Which cheap electric VTC should you choose between Decathlon and Intersport?

Electric mountain bikes are designed for commuting in the city where you should favor asphalt roads, but they are also leisure bikes for weekend outings. These products can quickly rise in price and exceed 1,000 euros, but fortunately, in terms of value for money, there are manufacturers such as Decathlon and Intersport.

Both brands offer a serious range of VAE, Riverside for Decathlon, and on the other, Nakumura for Intersport. We have found two interesting models for you, the Riverside 500 E and the Ecrossover-S. Both on sale, they each have their qualities and their defects. To know which one is right for you, we will try to enlighten you in your choice through this comparison.

Two bikes made for the city, designed differently

On both electric VTCs, the finishes are successful. Despite a few weld folds, the overall design remains rather elegant on the Riverside 500 E, but the E-Crossover S adds stickers with the Nakamura brand that may not please everyone.

When designing its Riverside 500 E, Decathlon chose to use a closed aluminum frame. This has the advantage of making the e-bike much more rigid, and therefore more robust, which is very useful on less stable terrain than in the city. However, this type of frame is more difficult to straddle than an open frame, but the French brand assures that the frame has been lowered as much as possible so that climbing is not too complicated. For Intersport, the best choice is to offer an open frame, with a low straddle that makes it easy to get on and off the bike.

Well equipped for both walking and city trips

Regarding the size of the two machines, with around 22 kg on the scale, for both, it is among the lightest. You will still need a little elbow grease to transport it when traveling by train, or in the stairwell, if you do not have an elevator at home or work. In terms of comfort, the 500 E is equipped with 28-inch tires which guarantee better cushioning on the road. Same choice on the E-Crossover S, its 28-inch wheels ensure good stability and absorb the roughness of the road.

They both offer a more pleasant feeling when riding on rough roads, thanks to their suspension fork, with a travel of 63 mm and 65 mm for the Intersport. Enough to not feel the shocks when passing a pothole or a slightly raised sidewalk. As for the equipment, the E-Crossover S can count on a mudguard, luggage rack, kickstand, reflectors and bell. Same observation for the 500 E.

Enough power for your city rides, on both…

In terms of driving, whether it’s the Riverside 500 E or the E-Crossover S, both electric bikes are designed for urban travel and have a 250 W motor. On the other hand, the Nakamura develops 45 Nm of torque, and the Decathlon provides 42 Nm of torque. A slight difference, but one that allows both to reach the legal maximum speed of 25 km/h without any problem.

You will therefore provide little effort and without feeling the slightest discomfort. Without being sporty, the driving is dynamic and natural, because the electrical assistance transmitted is proportional to the force you put into the pedals. Be careful though on uneven roads, they will be put in difficulty. On the safety side, the bikes are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring powerful and reliable braking.

A more durable VTC at Decathlon

Autonomy is often the important point for users, and can even be decisive.

Decathlon promises us a maximum autonomy of 90 km, thanks to a 418 Wh battery. A good score that avoids us having to go to the recharge box too often, if the journeys are mostly short of course. This can be achieved with the first assistance mode, with the second assistance mode, the autonomy drops to 80 km and 50 km with the last mode.

For its part, Intersport does not offer more than 60 km of autonomy on its E-Crossover S. Admittedly, it is less good than its rival, but it remains a very correct range for anyone who travels daily over short distances.

Decathlon or Intersport?

After developing the qualities and defects of each, it is time to take stock to help you in your choice. Of course, you must take into account your needs and preferences.

It is still the Riverside 500 E from Decathlon that we recommend first. And for good reason, it is capable of holding 90 km of autonomy. A score that is comfortable to move around daily without fear of running out of battery.

Otherwise, this VAE is neat and comfort is there thanks to the 28-inch tires, which effectively smooth out the roughness of the road. It can count on a suspension fork with a travel of 63 mm and hydraulic disc brakes for better safety.

Designed to be practical, the Nakamura electric VTC has an open frame that ensures good comfort, as well as its 28-inch tires that guarantee better cushioning on the road, but also the saddle that brings satisfaction in terms of comfort. It is not the most powerful, but it is comfortable on the asphalt and the braking is reassuring.

What it really lacks is a little more endurance, to be able to go for a ride on cycle paths more serenely. On this side, its rival does better, and it is surely on this point that the balance can tip in favour of the Riverside 500 E.

If the Nakamura or Decathlon electric VTC have not convinced you, we invite you now to consult our guide on the best electric bikes of the moment.