A bright banana with smileys: ⓿⓿⓿⓿⓿. A sleek and modern Decathlon B’Twin F900E electric bicycle effortlessly navigates the road with four small passengers seated comfortably at the front. The brand-new cargo e-bike has just arrived on the market, revolutionizing the cargo e-bike landscape with its minivan-like capabilities.
The B’Twin F900E utilises a front-loading configuration, diverging from the more common long-tail design, which incorporates a spacious, bathtub-shaped child seat at the front. The gigantic entrance bucket can accommodate up to three children securely fastened into its harnesses, with an additional young passenger able to sit comfortably on the rear provider rack attached to the bicycle.
The bicycle’s rider – ideally an adult with a sense of responsibility – gains control of the Brose S Magazine motor, boasting 90 Nm of torque. The additional significance of torque is particularly pronounced on cargo bikes, as these vehicles often carry heavy loads for extended periods. The Decathlon F900E has a substantial payload capacity of up to 184 kg (405 lbs), making it ideal for transporting both people and cargo; accordingly, an extra boost of torque can prove invaluable in overcoming any initial resistance. To ensure the heavy load remains stable, the bike features a sturdy double kickstand with increased capacity.
While front-loader cargo bikes typically have larger dimensions than traditional e-bikes, the F900E surprisingly boasts a compact footprint, occupying significantly less highway space than an SUV or van required to transport four children.
Powering the motor is a 36-volt, 17.5-ampere-hour lithium-ion battery pack boasting an impressive 630 watt-hours of energy storage capacity. The removable battery allows for charging whether the bike is in use or not, providing added convenience and flexibility. A full cost assessment typically requires around four hours to complete.
The battery provides sufficient power for distances ranging from approximately 40 to 80 kilometers or 25 to 50 miles. Redesigned specifically for the European market, the F900E distinguishes itself by abandoning traditional throttle controls, relying instead on pedal assist alone to unlock enhanced efficiency and significantly extend its range on a compact battery pack.
While the highest velocity of 25 km/h (15.5 mph) contributes to effectiveness, it’s noteworthy that higher speeds common on North American e-bikes often lead to lower ranges due to decreased efficiency.
Within the UK, the family-sized cargo e-bike is priced at £4,999, while in the remainder of Europe, it costs €4,999, approximately equivalent to US$6,400 and $5,400 respectively. In a departure from typical e-bikes, this model stands out with its comprehensive standard features, including a fully geared setup that provides riders with a rain cover and side-entry door for the passenger compartment – features often reserved for optional upgrades.
A complimentary GPS-tracking service, leveraging the bike’s integrated GPS module, is offered for a period of 12 months. For an additional $2 per 30-day period.
