While living in France, I often see people riding bicycles.
France government likes eco-friendly policies and currently subsidies for electric bicycles are provided based on income, and luckily I am eligible for this benefit.
(For those who are curious: https://www.economie.gouv.fr/particuliers/prime-velo-electrique)
In addition to government subsidies, local municipalities also offer separate financial support, making this a great opportunity for those planning to buy an electric bicycle and meeting the income criteria.
I personally love cycling and already satisfied to ride an electric bicycle when I tried it once, so I couldn’t miss this opportunity.
There are several important factors to consider when purchasing an electric bicycle, and in my case I focused particularly on the motor and battery:
- Motor
Electric bicycles are generally heavier than classic bicycles, so it is difficult to ride it without motor assistance. Since I live on a hill, I specifically looked for a bike that could handle inclines. After researching, I considered motors with a minimum torque of 40Nm for durability and ultimately chose Bosch from brands like Bosch, Yamaha, and Shimano. - Battery
As we all know, battery efficiency declines over time. With considering that, the battery should be detachable and I chose an electric bicycle with a battery capacity that could cover a sufficient distance comfortably. I also prioritized well-known battery brands to avoid safety risks like explosions. Similar to the motor, I went with Bosch, considering brands such as Bosch, LG, and Samsung.
I started searching for bicycles with these two criteria, and I was initially surprised by the high prices in the beginning when I noticed that the price starts at a minimum of €1,600. I hesitated to buy for several days if I really need it, and my desire to explore Île-de-France thoroughly before buying a car convinced me to go ahead with the purchase.
If you’re curious about the bicycle I bought, feel free to ask in the comments.