A Ride on Decathlon's Revolutionary Electric Bicycle (and a Journey Filled with Innovation)

I am not a great cyclist, but when it comes to taking a ride in the outskirts of Lille (France), at one of the headquarters and factories of Decathlon, to test their revolutionary electric bicycle, the B'Twin LD 920 E, it is impossible to refuse.

According to experts, by using one of the first fully automatic motors, basically similar to those in cars, it allows for much smoother pedaling without getting stuck or feeling like you're "changing gears". I was a bit hesitant about e-bikes because of the "rattling" of those rented in places like Madrid, their weight, and dependence on the battery, but I have to keep quiet now. It can go up to 150 kilometers on a single charge, depending on the selected mode of operation (Eco, Standard, or Boost), a very lightweight aluminum frame, and that continuously variable automatic motor with automatic gear shifting –the first motor assembled by Decathlon, which they have been working on since 2012, and which they have named Owuru aka Pantera, for some reason–, where the electronics make the decisions for the rider, without having to make any effort at traffic lights or hills, and requires little maintenance –you can ride 20,000 km without changing any parts. A push of the pedal, and let the wind take you. The rest can be found on its screen, full of connectivity, and with a strong anti-theft system... Every year, 10,000 bikes disappear in France and 10% are never found!

Decathlon Automatic Urban Electric Bike

Decathlon Automatic Urban Electric Bike

The protagonist of a new era, something like an industrial revolution, perfect for everyday life in the city, it was also the star of their Reveal Innovation Awards in 2022, an annual event aimed at showcasing their most outstanding innovations, some of which have transformed and modernized the practices of countless athletes.

By sheer coincidence, after the walk, it was time to see which products came out on top this year...

Spacesaver, una maleta de 85 litros que se pliega en 4 y que ya se puede guardar sin dramas en el altillo; la Condensless Technology, un método de colocación de aluminio en la tela para nuestras tiendas de campaña que la hace más transpirable y más impermeable; Yulex 100, una alternativa para el neopreno más respetuosa con el medio ambiente hecho con caucho natural; y el Subea Kitcom, un sistema de comunicación para su ya icónica máscara Easybreath, que conecta a dos personas mientras hacen snorkel.

Related content Joaquín Gasca Calatayud

Joaquín Gasca is an expert in competitive sports, technology, and motor. Some time ago, he hung up his soccer cleats to focus on paddle tennis and running... things that come with age, he complains. But he also joins any activity that involves pushing his body to the limit, whether it's driving an Aston Martin or riding a scooter to the office.

He's a big fan of Atlético de Madrid, so when soccer players like Marcos Llorente or Álvaro Morata have been on the cover of Men's Health, he's been there to write about them. He just ran his first marathon for Runner's World, and as is the case in this world, he's already looking for the next one to finish in under 3 hours. If he has to test any type of paddle tennis racket, vehicle, or watch, he won't hesitate. Even sneakers. Whatever is needed in sports equipment.

Joaquín graduated in journalism from USP-CEU in 2013, but since 2009, when he joined the university newspaper, he has been practicing as a "360 journalist" in digital and print. He took the next steps in his nearly 15-year career by covering culture and sports for Shangay magazine until he joined Hearst a week before the start of the pandemic in 2020. He is also a professor of social media and new technologies at the Universitas Senioribvs CEU and is part of the Hearst Innovation HUB to research new trends.