R500ELEC Decathlon test: an unbeatable long-term electric ratio

The advantage of the company in relation to its competitors is its establishment in France. The brand has 325 points of sale throughout the country and therefore as many after-sales services to be able to easily repair its products.

Decathlon Longtail Electric: We have seen the new optimized version, everything that changes

Fandroid went to Lille, in the huge Btwin Village de Decathlon, to meet the French brand teams. The opportunity for them to present us the optimized version of their electric longtail, the longtail R500ELEC, expected this summer. On the menu: some small improvements and a slightly increase price.

500 meters long, 1,500 employees on site: the Btwin Village de Decathlon is a small anthill with two faces. On the one hand, it is a huge shopping center dedicated to the Btwin brand where families and the general public can freely surrender. On the other, it is the nerve center of Decathlon for the design of new bikes.

Design, prototyping, laboratory, assembly factory, modeling, digital support, painting workshops, innovation center: the genesis of a new Decathlon bike is happening here, at the Btwin Village. Frandroid had the chance to go there a whole day to meet different teams of the Tricolore brand.

Bigger front basket

During this event, Decathlon presented us the brand new version of its Longtail Electric, the famous Longail R500ELEC. “New version” is perhaps an exaggerated formulation, since the engineers of the group especially optimized the existing model in small touches.

Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid

Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid

Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid

First, the front basket was very slightly enlarged. According to them, this will better accommodate a child or middle school bag for example, thanks to a more generous space. After all, an electric longtail aims to make itself as practical as possible: this choice therefore makes sense, even if it does not turn upside down either.

Previously placed on the rear wheel, the Ring Lock – anti -theft which allows you to block the wheel using a simple key – changes space and invites itself on the front wheel. The reason: it would be easier to access compared to the current location which is under the elongated rear structure.

A much more robust crutch

As an extension of the front mudguard, a bib will invite itself to the party: this kind of small tab is used to better protect you from projections of water despite the presence of a mudguard. Your shoes will thank you.

Let’s continue with the crutch. As you know, a long -run electric does not claim the same weight as a classic VAE. The R500elec weighs for example 38 kilos: a solid, robust central crutch should be installed and capable of cash in substantial weights – if children are seated in the back, for example.

Decathlon therefore plays the security card and changes its assembly processes: the new crutch indeed benefits from a bolted and no longer screwed assembly, due to a risk of damage or breakage in the long term. Besides, it is already possible to go and change your crutch for free, because still under warranty – the VAE was released less than two years ago.

Another modification will also take effect shortly. Previously, and in order to preserve the autonomy of the electric bicycle, Decathlon switched electronically the mode – from turbo to normal – of your model as soon as a 40 % remaining autonomy was detected. This rocking was imposed, without possible going back possible. Problem: customer feedback was not favorable.

Scheduled for the summer of 2023

Therefore, Decathlon will withdraw this software constraint. According to them, a slight loss of autonomy will then be felt. This is completely logical, since turbo mode – if it is kept all along by the cyclist – consumes more than normal mode. The autonomy of 50 km in turbo should be revised down a few kilometers.

Finally, the French brand has improved the treatment of wood from the rear seat: here is a question of better resistance and a better controlled process.

Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid

Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid

All the changes here presented will land in a new version expected in the summer of 2023, except for electronic clamping and bolted crutch, as explained above. Later, new colors (beige, light green and red) will also be added to the catalog.

As for a version 2 of the R500ELEC, the project is being studied: in all cases, this new iteration will not arrive anytime soon. Decathlon is also working on a more compact longtail electric, but whose marketing is not yet ready to see the light of day.

Decathlon R500ELEC: Small price increase

Launched at 2,700 euros, the R500ELEC is now sold 2900 euros on the brand’s official website. The famous optimized version planned for summer 2023 will be marketed 2999 euros, an increase in prices of 100 euros compared to the current rate.

Decathlon justifies this leap by two reasons: all the improvements made to the model, but also the inflationary context which affects all the sectors, including that of the bicycle.

