Having become a true alternative to the car for urban travel, the electric bike is also a wonderful means of escape. More ecological, quiet, fast and beneficial for health, its advantages are many. And among the numerous types of electric bikes, we find the hybrid bike: a "two-wheeler" particularly appreciated for its versatility.
WHAT IS A HYBRID BIKE?
The hybrid bike or all-terrain bike is the most versatile bicycle there is! Comfortable and practical, it brings together the best of mountain biking and classic city cycling, borrowing qualities from each. A hybrid bike, a 2-in-1 bike, the hybrid bike is a true all-purpose bicycle, ideal for anyone looking for a single model to ease their daily commutes in the city and for leisure rides.
On a hybrid bike, the rider's position is fairly upright, with the handlebars at the same level as the saddle, which means the torso is not too far forward, allowing the rider to keep their head up in a safe position and remain fully aware of road events.
Like classic city bikes and touring bikes, the frame of a given hybrid bike model is very often available in a men's version (diamond) and a women's version (step-through) with a heavily sloped top tube that makes it easier to mount. As a general rule, men's hybrid bikes always feature a slight sloping, making them easier to mount and handle, especially when carrying a load.
HYBRID BIKE COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES
Even though we find hybrid bikes on the market fitted with rigid forks, traditional usage calls for the hybrid bike to be equipped with a telescopic fork, with travel varying between 50 and 100 mm, to be chosen according to the terrain covered. Some forks also feature a lockout to optimise pedalling on the road.
All hybrid bikes are fitted with 28-inch wheels that offer good efficiency and guarantee comfort on the road, with highly versatile tyres with sufficient tread to provide effective grip on hiking trails. Some models feature an adjustable stem, allowing precise position adjustment. Most models are equipped with mudguards, a rear rack and a kickstand. These accessories make the hybrid bike practical and versatile: ideal for doing your shopping, carrying your belongings when commuting by bike in the city, and protecting yourself in bad weather.
... AND THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT?
THE MOTOR
The motor of an electric hybrid bike can be placed in the front wheel, the rear wheel, or at the bottom bracket.
Motors in the front wheel were reserved for entry-level models, and this configuration is almost no longer available on models currently sold on the market. The fork was subjected to greater loads and the front wheel was more prone to skidding on slippery surfaces. Finally, the presence of the motor in this location could sometimes also have an influence on the steering, which is why manufacturers discontinued it.
Motors located in the rear wheel offer very low noise and direct power transmission for more dynamic handling. In return, they make removing the rear wheel more difficult and shift the centre of gravity towards the rear.
The most advanced technology, fitted to the vast majority of models today, is the motor integrated at the bottom bracket. This solution offers the best efficiency/reliability ratio, with optimal weight distribution, a low centre of gravity, and a riding feel very close to that of a classic bike.The motor power is generally 250 Watts (the maximum permitted). The difference between motors will therefore mainly come down to torque (ranging from 40 to over 70 Nm for the most powerful models), the levels of assistance, and the linearity and progressiveness of the motor.
In practice, the higher the torque, the more the motor will deliver sharp acceleration and lively pick-up. Conversely, high linearity will offer consistent comfort at both low and high cadences.
The main players in the sector are Bosch – the historic leader –, Yamaha, Shimano, Continental, Fazua, Brose, Impulse and Bafang.THE BATTERY
On urban electric bikes, the position of the battery differs depending on the frame shape.
- On Step-Through or Diamond frame bikes: the battery is most often placed on the down tube of the frame, semi-integrated or integrated directly into the frame on higher-end models, allowing new-generation e-bikes to display a clean design very close to that of non-assisted bikes.
- On Swan Neck frame bikes: the battery is generally found either at the seat tube (front or rear), or at the rear rack.
The battery power, expressed in watt-hours, corresponds to the voltage (in volts) multiplied by the capacity (in ampere-hours), with higher power meaning greater range. On bikes, batteries generally range between 400 and 625 Wh. For journeys of a few dozen kilometres, a 400 Wh battery will be more than sufficient. The most powerful batteries will be useful for demanding daily commuters covering long distances each day, or for touring bikes to ensure good range.
THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER
In order to control all the parameters of your motor system, electric bikes are fitted with an on-board computer that is more or less comprehensive depending on the intended use. From the simplest and most compact, displaying the essentials (speed, distance covered, selected assistance level, battery level), to the most advanced, integrating GPS with navigation function, Bluetooth connectivity, or even a USB port, you will inevitably find the model that suits you — knowing that it is possible to replace the original computer to upgrade to a higher range.
WHICH ELECTRIC HYBRID BIKE FOR MY RIDING STYLE?
As you will have gathered, electric hybrid bikes are a more sporty and versatile alternative compared to non-assisted hybrid bikes or other urban bikes. Thanks to their comfortable riding position, their large 28-inch wheels and their wide range of gears, they allow you to ride in the city as well as in the countryside, and even in the forest.
To choose the model that suits you best, it will be essential to take into consideration: your riding style, the equipment and components you will need most, and to think about the type of motor and battery that will best suit the use you intend to make of it.
Urban Hybrid Bike
Available in various frame shapes (diamond, step-through, swan neck), these bikes are characterised by great comfort with an upright riding position and full equipment (mudguards, rear rack, lights, kickstand). The urban electric hybrid bike is ideal for short to medium distances with its 28-inch wheels. Also make sure the telescopic fork has a lockout system, or opt for a hybrid bike with a rigid fork. The absence of travel will improve the bike's responsiveness. A 400 Wh or 500 Wh battery will be sufficient for this use.
Sport Hybrid Bike
For leisure use with a sporting focus, accessories such as mudguards and a rear rack are not essential. The bike should be fitted with a telescopic fork and an optimised drivetrain (single or double chainring with a wide-range cassette at the rear) depending on your ride profile. We recommend a battery of more than 500 Wh for longer rides.
Touring Hybrid Bike
For leisure use orientated towards day or even weekend touring, the hybrid bike should be well equipped with useful accessories (rear rack, mudguards, etc.). You can easily get away from it all by carrying your gear and camping accessories in panniers. The ideal is to opt for a battery of more than 500 Wh for greater range.
