
France is, without a doubt, a major biking country in Europe (along with its neighboring countries – Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, and the UK).
There is no shortage of prestige tied to the likes of yearly competitions like the Tour de France, after all. Even the rise of e-biking in the country came as an almost automatic thing, a habit that the stylish and trendy French public quickly adopted.
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A true testament to the popularity of e-bikes in France is the fact that the country continues to have one of the highest sales figures for years now. And the trend’s trajectory is showing no sign of descending any time soon.
Even now, e-bikes are already a common sight in Parisian streets and bike lanes, and the same can be said for other regions, with regular bikers enjoying picturesque French country roads.
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Furthermore, the fact that the European e-bike market is slated to enjoy a growth rate of more than 16% from 2020 to 2025 only underscores the industry’s continuous rise. This is already factoring in the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Indeed, the French e-bike market may not rival its German counterpart yet, but the following French-influenced brands prove that the country belongs among the top drivers of sales and manufacturing in the EU.
Best French Electric Bicycle Brands
Brand Name | Types of E-Bikes | Models |
Decathlon | Folding Cruiser Commuter City Road Mountain | Rockrider Elops Riverside Stilus BTWIN |
Easy Bike | Folding Road Hybrid Mountain | Easyfold Easystreet Easymax Easyfield Easytrekking Easysmart Easyfixie Easysport |
EVEO | Folding Commuter Hybrid | 130 140 450 550 650 750 |
Gitane | City Commuter Mountain Hybrid | E-City E-Salsa Organ’E E-Nomad E-Verso E-Kobalt Titan 1 |
KTM | Mountain Road City Commuter Hybrid Kids | Macina Prowler Kapoho Chacana Lycan Team Race Ride Action Skaud Mezzo Sport Mila Style Fun City Central Gran Fold Mini Me Zeg Power Sport E-Mountain E-Cross E-Tour |
Lapierre | Hybrid Mountain Commuter City Cruiser | Ezesty Exelius Esensium E-Xelius Overvolt |
Mad in France | City Hybrid | Le Sport Le Urban |
Matra | Commuter Road Hybrid Mountain | i-Commute i-Flow i-Step i-Force |
Moustache | City Hybrid Commuter Kids Mountain Road Tandem | Lundi Friday Samedi Dimanche Mercredi |
Nakamura | Commuter Mountain | E-City E-Fit |
O2feel | Mountain City Hybrid Junior Folding Cruiser | Vog Swan iSwan Valdo Peps Karma |
Peugeot Cycles | City Folding Road Gravel Mountain | eF01 eT01 PowerTube Crossover eC01-03 eLegende M02-03 eR02 |
Rossignol | Mountain Fat Kids | E-Track 24 E-Track 29 E-Track 24 Childrens E-Track Fat Black E-Track Trail E-Track 27+ |
Vepli | Folding | Muzy Juny Frenzy/N7 |
Read also: What are the rules for speed e-bikes in France?
Decathlon
Decathlon is actually the parent brand of numerous other popular brands in France, like BTWIN, Elops, Riverside, and Rockrider. These brands represent e-bike categories that Decathlon as a whole has created models for.
A brief glance at the prices of these models will immediately reveal why Decathlon is wildly popular among French e-bike riders. Most of them don’t go above 1,000 Euro, and the designs are just spectacular, to say the least.
The company was founded in 1976, with its headquarters located in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France. To say that Decathlon is a large company that can prove to be an understatement, considering it now has well over 2000 stores worldwide.
Read also: Is Decathlon a good e-bike brand to buy? Brand and models review.
Decathlon e-bike models
Rockrider eMTBs in Decathlon’s lineup is a crowd favorite. Up to 8 variants of the Rockrider brand of electric mountain bikes are available today.
Read also: Rockrider E-ST500 test and review: a solid starter eMTB. And, Rockrider E-ST900 test and review, affordable mid-driver mountain e-bike.
Elops e-bikes, on the other hand, represent the city and commuter-type offerings of Decathlon, while BTWIN models are mostly composed of folding varieties; up to 2 are available in the brand’s main store. Lastly, the 2 Riverside e-bikes make up Decathlon’s hybrid models.
