In 2023, tens of thousands of bicycle electrification kits were sold in France. This trend is accelerating in 2025, driven by consumers who are increasingly attentive to their carbon footprint, their budget, and the lifespan of their equipment. Why buy a new electric bike (e-bike) for €2,000 when you can convert your good old bike for €500 to €1,200? Whether you're an urban cyclist, a touring cyclist, or a cargo bike enthusiast, there are now solutions for every use. In this article, we explain where to get your bike converted to electric, How to choose the right kit, and what assistance is available. A useful read for cycling further, effortlessly.
Summary
- Why convert your bicycle into an electric bicycle?
- Is it a good idea to switch to electric vehicles in 2025?
- What are the concrete advantages of a bicycle motor kit?
- Which profiles are concerned?
- Where can I get my bike converted to electric in 2025?
- Are there any workshops specializing in bicycle electrification?
- Can I leave my bike at a bike shop?
- Are online kits with home installation reliable?
- Are there any local aid programs or subsidies available?
- Which electrification kit should I choose for my bicycle?
- What are the different types of kits?
- How much does an electrification kit cost in 2025?
- Can I electrify my bicycle myself?
- Electric bike conversion: what to check before getting started
- Is my bike compatible with a kit?
- What level of autonomy can I expect?
- What guarantees and maintenance should be expected?
- Testimonials and feedback
- Electric bikes for everyone, really?
1. Why convert your bicycle into an electric bicycle?
Is it a good idea to switch to electric vehicles in 2025?
The market for electric bike (e-bike) has exploded in recent years, driven by growing demand for sustainable mobility, a desire to reduce carbon footprints, and an increasing appeal of cycling in urban and rural areas. But this growth has been accompanied by a significant price increase. In 2024, the average price of a new e-bike exceeded €2,200, and even surpassed €3,000 for high-end models, a major deterrent for many households. Faced with this situation, a growing number of cyclists are choosing to convert their conventional bikes into electric bikes using a suitable electrification kit. It's a smart way to extend the lifespan of their bicycles. lifespan of a bicycle existing while benefiting from daily electric assistance. By recycling a robust and already proven frame, we avoid a superfluous purchase, we reduces its environmental impact, And we continue to ride a bicycle to which we are often attached, for both practical and emotional reasons. This approach is fully in line with a logic of resource efficiency and a circular economy. Furthermore, the performance offered by modern electrification kits is now largely comparable to that of a new e-bike, especially when installed by qualified professionals. In short, electrifying your bicycle With a well-chosen motor kit and battery, it represents a sustainable, customizable, and much more economical alternative to buying a new electric bike.
What are the concrete advantages of a bicycle motor kit?
Transforming your bike is much more than a practical solution: it's an opportunity to fully personalize it to your needs. Choosing a electric bike kit A custom-designed system allows you to adjust the power, range, or type of motor to suit your daily needs. Whether you prefer short urban commutes, long countryside rides, or utilitarian trips with a cargo bike, each configuration can be tailored to your specific requirements. It's also a way to respect your body type: frame height, riding position, and habits remain unchanged, unlike when buying a new e-bike where you often have to relearn everything. You can keep your favorite accessories, your already broken-in saddle, and sometimes even a unique frame or a high-quality bike that you would find difficult to replace today. Installation-wise, it's often the fastest solution: in less than three hours, a professional can transform a traditional bicycle into a functional and high-performance electric bike. With a bottom bracket motor Like the one offered by Virvolt, it provides natural, silent assistance that is perfectly integrated with pedaling. This type of motor also guarantees better efficiency on hills and a easy repairability, with available parts and trusted partners throughout the territory.
Which profiles are concerned?
Commuters, bicycle deliveries, families with children, weekend cyclists, or even long-distance travelers: all these profiles can benefit from a real benefit of an electric bike. Electric assistance isn't just for athletes or experienced cyclists: it makes everyday life easier for anyone who has to carry loads, tackle hills, or simply save time and energy. In large urban areas, more and more cyclists are opting for a electric bicycle equipped with a kit rather than a classic e-bike, because it allows them to choose a sturdy bike suited to their needs. Families are also benefiting: a mother from Lyon, for example, chose to convert her old hybrid bike with a mid-drive motor to pull a school trailer containing two children. Thanks to the electric assistance, she was able to tackle hills effortlessly, while still enjoying her favorite bike. By saving over €1,000 compared to buying a new cargo bike, she was able to invest in a premium child seat, A approved anti-theft device, and one spare battery for long days. This type of testimony reflects an increasingly common reality: theelectrification of an existing bicycle allows us to meet a variety of needs, while maintaining a certain freedom of choice.
2. Where can I get my bike converted to electric in 2025?
Are there any workshops specializing in bicycle electrification?
Yes, and more and more of them are offering this service all over France. Workshops specializing in bicycle electrification These workshops have become more professional in recent years, with technicians specifically trained to install bottom bracket, front wheel, or rear wheel motor kits. Virvolt certified In particular, they offer a complete and personalized service: initial bike diagnostics, selection of the kit best suited to your needs, meticulous installation, and equipment warranty. You simply make an appointment, bring your bike, and leave fully equipped, sometimes as early as the next day.
Some centers even offer a courtesy bicycle The intervention time is reduced, making the transition easier for those who rely on their bicycles daily. Thanks to a rapidly expanding network, these workshops now cover almost all of France, including medium-sized cities and some rural areas. Using a professional also provides access to local after-sales service and support when needed. For cyclists who want to switch to electric bikes with confidence, it's often the simplest and most reassuring solution.
Can I leave my bike at a bike shop?
