Nantes in France’s top 10 cycling cities
At a time when reducing pollution is a major challenge, choosing an environmentally-friendly means of transport is more necessary than ever. Promoting urban cycling, Nantes is one of France’s most bike-friendly cities. With over 500 km of cycle paths, it strongly encourages soft mobility. The city also boasts 7,000 dedicated bicycle parking spaces . In fact, it’s the French city where micro-mobility is most widely used on a daily basis. To further encourage the use of bicycles, Nantes Métropole has launched the ” Grandes Voies Vélo ” project, aimed at setting up itineraries made up of safe cycle paths. These routes are identified by visual markings and ground markings. 
How do you electrify an ordinary bicycle?
While many people in Nantes now use bicycles for their daily commute, electric bikes have also been gaining in popularity in recent years. However, if acquiring a VAE is one option for getting around more responsibly, converting a traditional bike to electric is another. This operation involves adding a motorization system using a special kit, and connecting a battery to the bicycle. Depending on the kit, the location of the motorization system will be different:
- Pedal motor kit: considered a top-of-the-range solution, this device is fitted with a torque-sensing pedal motor and is installed on the pedal assembly. This device provides assistance proportional to pedaling power. Thanks to this feature, the device guarantees a natural, balanced ride, easily adapting to the effort expended by the user.
- Wheel-mounted motor kit: appreciated for its ease of installation, this equipment fits into the front or rear wheel of the bicycle. Recommended for bikes used for short urban trips, the front-wheel motor kit adds weight to the front of the vehicle. Its installation therefore has an impact on balance, particularly at high speeds. On the other hand, installation in the rear wheel favors even weight distribution, guaranteeing greater stability on different types of terrain.
As far as the battery is concerned, it’s usually placed on the luggage rack or on the frame. Other essential components include the housing and the speed sensor. When buying a conversion kit, be sure to check its compatibility with your bike.
4 good reasons to convert your classic bike to electric
Converting a bicycle with an electric kit offers many advantages:
- Improved mobility: installing an electrification kit on your traditional bike will considerably improve your day-to-day mobility. Whether you’re covering long distances or venturing into difficult terrain, you can ride for miles on end without a bit of effort thanks to electric assistance.
- Flexibility: ultra-practical, electric kits offer users great flexibility. This equipment offers a range of options to meet a variety of specific needs. Offering the possibility of customizing the conversion, these devices enable cyclists to create a VAE perfectly adapted to its future use (daily commutes in town, routes over rough terrain, long rides, etc.).
- Savings : if you already own a conventional bike, converting it to electric will cost you much less than buying a new electric-assist bike. The average cost of a two-wheeler is between 600 and 6,000 euros. On the other hand, depending on type, performance and brand, an electric kit requires a budget ranging from 600 euros to around 1,500 euros if the installation is entrusted to a professional.
- Respect for the environment: electrifying an ordinary bike also contributes to respect for the environment by avoiding the production of a new EAB. This option reduces the materials and energy required to build these vehicles. This alternative also reduces waste, as it encourages the reuse of existing classic bikes.
What does the law say about converting a conventional bike into an EAB?
Whether in terms of appearance, function or power, a traditional bike is completely different from a VAE. After the electrification process, the motorized bicycle is a new category of two-wheeled vehicle. Its use in Nantes and elsewhere is governed by all the relevant regulations. For a converted bicycle to comply with standard NF EN 15194, the following parameters must be met:
- The power of the integrated motorization system must be at least 250 W;
- The two-wheeled vehicle must not exceed a speed of 25 km/h;
- The assistance must stop when there is no more pedaling;
- The converted bike stops gradually when maximum speed is reached or when the rider reduces pedaling.
What assistance is available for the purchase of an electrification kit in Nantes?
Buying an electric bike in Nantes can be a major investment. Fortunately, like many French cities, the City of the Dukes has set up subsidies to encourage the purchase of an electrically-assisted bicycle. To encourage people to take up cycling, Nantes Métropole is offering residents a means-tested subsidy to buy a new bike without blowing their budget.
Who is eligible for assistance with the purchase of a VAE or electric kit in Nantes?
To benefit from the assistance offered by Nantes Métropole, the following conditions must be met:
- Living in the Nantes metropolitan area ;
- Be of legal age ;
- Family income less than or equal to 900 ;
This subsidy covers both the purchase of a VAE from a professional cycle shop and the acquisition of an approved electric kit installed by a professional.
How much can I get?
The amount of assistance depends on your family income:
- FQ less than or equal to 350: 800 euros;
- FQ greater than or equal to 351 and less than or equal to 500: 500 euros;
- FQ greater than or equal to 501 and less than or equal to 750: 250 euros;
- FQ greater than or equal to 751 and less than or equal to 900: 150 euros.
For those who are not eligible for this subsidy, please note that the French government also offers a ” Bonus vélo ” scheme. The latter offers assistance of up to 400 euros for the purchase of an electrically-assisted bicycle.
Syklo’s TSDZ2 kit for getting around Nantes
If you want to enjoy the benefits of an ACE without spending a lot of money, electrifying your current bike is a must. At Syklo, you’ll discover a wide range of devices for transforming your classic bike into an electric one at a lower price. Among the products on offer, the TSDZ2 kit offers a host of advantages for those wishing to transform their conventional bike into a practical, economical and environmentally-friendly means of electric travel. In addition to a powerful motor, this equipment features a top-of-the-range battery providing a range of up to 100 km. The torque sensor reduces energy consumption. Approved to EN 15194, the TSDZ2 is eligible for assistance from Nantes Métropole. This equipment meets all the legal requirements: power of the motorization system, maximum speed and automatic cut-off of electric assistance.
Who can electrify your bike in Nantes?
You can install a standard-to-electric bike conversion system yourself. Syklo’s TSDZ2 system has the advantage of being easy to install. However, if you don’t have the necessary skills or time, don’t hesitate to entrust the operation to a professional. We have a network of partners specialized in the conversion of ordinary bicycles to VAE, present in several French cities: Nantes, Paris, Marseille, etc. Service Cycle Nantais (172 rue Paul Bellamy, 44000 Nantes, France): In Nantes, Service Cycle Nantais, headed by Henri-Marc, specializes in bicycle electrification, combining expertise and passion to offer sustainable solutions for urban cyclists. Located at 172 rue Paul Bellamy, this workshop offers personalized services to transform your bike into a high-performance electric model adapted to your daily needs. To book an appointment or obtain further information, please contact them on 02 40 02 91 43 or by email at servicecycle.nantais@gmail.com. Don’t forget to check out their Instagram to follow their latest creations and innovations.
FAQ
How do you transform an ordinary bike into an electric bike?
An ordinary bicycle is electrified by installing a pedal motor or a motor in the front or rear wheel.
How much does it cost to electrify a bike?
Installing a conversion device costs between 300 and 1,000 euros if you do it yourself. For a professional installation, the cost varies from 600 euros to 1,500 euros. These costs include the price of the equipment and the battery (sometimes sold separately).
What kind of government assistance is available for buying an electric bike?
The French government offers a “Bonus Vélo” subsidy for the purchase of an electric bicycle. The amount of assistance can be up to 400 euros.
Discover other cities :
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- A quick and easy guide to electrifying a bicycle in Lyon
- Bicycle electrification in Marseille: the best deals
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- Bicycle electrification in Bordeaux: the guide
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- Overview of bicycle electrification in Montpellier
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- Guide to electrifying your bike in Nantes
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