Read also: Decathlon Elops 940 E test and review – the best city e-bike by Decathlon so far. Decathlon Elops 500 E test and review – a good e-bike, priced at 699 euros. Decathlon Elops 920 E test and review – best balanced e-bike. Decathlon Elops 120 E test and review – great value entry-level e-bike.
Decathlon quality and features
Even though the brand capitalizes on its pricing strategy, it obviously would not have won the hearts of riders with that alone. The brand knows how to spec its eMTBs, as evidenced by the spectacular Rockrider models. And it definitely doesn’t stop there because pretty much all its other models share the ever-desirable mix of affordability and value for money.
Here is the link to visit the Decathlon e-bikes website.
Easy Bike
Easy Bike earns its e-bike pioneer label by being one of the first companies to introduce electricity-assisted bicycles in France. Founded in 2005, Easy Bike is actually associated with the Matra brand as well as Solex.
Its current production site is in Saint-Lô, France, and operates on the basis of its core goal of improving the global transport industry as a whole and providing eco-friendly alternatives. At present, it’s considered one of the primary leaders of the e-bike industry in France.
Easy Bike e-bike models
Easy Bike has a well-balanced collection of e-bikes. They have eMTBs, folding, city, and hybrid varieties, all of which showcase local tastes in design and performance. In total, the brand already has around 20 unique models that riders can choose from. Even in the number of models offered in these specific categories, the brand is also fairly uniform.
Easy Bike quality and features
Easy Bike’s models are brimming with contemporary aesthetics, as should be expected from a brand run by mostly young, e-bike-passionate individuals. It’s not hard to rain praises on its designs, particularly the color choices and overall style of its units.
As for performance, the brand puts its trust in Bafang motors when powering practically all of its e-bikes, and this proves to be enough to extend the range of its units. Such a move allows them to keep most of their prices low, which is undoubtedly one main reason why they have already attained such a sizable following in France, especially among commuters.
Here is the link to visit the Easy Bike e-bikes website.
EVEO
EVEO may not have much of an online and global presence yet, but its popularity in France is without question. It’s one of those young local brands that specialize in e-bikes, having been established as recently as 2009. The brand takes inspiration from Dutch e-bikes and has since produced a full spectrum of e-bikes that fall into numerous categories.
It’s obvious that they attract regular commuters with their superb commuter models that readily exude comfort. They’re also very affordable, too, at least as far as standard e-bike prices are concerned.
EVEO e-bike models
The brand has mostly city and commuter e-bikes, with one eMTB offering in the form of the EVEO 750. Its collection is one model shy of becoming 10 in total, but the brand is obviously not going for quantity. EVEO is the brand that most French commuters want because it knows how to deliver what the average daily commuter wants in his e-bike.
EVEO quality and features
The brand is known to be meticulous when it comes to ensuring the safety and comfort of its models. The Dutch influence on the commuter models practically carries a lot of the quality attached to EVEO. Many riders simply crave the unequaled comfort of their designs. Overall, EVEO e-bikes exhibit what most European casual e-bikes aim for, which is incomparable comfort, quiet operation, and adequate power and range.
EVEO does not take quality lightly, and this is proven by the extensive 10-year warranties it attaches to most of its models; the batteries even have at least a 2-year warranty, which is already a gold standard among e-bikes worldwide.
Here is the link to visit the EVEO e-bikes website.
Gitane
Gitane is another one of those brands that are more about budget-friendliness and mass production of made-for-comfort models. For a little more than 1,000 Euro, you can purchase their quality-controlled models. The brand, in fact, asserts its passion for designing new models that will satisfy the requirements of the average commuter and even mountain bikers.
Each model undergoes a stringent manufacturing process that involves numerous tests and trials before being released. The brand does not readily reveal its history, but it’s fairly obvious that it’s still a fledgling local brand that is quickly becoming a popular option among French e-bike riders.
Gitane e-bike models
Commuter e-bikes make up the bulk of Gitane’s product line. The Organ E-Bike is a very economical option with an apparent Dutch influence. The model has received mostly positive reviews in relation to its value for money, which is an aspect that plenty of Gitane’s models share.
