Urban mobility has evolved a lot in recent years. Today, many users are turning to more modern bikes equipped with a motor: these are electric bikes. Easier to drive but also more efficient, they have won over a large number of bicycle fans.
However, modernity is not everything! Some manufacturers are turning to a mix of retro and high-tech to attract customers. And it works! Today, users find themselves buying electric bikes with design, nostalgia, simplicity and authenticity.
Why buy a vintage electric bike?
The electric bike has many additional qualities that should not be overlooked. It allows you to avoid traffic jams while moving at optimal speed. Using it will therefore allow you to save time by protecting the environment. You will be able to mix physical activity and rapid movement. If that didn't convince you, Weebot presents other important criteria to take into account!
What kind of use is an e-bike suitable for?
An electric bike can cover much longer distances without having to exhaust you. The journeys are faster but less strenuous. You will no longer have to worry about facing slopes or difficult weather. So you can use your bike as you see fit:
- As part of a sports practice
- For daily journeys
- To ride on roads that are difficult to access
Contrary to popular belief, the bike is perfect for performing or resuming a regular sporting activity. Cycling is perfectly suited if you suffer from joint pain, heart pain or even diabetes.
The different types of vintage electric bikes
There are many different types of vintage e-bikes with different features:
- city bikes
- mountain bikes
- Hybrid bikes
- Folding bikes
- racing bikes
Each type of bike is equipped to meet a certain type of user. It is therefore essential to inform yourself about the bike you want to choose. If you are looking to ride on any road for example, then a mountain bike would be more suited to your needs.
What engine should be provided for an electric bike?
Who says electric bike says engine. There are many different types of engines that provide different sensations to motorists. This is why it is important to find out about the type of motorization of your bike so as not to be embarrassed while driving.
Motors are strongly influenced by their sensor. We therefore recommend that you find out about the type of sensors your vehicle has. There are three of them: the speed sensor, the cadence sensor and the torque sensor. Their objective is to accompany the movement of the bicycle without requiring too intense an effort on the part of the cyclist.
As far as the battery is concerned, today manufacturers are turning more to Lithium-ion batteries. We recommend that you turn to known battery brands to avoid unpleasant surprises such as: Bosch, Yamaha or Continental.
How to choose an electric bike?
Before proceeding with the purchase of your vintage electric bike, it is essential to take into account several parameters in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here are the criteria to consider:
The weight
Weight is a factor that should not be overlooked if you want to park your bikes or store them in your home without fear of going up the stairs. It is therefore recommended to opt for models that are light enough to not have trouble moving around with them. If this is your case, it is advisable to opt for compact or folding electric bikes thinking around 20kg .
The size
For you to be comfortable on a bike, it has to be your size . As in the field of textiles, these sizes are expressed with letters : S, M, L or even XL.
Note that not every brand is the same size. It is therefore important to find out about the dimensions of an electric bike because each manufacturer has its own manufacturing logic. The taller you are, the more advisable it is to turn to a large size bike. This will allow you to ride more comfortably without getting into awkward positions.
If you want to find a bike that suits you, you can also adjust it to your size to be sure to be comfortable.
Battery
The batteries of the electric bikes allow it to last for a while. Thus, in general, the greater the capacity of a battery, the greater the autonomy will be. It is therefore important to find out about the capacity of your battery before purchasing your two wheels. If you make long journeys, it is better to turn to a high capacity battery for example.
Note that if you want a more efficient battery, you can always change it. Nevertheless, this operation remains very expensive, around 400 euros. Be aware that reconditioning a battery will cost you less than buying new equipment. We therefore recommend that you turn to used batteries.
The brakes
Electric bikes are restricted to an average speed of 25 km/h. However, it happens that some users unleash their bike to reach a higher speed on private land. In any case, it is essential to have a good braking system. There are several different types of brakes:
- Disc brakes
- Mechanical pad brake
- Hydraulic pad brakes
Each provides you with softer or longer braking that may suit you once your electric bike is in hand.
Vintage Electric Bike Comparison : Our Top 7 Best Retro Electric Bikes
There are many different types of electric bikes. It is therefore not easy to make a choice. That's why Weebot has selected the best brands and models of vintage electric bikes on the market.
RAYVOLT CRUZER
With a design retracing the silhouette of the first motorcycles, we can say that this retro electric bike has dog.
Equipped with a 3-phase DC brushless motor, quality batteries, electronic brakes and an intelligent virtual assistant, the Rayvolt Cruzer guarantees real comfort in practice, quality electric assistance and reduced fuel consumption. battery.
Indeed, this bike will give you a smooth, fast (speed-bike), intuitive and high-tech riding experience.
Highlights of the Rayvolt Cruzer
- More torque, more response
- Low noise and vibration
- EIVA Smart Virtual Assistant
Weaknesses of the Rayvolt Cruzer
- High price
- Component weight
Features of the Rayvolt Cruzer:
- Battery: Optimal voltage of 48V
- Motor: Smart (400W) or Power (1000W)
- Torque: 40Nm for the Smart motor / 75Nm for the Power motor
- Maximum speed: 45km/h
- Price: 2799€
GARRETT MILLER X
The Garrett Miller X , version 2019, returns even more technical and practical than its previous version.
Indeed, equipped with a 250W Brushless motor, 5 assistance modes, an improved braking system, front suspensions and unfailing comfort, this vintage electric bike is as sleek as it is pleasant to ride. conduct. With technical equipment, the Garrett Miller will be your ally for all your trips.
A little extra for this top-of-the-range electric bike: prefer rides for two on a saddle designed for two people and with toe clips for each passenger.
Highlights of the Garrett Miller X
- Comfort in use
- Two-person bike
- Light
Weaknesses of the Garrett Miller X
- Price
Garrett Miller X Features
- Battery: 48V
- Autonomy: From 50 to 70km
- Motor: Brushless 250W
- Weight: 32kg
- Maximum load: 120kg
- Speed: 25 km/h
- Price: 2290€
VINTAGE ELECTRIC RALLY
The Vintage Electric Rally is a retro all-terrain bike that will offer you elegance and dynamism on your journeys. Indeed, it is optimized to offer a smooth experience on the road as well as on trails (off-road driving).
Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, a 750W average motor, all-terrain tires and a 10-speed derailleur, it can reach a maximum speed of 45km/h and offers high performance.
- Dynamic
- Elegant
- EIVA Smart Virtual Assistant
- Very high price
- Battery: 48V
- Motor: 750W hub motor
- Autonomy: Up to 100km
- Maximum speed: 45 km/h
- Price: $4995
SUPER 73 SG
With an atypical and unique style , this retro electric bike does everything not to go unnoticed.
Equipped with very wide wheels, quality brakes and a very quick start, nothing will stop you with this all-terrain electric bike.
Indeed, with a driving information dial (speed, mileage, etc.) and with its four different driving modes (freewheel mode to slalom between obstacles, eco mode to save your battery, tour mode which allows you to test the nervousness of this electric bike and sport mode which will give you sensations and speed), the Super 73 SG will adapt to all driving and road situations.
But let's be honest, this bike has all the aesthetic qualities required to impress but it is not as comfortable as its competitors.
Super 73 SG Highlights
- Possibility to ride with two people
- Unparalleled style
- 4 driving modes
Weaknesses of the Super 73 SG
- High price
- Uncomfortable saddle
- No cell phone support
Super 73 SG Features
- Battery: 48V
- Motor: 250W
- Autonomy: 50km
- Weight: 32kg
- Average speed: 25 km/h
- Maximum speed: 45km/h
- Price: 2999€
GRANVILLE E-SUMMERSIDE
The Granville E-Summerside is a reliable and quality electric bike. Indeed its minimalist design and its qualitative components make it an essential bike.
Equipped with a Bosch Active Plus central motor and a battery on the luggage rack, the Granville E-Summerside offers you high technology. In addition, with 28-inch wheels, this electric bike has a pleasant and good handling both in town and in the countryside.
In addition, with great autonomy, 4 assistance modes and a Shimano Altus 7-speed derailleur , it will offer you comfort and flexibility on the road as well as quality braking.
Granville E-Summerside Highlights
- Light
- Silent drive unit
- Autonomy
Granville E-Summerside Weaknesses
- High price
Granville E-Summerside Features
- Battery: 36V
- Motor: 250W
- Autonomy: from 80km to 150 km
- Weight: 23.4kg
- Torque: 70Nm
- Maximum speed: 25 km/h
- Price: 2590€
Garrett Miller Z
With its vintage motorcycle look, the Garrett Miller Z electric bike stands out from other classic electric bikes. All-terrain, it is also perfectly designed for night driving thanks to its lighting system but also its light-coloured design.
You will be able to move around without any problem thanks to its 20-inch wheels as well as its 7-speed Sunrace derailleur. You will also benefit from a totally safe driving because it is equipped with a front and rear hydraulic disc braking system. Driving comfort has also been taken into account thanks to its double rear suspension.
Benefits
- Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes
- Rear suspension for more comfort
- Wide tires (20 inches)
Disadvantages
- High price
Garrett Miller Z Features
- Vintage motorcycle look
- 20 inch tires
- Rear suspension for optimum comfort
- Comfortable two-up saddle
- Color LCD screen
- Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes
Garrett MillerCity
The Garrett Miller City is a must-have model if you're looking for two-up city electric bikes. Perfect for city dwellers , this bike has 20 inch wheels suitable for all types of terrain . If you're the type to ride a lot, you'll be comfortably seated on the soft foam saddle of the Garrett Miller City bike.
The Garrett Miller is also a powerful bike. With its rear motor, it reaches a power of 250W. You will be able to drive at a speed of 25 km/h which can reach 40 km/h on private land. Its LG battery has an average power of 48V 13AH , perfect for tackling small slopes.
Benefits
- Double front force that brings incomparable stability
- Double suspensions
- Color screen
Disadvantages
- High price
Garrett Miller City Features
- Double forward force for added stability
- Double suspensions
- State-of-the-art color display
- Hydraulic braking system
- Adjustable handlebar
- Quick charge
FAQs
How much does an electric bike cost?
For a high-performance electric bike, count between 1500 and 2000 euros . If you want to turn to an entry-level, prices on the market start around 500 euros.
Where to buy an electric bike?
You can buy an electric bike on the Internet provided you are well informed about the model you are interested in. You can also go to a sports store or our Weebot workshops where a professional will help you buy the bike of your choice.
How much range does an electric bike have?
It all depends on the model you choose. For a bike with a capacity of between 200 and 400Wh , you will benefit from a range of 30 to 60 km . For a more powerful model with a capacity of 600 Wh or more, your electric bike can reach a range of 90 to 120 km.
Conclusion
Today, the e-bike market is large and growing. Manufacturers provide many different models of bicycles to suit an increasingly diverse clientele. The brands and models are multiplying and there is something for all types of profiles. It is therefore essential as a user to find out about a model before choosing it in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. By following our advice, you can get the electric bike of your dreams.