With 2.9 million bicycles sold in 2012, France is the 3rd largest European consumer of bicycles, after Germany and the United Kingdom. In recent years, a new trend has emerged with the Electrically Assisted Bicycle (or EAB), which is attracting more and more cyclists: 56,000 EABs were sold in 2013, an increase of +17.5%.
Experiencing a boom in both the leisure market and in urban and peri-urban commuting, the EAB is an eco-friendly mode of transport that aligns with a current trend: providing moderate effort while enjoying one’s surroundings.
Without any medical contraindication, the EAB is suitable for all individuals who can ride a bicycle. It is increasingly being prescribed by doctors for its benefits. Engaging in physical activity in the fresh air is very beneficial.
Similar to MTBs or hybrid bicycles, some EABs are designed for trekking or touring. Equipped with a motor powered by a battery, the EAB allows cyclists to travel 40 to 80 km. Hills and wind will no longer be insurmountable obstacles for the less athletic, who can enjoy the scenery while minimizing their effort.
The EAB is available in various forms (MTB, hybrid bicycle, urban bicycle), and it can thus be adapted to all areas of use. One can choose the electric bicycle based on how they wish to use it (city, countryside, mountains, etc.).
We can only hope for the blue bicycles to evolve towards this offering: Nice as well as Copenhagen, which is the number one European city for gentle mobility?
Given the current wild west of traffic and parking, one can only wish for it.