The brand also offers a single folding unit called the E-Nomad, but it’s not as popular as its cruisers. The same can be said for the few eMBTs it offers. But despite these setbacks, it still manages to be a mainstay in the French and global markets because of its inherent appeal to riders with a strict budget.
Read also: Is Gitane a good e-bike brand to buy? Brand and models review.
Gitane quality and features
What’s great about the brand is that it knows the e-bike aspects that it needs to deliver. Gitane knows how to impart what riders love about the e-biking experience. For one, it proves the worth of Shimano and Yamaha motors and is living proof that brands don’t always have to go for Bosch motors if they want quality. And it does all these things without compromising on design and, more importantly, comfort.
Here is the link to visit the Gitane e-bikes website.
KTM
While KTM is known more for its motorcycles and sports cars, it followed other similar companies by expanding to bike and e-bike manufacturing as well. The Austrian company’s humble roots can be traced to 1934 when its owner Hans Trunkenpolz started selling motorcycles in his car repair shop. From then on, the brand made a name for itself in the motorcycle industry by coming up with its own creations.
It entered another chapter when KTM started manufacturing bikes in the 1960s. It is only recently that it made its foray into e-bike manufacturing, but it already has a fairly substantial number of models in its selection.
KTM e-bike models
As can be expected from a brand that has always been closely tied to racing, plenty of KTM models are eMTBs and road e-bikes that fall into various subcategories. You have the option to choose between a hardtail or full-suspension eMTB, for example, or offroad or on-road varieties. It also has plenty to offer in various other categories like city, folding, kids, hybrid, and a few sports-oriented models.
Read also: Is KTM a good e-bike brand to buy? Brand and models review.
KTM quality and features
The French, like most other riders in the world, rely on KTM for their eMTB and road e-bike (trekking) needs. KTM has made a reputation as the creator of the finest electric mountain bikes for a reason, and you can pretty much see it in all the brand’s models that fall under this high-powered category.
Even so, that does not necessarily mean that KTM’s urban models are pushovers. Expect most of its models to sport cutting-edge technology, and powerful performance, with prices that tend to hover between mid-range and high-end.
Here is the link to visit the KTM e-bikes website.
Lapierre
Launched in 1946, Lapierre is definitely one of those local brands with significant historical mileage that France can be proud of. Its birthplace is Dijon, France, in the Burgundy region, which happens to be where the best cycling routes in the country can be found. The brand easily rode the bicycling boom of that era and became one of the most recognized brands in France, the UK, and other countries.
The brand’s goal is to satisfy everyone’s riding needs, particularly regular eMTB users. This philosophy has resulted in a sizable variety in the brand’s offroad offerings. That said, the brand is certainly not behind in the incorporation of technology.
Lapierre e-bike models
When it comes to electric mountain bikes, you’ll never fail to hear the Lapierre brand being mentioned by casual riders and pundits alike. By focusing on improving its eMTBs, the brand continues to roll out feature-packed, dynamic models that a lot of hardcore electric mountain bikers crave.
As proof of this, it’s definitely rare to see Lapierre models absent in a lot of competitions and extensive tours being conducted in France and other countries.
As a testament to Lapierre’s dedication to offering models that the general riding public will love, the brand also offers plenty of notable hybrids and lifestyle e-bikes. This is why it’s easy to recommend them to casual riders, too.
Lapierre quality and features
Certain Lapierre eMTB models may fall short on power and battery capacity, but, for many critics, it’s actually a deliberate move by the brand to make their selections stand out. That said, the brand appears to cater more to riders who don’t want to have to rely on motor assists too much. You can even have the option to refrain from using the motor and battery in a lot of their models (the best example being the eZesty AM LTD Ultimate).
However, it’s definitely not for nothing that Lapierre continues to raise the bar of eMTBs worldwide. Their designs are highly original, have plenty of balance, and appeal to the more daring riders out there.
Here is the link to visit the Lapierre e-bikes website.
