The electric bicycle is experiencing an explosion of sales unimaginable a few years ago. In fact, the landscape has changed so much that the stigma of “camouflaged motorcycle” or “bicycle for bums” has already been lost. Only Portugal exports electric bicycles worth 600 million euros.
It is not surprising that one of the most famous sports networks in Europe also wants to have its own niche. Decathlon has presented its Magic Bikea prototype of an electric bicycle that advances the product that, presumably, the French firm will end up bringing to its stores.
In fact, Decathlon’s signature B’twin is very famous among cyclists. The offer covers a wide range of prices and usually offer a very good result in the balance between quality and cost. With road bikes, mountain bikes (also electrified), touring bikes and even folding bikes, it only seems a matter of time before Decathlon claims its share of the cake in the electric bike market for all audiences.
It must be taken into account that Decathlon has long become a thermometer of the interests of athletes and a specialist in turning novelties into affordable products for the general public. For sample, the mobile phone Quechua that they put up for sale in 2013. In fact, Decathlon already was overcome in bicycle reserves of its low ranges during the hardest months of the pandemic.
Magic Bike, Decathlon’s electric bike prototype
Taking advantage of the rise of electric bicycles for daily use, Magic Bike advances a very urban model, with clean and angular shapes that are reminiscent of the famous Vamoof. In addition, it incorporates a front and a rear support as a tray to carry the accessories or bags that we need.
At the moment, there are no technical characteristics of the bicycle. The first advance of Decathlon indicates that the autonomy will be extended in sections of 30, 60 or 90 kilometers, depending on the level of assistance that we require from the vehicle. In fact, his current electric bikes They already offer three modes to circulate: Sport, normal and eco. The battery is also removable.
With the images that have been shown, it is to be expected that the electric motor is integrated into the bottom bracket hub and that it pushes us up to 25 km/h, the maximum limit allowed in Spain. The disc brakes are actuated by a single brake lever, which distributes the deceleration between both wheels. A system you’ve already tried OutBraker and that it is very useful for those cyclists with reduced mobility.
The photos also show a handlebar display (with light integrated in it), where we can expect all the information regarding the speed and battery charge to be displayed. In addition, it has a key and mobile phone detector, so its own application would be expected. With either of these two systems, the bike is automatically unlocked and an anti-theft alarm can also be set.
