Bicycle electrification in Marseille: the best deals

Bicycle electrification in Marseilles: various grants and subsidies losubsidies

Over the past few years, the city of Marseille has invested a great deal of energy and resources in greening its mobility initiatives. These include streetcars, metros, electric buses and electric bicycles. The latter are both environmentally friendly and comfortable to ride. In this respect, Marseille has set up bicycle lanes and recharging stations. The city has also set up a financial subsidy to encourage the switch to electric bikes. In this context, we recommend the installation of a bike electrification kit to gain in mobility and autonomy. Our TSDZ2b kit, for example, features a precise torque sensor and 80Nm of power. In addition to bike kit installation, our services include repairs, assistance and sales.

Unfortunately, since 2022, the city of Marseille no longer offers a bonus for the purchase of an electric bike. However, State aid and the ecological bonus can still be granted for the purchase of your VAE. In Marseille, the conversion bonus and the ecological bonus can be combined, depending on the bike and the individual’s profile. For bicycle electrification in Marseille, state aid is capped according to the model of two-wheeler.

For the purchase of an electric bicycle kit for folding bicycles, residents of Marseilles are entitled to assistance capped at 2,000 euros. This offer is only valid for households with an income of less than 6,358 euros/year. For households earning less than 14,089 euros/year, support amounts to 1,000 euros.

For the conversion of a single bicycle into an electric cargo bike, the subsidy is 2,000 euros for low-income households. For single electric bikes, it is 400 euros, and 300 euros for those earning less than 14,089 euros a year. As with all financing offered by the local authority, VSEs and SMEs, as well as associations registered in the Phocaean city, can also benefit.

Anyone wishing to use an electric bicycle kit and benefit from the subsidies must prepare an application. This must include a copy of the purchase invoice for the bike, a copy of an identity document, the latest tax assessment and proof of address (less than 3 months old). The ecological bonus and the conversion premium can be applied for simultaneously.

In addition, the city of Marseille and the Bouches-du-Rhône department also have what is known as the Coup de Pouce Bicycle. This is a 50-euro subsidy for people wishing to repair their bicycles in specialist repair workshops.

The price of a VAE is around 1,500 to 2,000 euros, and the purchase subsidy represents around 20 to 25% of the total cost of the bike. A kit generally costs between 500 and 1,500 euros, depending on the battery and motorization. If the electric bicycle is used on a daily basis as a replacement for other means of transport, the investment becomes more profitable.

Who do I call to electrify my bike?

With an electric kit, you can electrify your bicycle yourself. However, some kits may be incompatible with certain bike models and require more expert installation. In this case, assistance is essential to ensure the success of your dual mobility project. Call in a professional or visit a bicycle repair association in the Phocaean city.

Contacting a professional not only ensures the performance of your two-wheeler. Indeed, insurance companies in Marseilles require a certificate of homologation. This is only obtained if the bike complies with European standards. What’s more, a VAE or electrified bicycle is only eligible if its electrification has been carried out by an approved professional.

How do I choose my bike electrification kit in Marseille?

When it comes to choosing an electric bike kit, there are several key criteria to take into account: power, battery, consumption, price, comfort during use, bike model, etc. In general, you can choose between 3 different kits:

• The motor kit is located on the rear wheel. This kit is perfect for long distances. Offering great stability, it can even adapt to difficult terrain.
• The pedal motor kit for installation on the bicycle frame. The latter is often accompanied by a torque sensor that boosts the power of the electric device when pedaling.
• The motor kit installed on the front wheel. This kit is favored for short distances. Its stable, low-speed nature makes it ideal for beginners who only ride in town.

In terms of cost/price, a pedal motor is more expensive than a wheel-mounted electric motor. However, the latter offers less comfort when pedaling. What’s more, when it comes to repairs, a wheel-mounted motor requires more resources, whereas a frame-mounted motor is easy to repair.

We already recommend the use of 630 Wh batteries or 250 WH batteriesbatteries, with a control screen for longer trips. For autonomy, you need to take into account speed, type of terrain and weather conditions. A 250 Wh battery can cover more than 10 kilometers on slopes and more than 60 kilometers on flat terrain. As for the 630 Wh battery, it can travel over 120 Km in winds of up to 40 km/h.

Recommended stores in Marseille: check out our partners, they’re great!

Cycle du Coin (33 rue Edouard Delanglade 13006): Cycle du Coin specializes in bicycle repair and maintenance, and works in partnership with Syklo. It also offers electric kit installation for a professional transition to electric bikes. Comprising a team of experts, you can reach the store on 06 35 49 28 44 or directly on their website.

GaasWatt (145 rue d’Endoume 13007): Founded by 2 enthusiasts, GaasWatt is an expert in the sale, repair and installation of electric bicycle kits. Offering innovative electrification solutions to suit your needs, GaasWatt also offers a wide selection of retro electric bikes. To contact them, call 04 65 58 04 05 or simply visit their website.

1 Vélo (71 Bd Gillibert, 13009 Marseille, France): Joël Assuied runs 1 Vélo, a workshop in the vibrant heart of Marseille, specializing in transforming bicycles into electric models. This workshop offers customized solutions for every cyclist, ensuring a meticulous and professional modification of your bike. For more information or to book an appointment, please contact the workshop by email at contact@1velo.com.