Mad in France
Mad in France boldly claims that it is the first French brand of e-bikes that forgoes intermediaries. It more than deserves to be put on this list simply because it’s one of those France-first e-bike brands. Although the brand gives off the appearance of being a newcomer in the e-bike industry, Mad in France is actually partnering with Française du Cycle, a leading manufacturer of French bicycles since 1925.
Mad in France is a bit reticent when revealing information about the company. It’s safe to say that it’s one of the newer local e-bike brands that deliver what locals want: direct transaction, hence, lower costs. Interestingly, most of its models are available via direct selling from “brand ambassadors” all over France, through whom you can test out any that you find to your liking.
Mad in France e-bike models
What’s wondrous about the brand is that it only has two models: a city and a road e-bike named Le Urban and Le Sport, respectively. Both have received very satisfactory reviews from local buyers and for a good reason.
Mad in France quality and features
Since these models undergo rigorous testing in laboratories, it’s really not at all a surprise that both Mad in France’s e-bikes has become a hit in France. Many praise the way the handlebars and seats are designed, and the models do not break the bank as well. Both can achieve a maximum of 20km of range, too, which is pretty much what most solidly built e-bikes aim for.
Here is the link to visit the Mad in France e-bikes website.
Matra
The Matra brand made its appearance shortly after World War II. Although the brand is closely tied to the automotive industry, it also has cycling at its heart. Matra also started expanding to the cycling industry in 2004, a time when the company underwent a radical change and reinvention, so to speak, and it’s also the year when it officially began manufacturing its own high-performance e-bikes. But even before then, it was already making a name for itself in various racing competitions.
For most of its lifetime, the company has always been associated with technology and innovation. It also takes a strong stance on protecting the environment. Hence, it fits perfectly in the e-biking industry in France.
Matra e-bike models
All Matra models are proudly assembled in France. Although it has a sporty reputation as far as its automobile creations are concerned, you will find that Matra also offers commuter and city options. In brief, it offers a number of models for every known e-bike category at present.
Presently, besides the I-Flow and I-Commute series, which represent its city and commuter models, it also has the I-Step, I-Speed, and I-Force series. These models belong to the hybrid commuter, road, and eMTB categories respectively.
Matra quality and features
Matra plays it safe with power and technology in its road and eMTB choices. Almost all of them are Bosch-powered and noticeably lightweight. It doesn’t take much to see that Mantra’s performance-based models raise the bar for models belonging to the said category. Coming from a brand that’s been steeped in competition throughout its history, this should be a given.
Here is the link to visit the Matra e-bikes website.
Moustache
Like plenty of brand stories in the e-bike industry, Moustache was begun by two passionate (although this word would probably be an underestimate) bike lovers, Manu and Greg. It’s a fairly new brand that started in 2011. Moustache hails from France’s Vosges region, where its models are still being manufactured.
The company is known for placing importance on its employees, and that policy is undoubtedly responsible for propelling it to the loftier heights it is now enjoying among other premier e-bike brands.
Moustache e-bike models
E-bikes from Moustache generally belong to a host of categories. Its versatile hybrid models, like the Samedi 27 Xroad, can tackle any kind of terrain. It also has road, eMTB, city, kids, and even tandem offerings. All in all, close to 18 models are currently available.
Read also: Is Moustache a good e-bike brand to buy? Brand and models review.
Many reviewers like the Xroad in particular because it manages to perform spectacularly on street riding and offroad riding. Since there are many outstanding cycling routes in France, it’s no wonder that Moustache’s all-road creations have become popular. But ultimately, it is the models’ innovative features that make Moustache earn a spot among the top brands not only in France but worldwide as well.
Read also: Moustache Sunday test and review: a nearly perfect gravel e-bike. And, Moustache Friday test and review: an electric bike built for the city.
Moustache quality and features
Moustache is all about technical innovation. In fact, the brand immediately makes it clear what sets its models apart: their handlebars. They impart the best control and handling in e-bikes nowadays; their swivel handlebars are also equally praised for their space-saving perks.
Besides using top-tier Bosch motors, you can also expect Moustache models to have a lot of neat, helpful features like puncture protection, quiet performance, and great suspension designs. And, really, it’s all about the design in the end for this brand.
