Why choose an electric bike kit for your tandem ?

The tandem is a rather unusual form of bicycle.

And for good reason, driving it has nothing to do with driving a classic bicycle, and can sometimes be tricky. Several of us on the team have tested it; there's definitely a knack to it. However, once you get the hang of it, it's very enjoyable. An opportunity to strolling together (or more) and enjoy the journey in a different way. So, what do you need to know about tandem bikes? What are the different formats available? What are the advantages and disadvantages? What price can you expect to find?

We tell you everything in this article.

What is a tandem bicycle?

Very simple. It's a bicycle originally designed for two people to ride on.

Generally, the seats are positioned so that the riders sit one behind the other, but this wasn't always the case. In 1870, the ancestor of the tandem was the "sociable." Riders then rode side-by-side, and it resembled a car or carriage more than a bicycle. The tandem experienced a real boom with the introduction of paid vacations in France in the 1930s. It allowed people with limited means to go on holiday (with a cheaper alternative to a car). It's interesting to consider this point because it remains highly relevant today. A car represents a significant expense, and gasoline prices have been steadily rising for years. Therefore, cycling, whether a tandem or another type, is a great alternative.

Why choose a tandem bicycle?

Because going for a bike ride is cool, but doing it with others is better.

And why not do it with just several bikes? Of course, that works too, but a tandem has that extra charm. It's a shape we're not used to using every day, a way of riding that allows you to create a connection with the person you're cycling with. A bit like canoeing. You have to get along well and communicate, or you risk ending up straight on an obstacle.

It's often possible to take a tandem bike ride in tourist areas, such as around Lake Annecy. We also saw people on tandems traveling along cycle routes in France. So, it can be adapted to many different uses.

A closer look at 5 types of tandem bicycles

Originally a simple bicycle for two, the tandem has since been developed in other formats. Time for discovery.

Tandem in classic or electric version

A tandem bike implies that there are usually several people on the bike.

On flat ground, no problem at all. It's easy to manage and, in fact, quite a unique experience. Uphill, however, it can be a bit of a challenge. It's difficult to stand up on the pedals with two people, and it's hard to stay perfectly synchronized when pedaling hard. That's where electric assistance comes in. It can make riding much more pleasant and intuitive. Ultimately, when you're going uphill, it's almost like riding on a flat road. Another crucial point: the person in front, the captain, has control over the motor (choosing the level of assistance, turning it on, etc.).

Good to know : As with a single-person electric bike, the electric assistance is limited to 25 km/h. It's possible to modify some kits to exceed this speed, but if you go beyond it, you're no longer allowed on bike paths. In other words? We don't recommend it.

Folding tandem

One of the major constraints of a tandem? Its length.

There are different sizes available, but generally you should expect a minimum length of around 2.5m. This is still smaller than a car (which averages 4.36m in length in Europe), but it still requires space (and often storage space or secure parking).

A folding tandem is a good solution to this problem. Once folded, the bike returns to a more or less normal size and can therefore be parked more easily. It can also be placed on the back of a car, in a camper van, or on a train that accepts bicycles (see conditions depending on the chosen train).

Tandem triplet

This format is ideal for one adult and two children, but it also works for two adults and one child, or even three adults. For children, the triplet bikes with gears can be equipped with independent pedal sets. This allows the child to rest while mom and dad pedal. Planning to travel with this format? Bring extra gear to carry your belongings.

Tandem hiking

Because things always come in threes. There are also tandems for three people to ride on the same bike. At Virvolt, they call them Tridems (although, admittedly, that's not the official name).

As you might expect, getting started is complex, and synchronizing with three people isn't the easiest thing. These bikes are therefore generally designed for long distances. While they have their charm, they remain a truly rare format, seldom seen on the roads.

adapted tandem

The tandem can also be custom-designed.

This is a particularly good solution for people with disabilities (children or adults with autism or Down syndrome, people with hemiplegia, people with multiple sclerosis, people with visual impairments, people in wheelchairs, etc.). It allows two people to travel together, with the person concerned and potentially an accompanying person.

