The Decathlon Btwin R500 E electric cargo bike popular with parents will welcome a replacement, before other more clever models. We were able to preview this version thanks to a leak of an internal document.
Source : Decathlon
In 2021, Decathlon probably made its most significant electric bike launch in its history. With the R500 E, the French brand has invested in the longtail sector, with a price below 3,000 euros which has caused a stir in big cities. After 2 and a half years of career, the succession of the cargo bike is already in the pipeline, as we have seen in an internal Decathlon document that we were able to get our hands on.
First of all, let us clarify that all the information contained in this article is provisional, and may be modified between now and the release of the product.
A future greatly improved Decathlon cargo bike
Visible in a single image, the future recumbent electric bike includes a lot of changes. Decathlon learned a lot from customer feedback, changing the geometry with smaller wheels (24 x 20 inches?). The frame is also new, making it easier to step over, shorter with a lower structure. The idea seems to be to lower the center of gravity.
The suspended fork has also disappeared, but it makes way for larger tires. Their mudguards will be longer, but impossible to say more due to lack of details. No details, either, on the motor of the electric cargo bike, which will be central and no longer in the rear wheel. This will not be the Owuru of the LD 920 E or the upcoming Rockrider E-ACTV 900. The transmission does not appear to use a derailleur (is it the Nexus system?).
The current R500E cargo bike // Source: Chloé Pertuis – Aroged
The assistance will draw on a battery which would no longer be integrated into the frame, logical since it is systematically disconnected when parked to avoid theft, or even to recharge it.
Finally, in terms of equipment, the double stand migrates to the rear, under a more complete package: footrests, large wheel protection, luggage rack, and grab bars. The electric cargo bike also swaps its front basket for an even wider luggage rack?
The bad news with this future Decathlon R500E is the price. Today available at 2,999 euros, it could increase to around 3,200 euros. If the equipment follows with these new features, the offer will remain very attractive, despite competition from the Intersport Nakamura Crossover longtail.
The Decathlon two-wheeler will double the offer, before other new products
Before the V2 of the next longtail, Decathlon aims to launch its new biporter. The Btwin F900E front-loading electric cargo bike, presented at the end of 2023, is arriving soon. It will be available in two versions according to the internal document that we have obtained.
The F900E equipped for families will have a price of 4,800 euros and the naked “F900E Naked” variant for professionals would have a more affordable price of 4,200 euros.
The new two-wheeler will have two versions, priced at less than 5,000 euros. // Source: Decathlon
More surprisingly, a model codenamed “L Loading front” seems to illustrate a more compact and accessible cargo bike. At around 3,500 euros, it could be inspired by a Riese & Müller Carrie or a Muli ST Pro, with a possible folding body.
The R500 E will then have a longer “XL” companion, but it is impossible to know if it is a dedicated or extended model. The only certainty is that it will be more expensive, around 3,800 euros.
Finally, two compact bikes “M Loading 500” and “M Loading 900” could complete the offer. They will be, according to our information, the production version of the Magic Bike Decathlon, the 2022 concept. We hope to find the front and rear platforms, double braking at each lever, or why not the Owuru gearbox engine. These two models would be available between 2,500 and 3,500 euros.
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