Here is the link to visit the Moustache e-bikes website.
Nakamura (Intersport)
Nakamura is evidently a well-recognized brand in France, and if we are going to talk about the brand, we really don’t need to look further than Intersport, for the latter is practically the parent brand of the former. Intersport is an international brand with its current headquarters in Bern, Switzerland. Its birth can be traced back to 1968 in Paris, France, sealing the brand’s innate French connection.
Most of its products range from clothing and sportswear to footwear and various sports accessories. In France, Intersport has over 600 shops currently operating.
Nakamura (Intersport) e-bike models
Nakamura’s e-bikes are one of the most budget-friendly models available at present. That’s apparently where most of the brand’s appeal to consumers lies. However, you can’t overlook the fact that you get plenty of value from them, too.
Read also: Is Nakamura a good e-bike brand to buy? Brand and models review.
The selections are just a few, but they fall under multiple e-bike categories to suit the riding public’s varying tastes. Currently, you can buy 5 models from Intersport’s main online store. These models are either eMTBs, road, commuter, or city e-bikes.
Read also: Nakamura E-Fit test and review: great choice as a starter e-bike! And, Nakamura E-Summit test and review: the best eMTB under 1000 euro.
Nakamura (Intersport) quality and features
Don’t be fooled by the low price tags of certain Nakamura models. The E-Fit is actually one of the best-designed eMTBs you can buy for less than 1,500 euros. You can definitely bank on the “Made in France” label attached to Nakamura models; they do not sacrifice quality for the sake of getting as many sales as possible. Rather, they’re getting plenty of sales simply because they deliver good value for money.
Here is the link to visit the Nakamura (Intersport) e-bikes website.
O2feel
A duo of engineers created O2feel in 2009 with the intent of spreading the joy and convenience of e-bike riding to city dwellers. The brand counts on a mixture of design and technology to introduce its own twists to e-bike models.
And it has definitely made its mark in France via its custom-made e-bikes. With over 10 years of experience in the field, O2feel was able to study and analyze local tastes and satisfy them with their own takes. Since its inception, the brand experienced steady growth not only in knowledge but in the core staff as well. Today, it’s not known for the plethora of electric bikes that cater to everyone’s needs.
O2feel e-bike models
A host of city, folding, junior, hybrid, cruiser, and eMTBs serve to make up O2feel’s product line. The brand already boasts of up to 24 models riders can choose from, and most of them cater to people belonging to various stations in life.
O2feel quality and features
If you want a folding, city, or commuter e-bike that is wholly French or simply wants to blend in with locals, then you certainly won’t look out of place in an O2feel unit. As can be expected from French-made e-bikes, the brand does not skimp on the style and the aesthetic appeal of its models.
The colors they use are starkly bright and are quick to blend in most towns and cities in France, urban or rural. What’s certain is that they’re the best brand for casual riders.
As for performance, most models actually have plenty of range thanks to the use of Shimano motors. They’re also mostly equipped with adequate advanced features that only underline the brand’s dedication to technology.
Here is the link to visit the O2feel e-bikes website.
Peugeot Cycles
Automotive manufacturer Peugeot’s history can be traced back to 1810, but its bicycling arm, Peugeot Cycles, began exactly in 1886, but it didn’t officially become a brand and started manufacturing its own models until 1926. As can be readily perused from its extensive history, the brand is a pioneer of innovation in the modern bike and the electric bike alike. It has numerous milestones strewn all over its rich history.
Consistent improvements in design and being the first French brand to sell a mountain bike are some of the notable events in its lifetime as a venerable brand. It cemented its presence and place in France’s cycling elite when it dominated the Tour de France in 1905. This winning trend will continue for years to come, even up to 2013, when it launched its first electric bike, the AE21 Hybrid e-bike.
Peugeot Cycles e-bike models
As many as 17 models make up its e-bike catalog. Its bike manufacturing trend has always revealed a tendency to offer variety, so it’s no surprise that the same pattern is evident in its e-bike collection. Besides a single folding model (the eF01), the brand also offers city, eMTB, road, and trekking e-bikes.
