The e-bike can theoretically last a lifetime because it is fully adjustable, maintainable, and repairable.
Due to the increased range they offer over a traditional bicycle, electric bicycles are a favorite with city dwellers and enthusiasts alike. However, the claimed lower environmental effect of e-bikes has long been the subject of acrimonious dispute. E-bikes are undoubtedly far more environmentally friendly than cars because they produce no emissions and consume a lot fewer resources overall.
Is there a possibility that the simplicity of electric bikes may be lost as they get more intelligent, feature-rich, and integrated? A simplicity that increases the frame’s endurance by allowing the majority of people to repair it. This is what it seems Jean Fourche, a Bordeaux-based manufacturer that initially produced muscular bicycles before switching to electric ones, was guided by.
However, the majority of e-bike enterprises are in fact corporations that, in the end, aim to make the most money possible. This is accompanied by the perception that something has to be upgraded, a problem that has plagued the consumer technology sector almost from the beginning of time. The problem with electric bicycles is that this intentional obsolescence causes mountains of electronic debris to clog landfills all over the world.
Jean Fourche: Design and Appearance
Although the Jean Fourche has a longtail bike-like appearance, it nonetheless has a relatively small carrying capacity. Its front rack can carry 15 kg and its rear rack can handle 35 kg. The 1.72 m enclosed length of this electric bike makes it more manageable and convenient to store than a true longtail. In order to achieve a fair balance between performance, comfort, and responsiveness, the Jean Fourche chooses 24-inch wheels.
The Shimano Nexus 7 integrated gear hub and a chain solution were selected for the transmission by the Bordeaux firm. An intriguing option that is ideal for city driving due to its notable ability to change gears while still moving. The decision is more contentious for braking. In fact, the Jean Fourche is happy with V-Brake brakes, which seems like an odd choice for an electric bike that typically rolls quicker than a muscular bike. Precision in braking may be lacking, and wear will happen more quickly than with disc brakes.
Since these goods weren’t really designed to be fixed, as is the case with most inexpensive electronics, including budget e-bikes, once something breaks, like the battery, customers typically just throw the entire thing into the trash. By developing an entirely repairable e-bike, one French manufacturer from Bordeaux hopes to revolutionize everything. As a result, you can reduce waste and maximize cost by only replacing what is damaged.
Although Jean Fourche may sound like a stylish, upscale manufacturer of designer handbags, it is actually a brand-new French e-bike company. The company enters the e-bike industry with just one model with an eye toward usability and sustainability. The bike may be set up to meet the needs of riders of diverse shapes, sizes, and backgrounds because of a carefully considered design.
The bike is fully maintainable and, as was already noted, was designed with sustainability in mind. Only the necessary parts need to be updated as needed. For instance, a few simple hand tools can be used to open the battery of an electric bicycle; just the cells that are broken or old need to be replaced. The original housing, mounting points, and hardware are still in use, therefore this suggests that they are still in use. The same design ethos was used to create the motor, which is made by the French business Virvolt.
Jean Fourche: Motor and Battery
In order to present a model of VAE, Jean Fourche has not entirely altered his reality. The frame for this and the muscle variant is the same. The pedals now feature an additional center motor. The engine has 80 Nm of torque and is from the Virvolt catalog, a French firm. sufficient to climb slopes while carrying hefty weights without perspiring.Â
A 430 Wh battery serves as the power source, and according to the manufacturer, it can travel 80 km. The Gouach firm, which also provides manufacturing authorizing the repair and replacement of each cell, also manufactures this battery in France.
Jean Fourche: Price and Availability
The cost of the electric Jean Fourche, which is assembled in France, is €2,290. The first 50 purchases receive a discount of €100, and deliveries begin in April 2023. For a few more euros, one can choose a second stand or a set of tires that are puncture-proof.