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R500ELEC Decathlon test: an unbeatable long-term electric ratio

Decathlon, our French flagship in the field of sporting goods, embarked on the booming market of electric cargo bikes, very popular with families. For its first model, Decathlon has chosen to market a longtail, a bicycle whose structure is extended to the rear to be able to transport people or goods. Decathlon hits a big blow by offering her bike at less than 3000 euros, well below the average price of an electric cargo bike. Is this R500E ? The answer in this full test.

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Our full opinion
Decathlon Longtail R500ELEC

July 26, 2023 07/26/2023 • 19:01

Decathlon is a French company created in 1976 by Michel Leclercq. The brand is today a reference in the field of sports articles. In recent years, electric mobility – powered by electric bikes – has been an integral part of the group’s strategy.

Building on the success of its brand B’twin, Decathlon launched in July 2022 its first Cargo Longtail bike, the Electric R500 at an unbeatable price.

The advantage of the company in relation to its competitors is its establishment in France. The brand has 325 points of sale throughout the country and therefore as many after-sales services to be able to easily repair its products.

We were able to test the Electric Decathlon R500 for three weeks. The version we had in our hands is that of 2022. Note that a new version is scheduled for summer 2023 with some improvements and an increase in the price of one hundred euros. Here is our full test of the R500E Decathlon of 2022.

Technical sheet

Model	Decathlon Longtail R500ELEC
Dimensions	220 cm x 68 cm x 108 cm
Engine power	250 watts
Number of assistance	3
Announced autonomy	90 km
Recharge time announced	280 min
Removable battery	Yes
Bluetooth	No
GPS	No
Screen	Yes
Weight	38 kg
Color	Blue
Maximum supported weight	170 kg
Headlights	Yes
Taillight	Yes
Product sheet

This test was carried out from a model loaned by the brand.

A length design

The Decathlon R500E has a classic design. Nothing extravagant except the pastel blue color which immediately recognizable it. The bike is imposing with both angular and rounded lines.

This Decathlon R500E is a cargo -type bike. That is, its structure is used to transport objects or people. It is clearly designed as a family bicycle with the possibility of transporting an adult or two children without hindering the driver’s comfort.

There are several types of cargo bikes. This R500E is a longtail, that is to say that it takes advantage of an elongated structure to transport objects or people on the back. The major advantage of this type of bicycle is its practical aspect. It is much easier to park and drive in the city than a twin -free one that will be wider and more difficult to handle.

Decathlon R500E is a mastodon on the Longtail electric cargo bike market. It measures 2.20 meters when most competitors barely exceed 2 meters. The Gaya Cargo, sold at a price very close to this Decathlon R500E, measures 1.95 meters. The advantage of such a length is the space offered by this R500E.

Whatever the configuration, the passengers at the rear will not lack space including when two children’s seats are installed. In return, the R500E requires an adaptation time to be properly handled. During our test, we have repeatedly missed our maneuvers and slightly struck the back of the bicycle.

Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

The R500E is equipped with a 26 -inch front tire and a 20 -inch rear tire. It is an interesting choice on the part of Decathlon. The 26 -inch tire gives the feeling of driving a standard bike. The smaller 20-inch tire ensures good stability and facilitates, at the same time, the installation of children or goods on the luggage rack.

Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Bike has a very suitable manufacturing quality given its price. The frame is made of aluminum. The structure is solid and reinforced by a second bar between the handlebars and the seatpot. The disadvantage of this second bar is that it makes it complicated the spanning of the bicycle.

This R500E does not shine with its finishes and its cable management. But on this price segment, it is not at all shocking and we did not wait more. The important thing is the robustness of the structure and at this level, it is more than satisfactory.

Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

The R500E is available in a single size and will suit everyone measuring between 1.55 and 1.95 meters. In terms of weight, the bike weighs 38 kilograms with its battery. This is a high weight, close to that of the Riese & Muller Multininker that we tested. This weight is explained by its reinforced structure, its length, and its equipment already installed as standard.

Serial equipment: a model to follow

The Decathlon R500E is sold with recovering mudguards, a chain housing, a central aluminum crutch, a pane pane and a padlock on the rear wheel. Until then, nothing transcendent. But Decathlon decided to take short all its competitors by also offering a basket at the front, holding bars to protect children in the back and footrests.