Peugeot Cycles quality and features
Many of the brand’s offroad e-bikes are noticeably lightweight, have an extensive range (especially their eMTBs), and can showcase explosive acceleration when it matters. The city models sport that unique style that brims with what could very well be the best of French sensibilities when it comes to design. That said, their folding e-bike is fairly average but fulfills most commuters’ needs.
Here is the link to visit the Peugeot Cycles e-bikes website.
Rossignol
Rossignol is known as a ski brand, manufacturing numerous snowboards, alpines, and Nordic equipment, accessories, and apparel. It’s been around for well over a hundred years, with a history that can be traced back to 1907. The brand’s headquarters are currently in Isere, France. Of note, the brand is one of the oldest-surviving ski companies still in operation and one of the most recognized in the winter sports market.
Rossignol has recently been proactive in its expansion in the e-bike sphere as much as in the skiing industry. It bought Felt Bicycles, which has since become its subsidiary, in 2017, and restructured Time Sport in 2019. Just as recently as 2019, it unveiled its impressive collection of mountain e-bikes that cater to both genders and children alike.
Rossignol e-bike models
Expect plenty of hardy e-bikes when browsing through Rossignol’s e-bike catalog. The brand apparently chooses to focus on eMTBs and trail-riding alone in its e-bike ventures, as evidenced by its dynamic offerings that can pretty much provide the same brassiness imparted by their skis. Up to 9 are available at present, most of which have been labeled as “unisex.” There are also two models that serve as kids and fat variants of their mountain e-bikes.
Rossignol quality and features
Rossignol’s e-bikes might be a bit “outdated” compared to other techy models out there, but they are still trail-worthy, to say the least. For one, you’ll see that most of their models still have integrated batteries and wider tires, whereas newer models from other brands often already use external batteries. This aspect does help keep the price of Rossignol’s e-bikes down, though, and Rossignol obviously plays it safe by using tried-and-tested mountain e-bike designs.
Another fact worth noting is that even with internal batteries, their models’ weights are only faintly on the heavy side. All in all, Rossignol’s eMTBs are able to give you a satisfactory offroad riding experience because they do not pull punches, including helpful components. The prices also cater to buyers who are strapped for cash, and considering the overall quality of their models, that’s a real plus.
Here is the link to visit the Rossignol e-bikes website.
Vepli
Vepli is definitely one of those up-and-coming French brands that are showing plenty of promise. Despite being a relatively young and small brand (it was actually established in 2017, believe it or not), it already has a solid presence in the French market thanks to its portable models, aka folding e-bikes. At present, it is still in its growth stage and continues to operate from Villeurbanne, France.
Vepli e-bike models
Its folding e-bikes’ popularity in France could probably be compared to the Brompton’s in the UK. That understandably might be a bit of an overstatement, but it can’t be denied that their models are already a regular sight in most French towns and cities. This could mostly be attributed to the combination of comfort and practicality that its main e-bikes impart.
These models immediately exhibit a hip, contemporary aesthetic that intimately exudes a French and mainly European quality, as evidenced by the low drop bars of four of its models (which is rare for a folding e-bike).
Vepli quality and features
What most Vepli models lack in power, they more than make up for in portability and helpful features. The 250-watt Bafang motor in most models proves to be enough to provide necessary assistance and acceleration for the average daily commute. Even comfort is guaranteed by virtue of the adjustable handlebars used and seats.
It’s easy to see why Vepli e-bikes are loved by the French riding public: it fits their contemporary commuting needs to a tee. Their models are designed with French commuting requirements first and foremost.
Here is the link to visit the Vepli e-bikes website.
A few words in conclusion
Much like in most countries, the French have a preference for lightweight e-bike models, probably because it is closer to the heft of the conventional bikes that they’re used to riding.
Read also: E-bike brands, manufacturers, models, countries: complete list (560+).
There’s also a balance between the demand for casual commuter models and more high-powered eMTBs. And again, all of these trends are made apparent by the majority of selections being offered by the brands we listed above.
Here is a quick video review of the Decathlon Riverside E 500 electric bike: