBs
Canyon Spectral: On
Tested just over a year ago, the Spectral:ON is still our favorite eMTB. Equipped with the latest version of the Shimano EP8 engine, the German mountain bike stands out from the competition with its exemplary behavior on stony trails. In the D+ as in the D- its dynamism and maneuverability are unequaled. As a result, we can only forgive its somewhat outdated display. Finally, the only weak point of this Spectral:On is to be a Canyon and to suffer as such from a lack of network of repairers. But for the rest, it’s a rock. As for its price, at this level of equipment, the 5,199 euros seem almost like a smart investment.
Read our Canyon Spectral:ON review
Score: 9.2/10
Price: from 5,199 euros
Mustache Trail
Mustache’s new MTB might be preferred to the Canyon that there certainly wouldn’t be much to say as the two bikes are so close in performance. The 2022 version of the Trail is an almost absolute success. The integration of the Bosch Smart System, although a challenge to the exemplary geometry of the Trail, has been perfectly mastered. Now equipped with the latest generation of Bosch motor, a 750 Wh battery, LED Remote and large 29-inch wheels, Mustache’s VTTAE gives the full measure of its capabilities. It is certainly not accessible but given the quality of the beast its price remains competitive.
Read our Mustache Trail review
Price: from 5,699 euros
Top Electric Cargo
Mustache Monday 20
Expected like the messiah, Mustache’s first electric cargo bike is a masterstroke. The French brand has opted for an adaptation of its city bike, the Monday 20 in longtail, an elongated bike. The result is an absolute success in terms of both design and handling. Because under its air of a big locomotive, the Monday 20 is in reality particularly dynamic, without cutting corners on its carrying functionalities. The only downside is a somewhat dated Bosch Intuvia display with no navigation function. Mustache doesn’t give up on the price either with a starting price of 5,000 euros, but when you have the best cargo bike on the market, that’s the kind of risk you can afford.
Read our test of Monday 20 of Mustache
Rating: 9.4/10
Price: from 4,999 euros
Bonus: are you ready for the eBike?
You are not yet sure that the electric bike is for you? A trial offer, on subscription, exists for the inhabitants of the Ile-de-France region. Véligo is an interesting proposition since for 40 euros per month, it is possible to have a city bike with electric assistance rather well designed and above all very well equipped. With mudguards, a luggage rack and a standard basket as well as the possibility of adding bags and other accessories such as the child seat, the VAE of the IDF region allows you to get an idea of electric bikes before you go. possibly buy his own. As such, among the bikes we tested, the Nakamura E-Fit 150 is the most credible alternative to the Véligo.
Read the full Véligo test
Rating: 7.25 /10
Price: 40 euros/month
3 essential questions before buying an electric bike
How much does an electric bike cost?
The price of an electric bike can vary enormously depending on the brand, the level of equipment or the quality of its motor and battery. While it is possible to find VAEs for less than 500 euros and others for more than 10,000 euros, we advise you to invest a minimum of 1,500 euros to have a minimum guarantee of its reliability and safety.
What are the best electric bike brands?
For a long time, the big brands of classic bikes underestimated the interest of pedelecs. This is no longer the case, names like Lapierre, Trek, Specialized, Orbea or other Scott have a full range of electric bikes. But the lack of interest from major players in the sector has allowed other brands to make themselves known: Cowboy, VanMoof, or Vélo MAD among others.
What is the best electric bike in 2022?
There is no better electric bike in the world, a model superior to all the others. There is a better e-bike for everyone, depending on their needs. We won’t recommend the same bike for weekend rides, long intercity commutes, or mountain trails. This is why our comparison is organized into categories.