At 2899 euros, it is more than complete equipment and which does not have to be ashamed in front of bikes sold sometimes more than 6000 euros. Note that the padlock on the rear wheel is difficult to access and has been laborious to use. Decathlon, listening to its customers, corrected this problem on the new version by deporting the padlock on the front wheel.

Customers have also raised a problem of tightening the crutch. The crutch on the current model is screwed. On the new model, it will be bolted, so much more resistant. We did not encounter a problem during our test and Decathlon was unable to tell us if our crutch had been changed or not for the new version.

Source: Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

The R500E has another advantage: it has a suspended fork from the Suntour brand. The bike therefore perfectly absorbs shocks at the front and thus provides great comfort to its driver. At the rear, no suspension is present. To transport passengers comfortably, it will be necessary to provide suspended seats. The saddle, on the other hand, combines a little comfort and sportiness. It is in the philosophy of the model: both dynamic and comfortable.

Source: Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

The front and rear lights are Spanninga brand. We were disappointed by the power of these two fires and in particular by that of the fire before. These are average power models that will be sufficient for urban use.

The rear light is equipped with a stop light preventing other road users when the bike driver brakes. It is increasingly widespread equipment, securing both for the driver and for his passengers. Note that the new version scheduled for summer 2023 incorporates a new, more powerful front fire.

Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

About the front fire, the latter is deported to the basket. The basket is fixed to the frame and therefore does not move with the handlebars. The fire will remain static and will not accompany the cyclist by turns. Small and low, the basket can transport up to 10 kilograms, but is impractical to use.

Decathlon heard the criticisms of its customers and the new version of this R500E will integrate a wider basket. This is a good point knowing that as parents, we are often very busy and therefore need storage spaces on the bike.

On -board technologies: the choice of sobriety

The R500E is not a connected bike. Décathlon provided its model with the strict minimum in terms of on -board technology. The screen located on the left of the handlebars is the only element of modernity that can be found on this bike. It is a large screen displaying the speed, the distance traveled, the level of assistance or the remaining autonomy. It also serves as a choice of the level of assistance thanks to the large ” +” and ” -” buttons just to the left of the screen.

With such a screen width, it would have been interesting to display the time. It is a fact that manufacturers often omit to include when this is particularly useful information. The buttons are not backlit, which is a shame especially on a slightly lit road. Last point concerning this screen, it does not memorize the latest level of assistance selected between two uses of the bicycle. You must systematically handle the level of assistance previously used manually.

The bicycle has no security system: no GPS chip or alarm system to prevent cycling against theft. These are always interesting technologies to have, especially on bikes sold at high prices. Here there is none of this.

Very dynamic driving

This is the good surprise of this decathlon with regard to its price. The assistance is amazing and the brand has opted for intelligent choices that provide excellent driving sensations.

The engine is in the rear wheel of the bike. It is accompanied by a couple sensor for progressive assistance and which is triggered from the first stroke of the pedal. The 250 Watts engine delivers 48 volts for 58 Nm torque. The 48 -volt engines are not legion on electric bikes and this offers, at this bike, an excellent dynamism.

Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

The assistance is powerful and accompanies the cyclist up to 25 km/h fluidly and without blows. We mainly used during our test level 2 which is ideal for driving on dish and slightly climbing. In the more steep coast, we passed the assistance at level 3.

A speed lever on the handlebars is also part. It is a welcome start -up help for beginners cyclists. We did not use this help only once during our test. Assistance is very responsive and is quickly triggered. You just have to take care to anticipate the braking a minimum to have time to demo.

Note that the power of the assistance is reduced around 30 to 40 % of remaining autonomy. Mode 3 in particular, is no longer usable in the state and delivers a power identical to that of level 2. Customers went up the problem to Decathlon which changed this behavior on its new model. According to our information, it is possible to request the modification on the model already marketed from a Decathlon store. This is excellent news for customers who have already bought this bike.

Fluid pedaling

Coupled with this engine, Decathlon leaning for a chain transmission with an external 8 -speed derailleur from the Microshift brand. He is a mid -range derailleur ensuring a fluid and without blows transit. We appreciated this transmission which proved to be very comfortable to use.