Cargomass (46 Rue Consolat, 13001 Marseille, France): at the forefront of promoting sustainable mobility, Cargomass, headed by Ludovic Martin, specializes in cargo bikes and longtail bikes adapted for electric assistance. The showroom offers a wide range of models and a customer service team dedicated to finding the best solution for each individual’s transport needs. Visit their website at cargomass.co.uk to explore their range, or head straight to their boutique for a personalized experience.

Les Bichonneurs de Vélos (Itinerant, Marseille, 13000, France): Guennolé Tripotin and his team at Les Bichonneurs de Vélos offer a unique and personalized service, traveling directly to meet you in Marseille. Specialized in bicycle maintenance and modification, they bring their expertise to bear wherever it’s needed. To follow their itinerant routes and services, check out their Instagram at lesbichonneursde_velos.

Bicycle repair workshops in Marseilles

• Vélo Sapiens (38 rue Mazagran 13001): first and foremost, this association promotes the use of bicycles (cargo, simple, electric, etc.) in Marseille and the surrounding area. It features repair services, sales and installation of kits for bike electrification. The association can be reached on 04 88 86 55 23 or on its website.
• Cyclotrope (21 rue de Crimée 13003): ASVP is an associative workshop set up in 2021 to repair or install electric motors on bicycles. If you’d like to get in touch with them, please call +33 6 50 36 41 83.

First test of my electrified bike: where to go in Marseille?

In order to test their VAE and electric bikes, the Phocéenne city has come up with a number of ideas. Here are 3 routes where you can use your electric cargo bike or electrically assisted mountain bike with complete peace of mind:

• A short 28 km stroll on the water from the Vieux-Port to the Calanque de Callelongue;
• A little test of the autonomy of your city bike, mountain bike or cargo bike as you set off from the north shore of the Old Port towards Notre-Dame de la Garde;
• Discover Marseille’s flavors by VAE: a simple route from “Les grandes Halles” through Nouailles to the Old Port.

Syklo kit benefits

For environmentalists and cyclists in France, the Skylo range of electric bike kits offers ecological and economical solutions for bicycles. Our kits are affordable, since you can have a kit with a reliable battery from 850 euros. Repairable, they are also adapted to your needs, as you can choose to install them on the frame or on the crankset of your bicycle. What’s more, Syklo facilitates your green transition by offering you a preloaded and already configured kit.

To attest to its reliability, here are four testimonials from satisfied customers who have electrified their bicycles with our Syklo kit:

Sébastien L: “I’ve finally found the time to install the kit, and everything has been impeccable. The 1st try was a success.”

Joris N: “Electrification of a magnificent Cannondale Topstone 2 Gravel to climb the slopes of Ardèche, “I’m very satisfied with the assembly, it’s a treat when I’m loaded with the child’s trailer.”

Julien D: “My 2015 Bakfiets cargo bike got a little “upgrade” with this electrification kit and I’m delighted with the result! The 250W motor with 80 n.m of torque is super powerful and allows me to carry my kids and groceries effortlessly.”

Pauline F: “I’ve installed the kit on my Decathlon Elops 520 and it looks great! The engine is incredibly smooth and quiet. I can now climb hills effortlessly and get around town with ease. Setup was a breeze, I highly recommend Syklo!”

FAQ

What is bicycle electrification?

Bicycle electrification simply means transforming a conventional bicycle into an electrically powered one. This is done by installing an electrification kit on the front or rear wheel, or by using a pedal motor.

How can I get help to buy an electric bike in Marseille?

To qualify, you need to check your eligibility. Eligibility depends not only on your income, but also on the type of bicycle you have.

How long does it take to load this type of transport?

In most cases, an electric bicycle is equipped with either a Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) battery. The latter is more efficient, and charging time generally ranges from 3 to 7 hours.

Can electric bikes be charged while riding?

In the vast majority of cases, this type of electric vehicle needs to be plugged into a wall socket to supply the battery. However, some models and especially some electrification kits offer this functionality while you pedal.

Do I have to register my VAE?

Whatever your bike (cargo bike, recumbent, mountain bike, etc.), you don ‘t need to register it.

Where to buy or convert an electric bike?

To buy them in Marseille, you can turn to stores specializing in green mobility. As far as conversion is concerned, you can transform your bike by calling in a professional. However, you need to make sure that your bike is compatible with an electric kit and that you are eligible for financing.

How can I check my bike’s compatibility with a kit?

The easiest way is to check here whether your bike is compatible or not. If you’d like to install the electrification system yourself, here’s a tutorial to help you.

Discover other cities :

• Bike electrification in Paris: the best deals
• A quick and easy guide to electrifying a bicycle in Lyon
• Bicycle electrification in Marseille: the best deals
• It couldn’t be easier to electrify your bike in Toulouse!
• Bicycle electrification in Bordeaux: the guide
• Electrifying your bike in Strasbourg : everything you need to know
• Overview of bicycle electrification in Montpellier
• Bike electrification scheme in Lille
• Bicycle electrification guide in Nice Côte d’Azur
• Guide to electrifying your bike in Nantes
• A kit for electrifying bicycles in Grenoble