Some brands specialize in creating this type of product, but they remain quite rare. Custom-made tandems are also often relatively expensive. Depending on your geographical location, there may be subsidies available to help finance this form of sustainable transportation.

It's also possible to use crowdfunding. In fact, that's what the association Insertion Sport Vélo Handicap Nature (ISVHN) did. Its mission? To enable people with disabilities to participate in sports or get back into them, all through tandem cycling. Yes, this solution allows them to get people who can't ride a bike or don't know how to ride a bike because of their disability on board. campaign had been a huge success and had allowed them to finance several bicycles.

3 things to consider when choosing the tandem bike that's right for you

Now that you know the different tandem bike options, it's time to zoom in on the more technical part.What equipment should you choose? What factors are crucial? How do you choose the tandem bike that meets your needs? We'll tell you everything.

4 examples of tandem bicycle uses

• For family walks in the countryside or in the city : a classic tandem
• For mountain sports outings : an electric tandem mountain bike
• For a tandem trip : The choice is yours (depending on whether you want to be more active or not). Also, be aware that there are tandem bikes with eyelets for attaching your luggage.
• For daily commutes : an electric tandem (since starting is more complex and stops are frequent, a motor can greatly help)

Good to know: There's also what's called a tag-along bike. Simply put, it's a small bike attached to a regular bicycle. The tag-along bike only has the rear wheel. This can be an excellent option for a young child. It allows them to experience the sensation of pedaling without needing to be completely independent.

The brakes

The braking system is a key component for your tandem.

It ensures the safety of all users on the bike. Hydraulic brakes are generally recommended. Why? They are very effective and significantly reduce braking distance. However, they are not the only option. There are also very effective mechanical brakes (such as V-brakes). For off-road riding, disc brakes are generally preferred.

What do we recommend? Consult a professional. They can present each option to you precisely and, most importantly, advise you on the one best suited to your needs and desires.

The crankset

For a tandem bicycle, There are two types of cranksets 👇

• The synchronized pedals : As the name suggests, the different sets of pedals are linked. In other words, if the person in front pedals, the pedals of the person behind also move. It's crucial to pedal at the same pace. This is particularly tricky when pedaling. Similarly, if the person in front stops pedaling, they must signal the person behind beforehand, otherwise the pedals will stop abruptly.
• The out-of-sync pedals : Here, it's the opposite. Each crankset is independent. This makes it a much more accessible format. Everyone pedals in their own way, at their own pace, and the combined effort contributes to propelling the bike forward. One point to note here: the derailleur remains the same.

The size of the wheels

The size of the wheels can also affect the comfort of using the tandem.

Generally, two formats are distinguished. 👇

• The 26'' wheels : They are better suited to shorter people. They are also more maneuverable and allow for better balance quickly.
• The 700 wheels : This second format is more suitable for taller people. This option offers a wide choice of tires (road, hybrid, mountain) and great comfort.

What kit is needed to electrify a tandem bicycle?

A bottom bracket motor

A tandem is a demanding bicycle (weight, use, etc.). It's crucial to choose a motor that is robust, efficient, and stable. For this reason, we recommend a mid-drive motor. This is, for example, what we offer with our 900 kit. The pedaling is pleasant, the assistance is smooth and progressive, the performance is suitable for riding at 25km/h.

The performance battery

The Virvolt performance battery is the best option for a tandem. It attaches directly to the frame and can allow you to travel up to 120km with a standard bicycle. With a tandem, it will limit the distance due to the increased stress on the battery. However, it remains ideal for everyday use and commuting.

Is a tandem bike suitable for hilly terrain?

In theory, the tandem can be adapted to all types of uses. In practice, it is most often seen for use on flat terrain and over fairly long distances.

Is it possible to convert a classic tandem bicycle into an electric one?

In the same vein as for the converting a classic cargo bike to electric, It's possible to do the same thing with a tandem bicycle. To do so, simply buy a tandem bike (new or used) and install an electrification kit. To ensure a proper installation, we recommend using a professional.