Decathlon launches electric bicycles with self-developed drive systems

The B'Twin LD 920 E e-bike was shown during Decathlon's annual "Showcase Innovation" event in 2022, and was originally scheduled to be released in spring 2023, but has now been pushed back to the official release in August, with no specific reason given for the delay.

The drive system consists of two engine control components and eight sensors integrated on a single motherboard, providing a practical and space-saving layout in the engine bay. The powerful microcontroller monitors the performance of the entire 48W motor system, which is powered by a fully integrated battery with a capacity of 702Wh.

The bike is assembled at Decathlon's own assembly plant in B'TWIN, Lille. All components except handlebars, brakes and pedals are developed in-house. The touchscreen display is integrated into the riser and can be selected in different modes, such as Eco, Standard or Boost. There's also a walking mode to make pushing a bike easier, and a built-in GPS tracker helps locate the bike to prevent theft. Weighing 26.1 kg, the urban e-bike, which comes in men's and women's versions, will soon be available in Decathlon's online and offline stores with a suggested retail price of 2,999 euros. An acceptable purchase price and reliable anti-theft protection are important factors.

Continental introduced a similar drive a few years ago, but it was not a success. Although Decathlon is not the first company to integrate a CVT transmission into an e-bike drive, its B'Twin LD 920 E automatic drive seems to be a hit. This model offers powerful drives, requires little maintenance, offers anti-theft protection via GPS and mobile networks, offers different variants to a wide range of users, and is relatively affordable. A recent study conducted by Texlock and YouGov in Germany showed that an acceptable purchase price and reliable anti-theft protection are important factors for using e-bikes in urban areas

Decathlon wants to offer people the opportunity to live car-free, in which autonomous drives make cycling more comfortable and facilitate the transition to sustainable mobility.