Absolutely. Many bike shops in France These shops now offer the electrification of classic bicycles through the installation of suitable kits. Historically focused on sales and repairs, these outlets have expanded their services to meet the growing demand from cyclists wishing to convert their existing bikes to electric without replacing them. Some stores partner with recognized brands like Virvolt and have the necessary equipment, expertise, and certifications to carry out this type of conversion professionally. This option offers several advantages: the service is fast, parts are readily available, and staff can offer a test ride or demonstration. For complex configurations or specific requests (cargo bikes, vintage frames, atypical drivetrains), salespeople and technicians take the time to advise and assist each customer. In many cases, the shops also offer a free or low-cost technical audit to verify the bike's compatibility with the intended kit and can recommend adjustments. These businesses play a key role in making electric assistance more accessible and provide a practical and professional solution for anyone wishing to adopt a new electric bike. custom and reliable electric bike.
Are online kits with home installation reliable?
Platforms offer home installation through partners. You order the electric bicycle motor kit You can book online, then schedule a service appointment at your home or workplace. In just a few hours, your bike will be transformed. Be sure to check customer reviews and the availability of after-sales service. Some services also offer packages with annual maintenance or extended warranties.
Are there any local aid programs or subsidies available?
Yes. Many cities, such as Paris, Lyon, and Nantes, offer subsidies of several hundred euros for electrifying a bicycle. Contact your local town hall or visit the website. France Mobilités To find out about available subsidies, please contact us. Some regions require that the installation be carried out by a certified professional. These subsidies can also be combined with subsidies for the purchase of an e-bike for low-income households or for commuting.
3. Which electrification kit should I choose for my bicycle?
What are the different types of kits?
There is three main types of bicycle electrification kits : The front wheel motor, the rear wheel motor, and the mid-drive motor. Each has its own characteristics, to be chosen according to the type of bicycle and its intended use. bottom bracket motor is now considered the most versatile. Positioned at the bottom bracket, it directly uses the bicycle's transmission to provide assistance proportional to the cyclist's effort.This allows for a more natural driving experience, better range management, and optimal weight distribution, which is particularly useful on hilly roads or for long daily commutes. That's why, at Virvolt, we've chosen to specialize in this type of motorization, with... Bike kits adaptable to most frames of the market. The front wheel motor, Easier to install, it is often chosen for its discreetness. rear wheel motor, As for the mid-drive motor, it offers more dynamic assistance, especially uphill, and is perfectly suited to sporty cyclists or urban bikes that require responsiveness. Each solution has its advantages, but for a lasting, scalable, and high-performance upgrade, the mid-drive motor remains the gold standard.
How much does an electrification kit cost in 2025?
THE Prices of bicycle electrification kits Prices vary considerably depending on the technology chosen, the quality of the components, and the battery capacity. Prices start around €500 For a basic kit with a front-wheel motor, often supplied with a small 250 to 300 Wh battery. This type of kit is suitable for short urban trips or occasional use. For more complete models, with bottom bracket motor Powerful, equipped with advanced pedal sensors and a long-range battery (500 to 700 Wh), prices can climb to €1,500, or even more for some premium brands. By 2025, the average price observed among professional installers is between €700 and €1,200, installation included, encompassing assembly, testing, and sometimes a hands-on training session. This price range is currently much lower than the average price of a new e-bike, making it an increasingly attractive option for cyclists seeking good value for money. Some manufacturers, like Virvolt, also offer payment plans with interest-free installment options. These services help democratize access to electric assistance without sacrificing quality or safety.
Can I electrify my bicycle myself?
It's possible, but not always recommended. You need to be proficient in mechanical assembly, electrical connections, and waterproofing. Incorrect installation can void the kit's warranty. For safe and long-lasting use, it's best to leave it to a professional, unless you're a DIY expert. If you choose to do it yourself, there are detailed tutorials and pre-configured kits available for easy installation.
4. Bicycle electrification: what to check before getting started
Is my bike compatible with a kit?
Not all bicycles are suitable for electrification. You need to check the available space in the frame for the battery, the compatibility of the motor mounts, and the type of brakes. Disc brakes require special attention. Older bicycles may require modifications. Therefore, we recommend having a professional install your bicycle electrification kit.
What level of autonomy can I expect?
The advertised range is often calculated under ideal conditions. In the city, with frequent stops, and on hilly terrain, it can be reduced by 20 to 30%. A 500 Wh battery generally allows for a range of between 50 and 80 km, depending on the level of assistance used and the rider's weight. This is quite comparable to the performance of an electric bike.
What guarantees and maintenance should be expected?
A good kit should be reparable, guaranteed for at least 2 years, and comes with responsive customer service. Also check battery replacement options and spare parts availability. Some manufacturers guarantee repairability. That's our choice at Virvolt.
5. Testimonials and feedback
Hundreds of reviews and testimonials are available on platforms such as Trustpilot.
Romain, March 26, 2025 : Extremely satisfied with the quality of the kit and the responsiveness of the team. Made in France under these conditions is pure bliss.
Salvadore, March 14, 2025 : A reputable company. They gave me good advice, and the Virevolt 900 kit met my expectations.
Cahuzac, March 12, 2025 : Front wheel motor installation on a Scott Metrix. Everything was great, nothing to complain about. I recommend it.
Electric bikes for everyone, really?
Yes, converting your bike to electric is an accessible, sustainable, and customizable solution. Whether you go through a specialized workshop, a local craftsman, or an online platform, you can electrify your bike without replacing it. Kits are becoming increasingly efficient, government subsidies are more attractive, and installers are better trained than ever.
Still hesitating? Try one bicycle equipped with a Virvolt kit at one of our partners. And if you've already taken the plunge, share your experience in the comments: your feedback will help other cyclists make the right choice.
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500W, 1000W, 2000W... Understand everything about bike electrification kits