We regret the absence of a ninth speed to have greater pedaling comfort once arrived at 25 km/h. It is all the more unfortunate that the assistance accompanies the cyclist slightly above 25 km/h.

Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid

The bike is very pleasant to drive. Despite its disproportionate length and high weight, the R500E decathlon is perfectly suited to urban use. He is handy and enjoys excellent stability.

A mastered cargo part

The 60 cm rear tray can largely accommodate two children or an adult. It can transport up to 80 kilograms for a total load of 208 kilograms including the weight of the bicycle and the cyclist.

The rear tray and the footrests are made of wood. It is a choice that is both aesthetic and durable since wood is a particularly robust material in time. On our test copy, we found tasks, and what we have read on the comments of customers who bought this bike, the tasks appear fairly quickly.

To prevent the appearance of these tasks, it will be necessary to carry out a opening once or twice a year. On the new version, Decathlon retains this choice while adding a more effective treatment on wood, this is a good initiative. It will however be necessary to treat wood regularly with varnish as with the first version to maintain it clean.

The support bars provided are solid and robust. They are also very safe. The bars used to support children are parallel to the bicycle frame and are protected by two other bars, this time perpendicular to the framework.

In the event that the bike falls, it is the protective bars that will take the shock. Children’s hands will be spared, which is an excellent point. The counterpart of these two protective bars is that they are wider than the handlebars. This is the reason why we suffered some clashes during narrow passages during our test.

On our model, a child seat was installed. So we had the chance to test this bike with a young child in the back. First of all, with a single child seat installed, there is no shortage of space, to say the least we can say. The child was very comfortable, far from the driver and a possible backpack that could hinder him.

In terms of driving, the R500E has been exemplary. The load at the back was completely forgotten by driving and the stability of the bicycle turned out to be impeccable throughout the journey. Even by dropping the handlebars and despite the weight of the bicycle, the balance was maintained. Powerful assistance has been effective both on dish and in the climbs.

Below 40 % of remaining autonomy, and in particular with loading at the rear, mode 3 is no longer as effective, the power being reduced to save energy. Improvement on the new model is therefore welcome to maintain the driving comfort of this bike regardless of the remaining battery level.

Effective brakes

Unlike Gaya Cargo, its competitor, which is equipped with mechanical disc brakes, Decathlon has opted for Tektro brand hydraulic disc brakes 180 millimeters in diameter. The brakes are reassuring for the driver and his passengers while being both effective and progressive.

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Why acquire a longtail bike ?

A real hybrid solution combining the advantages of a cargo bicycle and a classic bicycle, the Longtail bicycle nevertheless has a smaller template, which allows you to easily park in the city center. With its relatively low center of gravity, you will easily take control of your new bike in order to make your various trips. Although its weight is slightly higher than a conventional bike, this is notably due to its best resistance. Whether you want to use your longtail bike to go to work and avoid public transport or to take your children to school, know that this two-wheeler model is also available in electric version. Thus, you can circulate in town in all serenity without providing the slightest physical effort.

Which longtail bike to choose ?

If you want to acquire your very first bike or want to replace the one you have with a more practical alternative on a daily basis, we can only advise you to turn to the Longail bike. In order to opt for the model that will be perfectly suited to your practice, we invite you to determine the budget you want to allocate to your future purchase. Subsequently, we recommend that you look at autonomy, total payload, engine power, speed change mode and the functionalities offered by the bicycle model that you covet. By paying attention to these various criteria, you should find the two-wheelers that will best suit you and bring you as much comfort as possible during your trips.

Opt for one of our longtail bikes to find at Decathlon

In order to support each person to move more economically and more ecological, we offer a wide range of longtail bikes with multiple features. At Decathlon, you can then find the ideal bicycle model that will allow you to put your children at school by going to work. In addition to protecting the environment, the use of a bicycle also makes it possible to maintain your form and to keep you healthy through the practice of a daily sports activity. Among our city bikes, you can find different models of cargo bikes and longtail bikes. Whatever the type of bicycle you are looking for for your trips to the city center, we also invite you to discover our electric city bikes, our classic city bikes, our folding bikes, our City Speed ​​bikes and our long city bikes distance.

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