Paris 2024: the boom in electric bicycle kits

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games marked a turning point for cycling in Paris. With over 15 million visitors, a partially pedestrianized city, and a massive effort to promote sustainable transport, the use of electric bike exploded in the capital. But even more than that, it's the converting classic bicycles into electric bicycles which has appealed to users, thanks to the rise of electric bike kit.

Summary

1. The Paris 2024 Olympics: a turning point for sustainable mobility
   1.1 How have traffic restrictions promoted the use of bicycles?
   1.2 What has been the extent of the increase in the use of electric bicycles?
   1.3 Did the temporary infrastructures have a lasting impact?

2. The electric bike kit: a post-Olympic solution
   2.1 Why convert your bike rather than buying an e-bike?
   2.2 What types of electric motor kits are available?
   2.3 How can we explain the explosion in demand after the Olympics?

3. How to choose the right electrification kit in 2025
   3.1 What technical criteria should be considered before buying?
   3.2 How to convert your bicycle to electric?
   3.3 What financial assistance is available for electrifying your bicycle?

4. Conclusion
   

1. The Paris 2024 Olympics: a turning point for sustainable mobility

How have traffic restrictions promoted cycling?

During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the capital implemented unprecedented traffic restrictions. Entire zones were reserved for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. This choice, dictated by logistical and environmental imperatives, led to a dramatic increase in cycling. electric bike kit has proven to be a major asset in enabling users to make long journeys effortlessly, even in the summer heat.

The Virvolt team It has seen a sharp increase in visits to its website since July. Users are looking for a simple, quick and effective solution to adapt their bicycles to the new mobility challenges.

What has been the extent of the increase in the use of electric bicycles?

The figures speak for themselves: more than 1.2 million bike trips were recorded each day during the event, representing a 30% increase compared to 2023, according to the Paris City Hall. This increase has particularly resulted in a greater demand for electric motor kits.

Electric mountain bike kits also experienced an unexpected boom, used by security personnel and volunteers in the hilly areas of Greater Paris. Electric cycling was no longer just a trend, but a practical necessity adopted on a massive scale.

Have the temporary infrastructures had a lasting impact?

Yes, and it's exceeding expectations. More than 60% of the cycle paths created for the Olympics have been made permanent. This has encouraged cyclists to invest in electrification kits to continue enjoying the improved network. In September 2024, searches related to bicycle conversion kits skyrocketed on search engines.

Companies like Virvolt saw their traffic increase, and the demand for electric assistance kits continued to grow. The Olympics triggered a lasting shift in urban mobility habits.

2.The electric bike kit: a post-Olympic solution

Why convert your bike rather than buying an e-bike?

Faced with the rise in popularity of electric bikes, many cyclists have asked themselves a simple question: why buy a new bike when you can convert your bike to electric? An electric bike conversion kit costs on average three times less than a fully equipped electric bike, while retaining the qualities of the original bike.

Converting a bike using an electrification kit is also an eco-friendly choice. It extends the life of an existing bicycle while reducing electronic waste. For those who cherish their old frame or for competitive cyclists, it's also an ideal compromise.

What types of electric motor kits are available?

The market offers several solutions. The front wheel motor, the simplest to install. The rear wheel motor, which offers more traction. And the mid-drive motor, the most powerful. Perfect for daily commutes, hiking, or cargo bikes.

Each electric bike kit includes a motor, battery, controller, display or control unit, and a pedal or torque sensor. At Virvolt, the kits are designed to fit all types of bikes, from city bikes to mountain bikes.

How can we explain the surge in demand after the Olympics?

The Olympic effect was real: media exposure, field testing, massive word-of-mouth. The result? Thousands of cyclists discovered that a simple electric bike kit could transform their daily lives.

Online searches for terms like electric bike, electric bike kit or electric bike conversion saw a peak in August and September 2024. The realization was collective: getting around by bike is not only possible, but also very enjoyable with the help of a good electric motor kit.

3. How to choose the right electrification kit in 2025

What technical criteria should be considered before buying?

Choosing a kit for an electric bike depends on several criteria:

• The motor power (legally limited to 250 W)

• Battery capacity (range in kilometers)

• The type of sensor (pedaling or torque)

• Bike compatibility

For intensive or hilly use, an electric assist kit with a mid-drive motor is best. For flat urban commutes, a front or rear hub motor is sufficient. We offer a comprehensive comparison to help you choose.

How to convert your bicycle to electric?

Installing a conversion kit bike takes on average between 45 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes. It involves replacing the drive wheel or installing the motor in the bottom bracket, attaching the battery, mounting the display, and connecting the components.

Regarding the installation, nWe have developed a network of over 300 partner bike shops across France, Belgium, and Switzerland capable of installing and maintaining our electrification kits. This network guarantees local service and prompt support for our customers.

What financial assistance is available for electrifying your bicycle?

Good news: the government and local authorities are encouraging sustainable mobility. In 2025, the ecological bonus will provide up to €400 in funding for an electric bike kit.Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and many other cities also offer additional subsidies.

Some companies are going even further by offering their employees a bonus for purchasing an electric motor kit. So now is the perfect time to take the plunge and invest in an electrification kit!

4. Conclusion

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have accelerated a transformation that was already underway. Cycling has established itself as a central mode of transport, supported by a strengthened cycle network and increasingly accessible electrification options.

The electric bike conversion kit is at the heart of this revolution. Easy to install, economical, and durable, it embodies the perfect solution to today's urban mobility challenges. By 2025, this momentum will continue, and every cyclist will now have the option to convert their bike to electric.

And you? Have you already taken the plunge? Leave us a comment or share this article with other cyclists seeking autonomy and freedom.