- 14/5/2025

Everything you always wanted to know about electric bicycles

7 min

Warning: borrowing money also costs money.

Electric bicycles: definition

Let's start by clearing up some confusion first: when we talk about an ‘electric bicycle’, we are referring to a bicycle with electric assistance. A speed pedelec continues to move forward even when you stop pedalling (briefly), so it is more comparable to a moped and is subject to different legislation. The difference between a conventional bicycle and an electrically-assisted bicycle is therefore the 'pedal assistance'. This discreet and limited assistance does not change the primary function of a bicycle, which is to pedal. The electric bicycle has a battery and an electric motor with motor assistance up to 25 km/h. Although e-bikes may seem modern and innovative, the first prototypes were actually designed before the Tour de France even existed.

Why choose an electric bicycle?

Advantages

• Health benefits: compared to other soft mobility devices, an electric bicycle still demands a lot from your muscles because it only provides pedal assistance when you need it. So you are constantly moving, just like on a conventional bicycle, albeit with less effort.
• Encourages you to leave your car at home: whereas you may be deterred from getting on your bike for longer distances or sporty routes, the electric bike can motivate you to do it nonetheless, even if you have to ride for miles on gently uphill roads. Something to consider next time you get in your car.
• Saves time, especially in the city: have you ever spent hours stuck in traffic? With an electric bicycle you can easily get anywhere you need to be, bypassing traffic queues, which is handy during the rush hour and in the city centre. These days, given the rapidly increasing number of 30 km/h zones and the fairly constant speed of 25 km/h you achieve on an electric bicycle, cars are no longer always the fastest option! What's more, you won't have to spend ages looking for a parking space.
• Adapts to your pace: electric bicycles offer different levels of riding modes (eco, tour, sport, turbo). You choose how much effort and speed you need. You can easily alternate more ‘sporty’ trips with more relaxing rides, all depending on your physical condition.
• Much cheaper than a car: riding an electric bicycle will always cost you less than driving a car. No taxes, no parking meters and a much lower purchase price. Not to mention the fuel: whereas petrol and diesel are expensive, the electricity costs are negligible (about € 1.5 per 1,000 km).
• More flexible than public transport: a bus will never drop you off on your doorstep at 3 am in the morning. And the station very rarely is right next to your office. An electric bicycle, on the other hand, will take you anywhere, anytime, door to door.
• Environmentally friendly: taking production, maintenance and electricity into account, the electric bicycle has an environmental footprint of 22g CO₂/km. A private car produces 271 g/passenger/km. That says it all really. An electric bicycle can therefore be part of the solution to the climate crisis and the suffocation of cities.

Disadvantages

• Quite heavy and bulky: a standard bicycle weighs between 6 and 9 kg. An electric bike weighs between 15 and 30 kg. Why is this? Because of the weight of the batteries and the motor. When the battery is empty, pedalling an electric bicycle can be very tiring. A heavy bike is also more difficult to transport or carry upstairs.
• Expensive to purchase: the price remains the biggest obstacle for many. Expect to pay anything between € 800 and € 4,000. That said, if you put it into perspective and add up the savings over a few years, it is a great investment.
• More expensive to repair: the purchase costs of an electric bike are higher than those of a conventional bike, but the repair costs can also be higher if the battery or motor dies.
• Attracts attention: 30,296 bikes were stolen in Belgium in 2019. And given their price, electric bicycles are a new favourite target for bicycle thieves. Be extremely vigilant when leaving your bicycle unattended. Consider taking out insurance.
• When it rains, it rains: whereas cars and public transport guarantee you will stay dry during your journey, the electric bicycle requires you to brave the elements. The weather and the seasons can also affect your motivation to get on your bike, so keep this in mind if you’re not the adventurous type.

Sources: Ecoconso, Mobility Wallonia.

For whom?

Target audience

The electric bicycle is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy all the advantages we mentioned and who is aware of the ecological aspect. Unlike other personal vehicles, its use is not limited to urban transport alone. You can also use it to travel longer distances.

The electric bicycle is mainly interesting for commuters who want to cover the distance between home and work faster without having to combine this with public transport. Although the latter is of course also an option: do you live too far from the station to swap your car for the train? Then cycle to the station on an electric bike! Finally, the electric bicycle is a blessing both for sports enthusiasts and those whose physical condition can do with some improvement, which is why the bicycle is also increasingly popular among the elderly.

Profile characteristics

According to a study by Traxio Velo, in 2019, 470,000 bicycles were sold in Belgium, of which 51% electric bicycles. Whereas in recent years electric bicycles were mainly popular with people aged 50-60 in a more recreational setting, today there is a noticeable increase among the active 40-50 age group. This means that its use for commuting is on the rise. Given the price, electric bicycles are not recommended for children or young teenagers, because they require a cautious riding style and increased vigilance.

Source : O2O

Which type of electric bicycle do you prefer?

Different types

There are as many types of electric bikes as there are conventional bikes. Each bike has its own specifications, budget and design. City or touring bikes, mountain bikes, cargo bikes, speed pedelecs... As you can see, you need to compare the entire range to make a choice that will work for you. Start by deciding what you will be using your bicycle for, taking into account the distance you will be travelling, the number of trips, the desired speed and the type of trips you want to make.

Which bicycle for which purpose?

• For short trips in the city or to work, a standard electric bike is the ideal companion. This can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h.
• If you like intermodal transport or if you have to take your bike with you sometimes, choose a folding bike. It is more compact but also more expensive than a standard electric bike. A light electric bike weighs around 13 kg, others can easily weigh 25 kg.
• For transporting heavy shopping or your children, the electric cargo bike is the best choice, as you can fit multiple seats on it.
• For more extreme rides, there are electric mountain bikes or electric racing bikes. If the road is bumpy, choose a model with front and rear suspension and large, thick tyres.
• For very long trips, choose the speed of a speed pedelec or a model with a large battery or even two batteries.

Criteria you should take into account

In addition to the type of bicycle, there are other parameters that play a role in your choice. The price, of course, but especially the mechanics, i.e. the motor, the battery and the pedal assistance. There are two types of motorised electric bicycles: bikes with front or rear wheel motors and central motors. A central motor provides better stability and handling and is the most efficient. It is more expensive, however. The motor's power also has an impact on your riding experience. The higher it is, the easier it will be to pedal when needed.

The battery: most models are equipped with a lithium-ion battery. The most important characteristic is the capacity, expressed in Wh (watt hours). The greater it is, the more range the bicycle will have. This means less charging and longer distances. In practice, the range of an electric bicycle varies between 40 and 100 km.

The pedal assistance works either with a motion sensor or a force sensor. The motion sensor does not take your pedalling speed into account and takes time to activate. The power sensor system immediately switches on pedal assistance, gradually increasing it. It is more intuitive and consistent, making it ideal for people who have to stop regularly, for example, at traffic lights or in busy areas.

What are the legal requirements?

The standard electric bicycle (25 km/h)

This is the most common. The motor's power is limited to 250W, the pedal assistance stops at 25 km/h, and it only works if you are also pedalling. Under European legislation, the standard electric bicycle is considered equivalent to a ‘normal’ bicycle and must therefore adhere to the same traffic rules. You don't need to wear a helmet, have a permit, or take out insurance (although you should consider taking out family protection/third party liability insurance).

The speed pedelec (45 km/h)

This is an electric bicycle with a motor of up to 4000 W. The pedal assistance stops at 45 km/h and only works if you are pedalling at the same time. These fast electric bikes are considered equivalent to mopeds, and therefore legal requirements do apply: you must wear a helmet, have a moped driving licence (AM) or a driving licence B, and register the bike. Speed pedelecs may use roads with a speed limit of up to 50 km/h. On faster roads, they must use the cycle path. The local road authority may adapt the local situation with special sub-signs.

Which budget and how to finance the purchase?

Budget

The starting price for an electric bicycle is around € 800. These are usually models with a wheel motor and a battery in the luggage rack. For € 1,600, you get an attractive price-quality ratio and a wide range of options to choose from. The latest models cost around € 4,000. The price of a speed pedelec varies between € 3,000 and € 10,000. The price is often an indicator of performance, lifespan and comfort, but sometimes trends also play a role. Compare (online) reviews, determine what you really need and ask for information in the shop.

When considering the purchase price, don't forget to add the cost of use. By this we mean maintenance and repairs, as well as the electricity needed for charging the bike. Finally, the budget for equipping yourself properly and riding safely should also be taken into account: helmet, saddlebags, rain gear, padlock, insurance, etc.

How to finance your purchase?

If these amounts scare you, remember that an electric bicycle is a good investment in the long term. To help you finance your desire for softer mobility, there are three options: 

• Find out more about subsidies: some municipalities, provinces or regions offer a subsidy or help towards the purchase of a new electric bicycle. The amount of these subsidies usually varies between € 50 and € 250, but in some cities it can go up to € 500 if you relinquish your car and number plate.
• Use the bicycle allowance your employer gives you: like with a car, an employer can contribute to the transport costs of employees who use a bicycle for their commute. While this is not an obligation, many do it because cycling only has benefits, both for the planet and for morale. This allowance can be as much as € 0.24/km, and the good news is that it is not taxed.
• Take out an attractive loan, such as a loan* from your bank Soft mobility is the best way to ease the burden of traffic jams and parking pressure and help respect the planet. It is therefore in banks' interest to promote these transport options and help Belgians finance their purchase with attractive loans that have been specifically designed to finance ecological purchases and soft mobility.

Source: Lez Brussels, Ecoconso.
*Subject to the acceptance of your application.

Ensure you have adequate protection

Locks, etc.

Even if you take good care of your bike, you may have to leave it outside for a while. Given the value of these vehicles, they also attract the attention of thieves. The solution? A good padlock, even two! Don't skimp on the quality of your lock, even if it is a big investment (around 100 euros). Choose a U-type steel padlock, a chain or a folding lock with an ART rating of at least 2 stars. That way, your lock will be resistant to crowbars and pliers. Always lock your bike to a fixed object, even at home, because thefts from cellars and garages are on the rise. For the geeks among us, a hidden GPS tracker is an additional security solution.

Insurance

Even the best locks in the world are sometimes not enough to protect your bike from a thief who really wants your bike, much like a cautious driving style can never wholly eliminate the risk of an accident. Given the high price and emotional attachment, taking out insurance is essential if you want to protect your bicycle, even if there is no legal obligation to do so. But which insurance?

In the event of an accident in which you are at fault, damage to third parties is covered by your family protection insurance. Please note that if you are solely to blame or if the third party is unknown, you will not receive an indemnity... Unless you take out dedicated insurance for your bicycle! The smartest option is to take out an insurance policy that covers everything: an insurance policy that protects you against theft and material damage and also offers roadside assistance anywhere in Belgium.

With this insurance you can also cover physical injury resulting from an accident with this bicycle or mobility device. If you would prefer to be covered for all accidents and not just for cycling or using a mobility device, then take out separate Top Accident insurance for you, your children or the entire family. That way, you can always cycle with peace of mind.