An electrically assisted bicycle incorporating indicators and an anti-theft alarm is not common and – coorico! – it is also a bike designed and assembled in France. Better yet, the manufacturing of many components is carried out on our territory. Almost “made in France” then!
Futura was able to test this bike for several months in a fairly steep town, a configuration that puts electric-assisted bikes with belt transmission to the test. And precisely, with this type of transmission and these only three speedsspeedsthe Ellipse E2 ST did quite well. Another version, equipped with a chain and mechanical gears, is also offered at the same price (2,490 euros).
Let’s talk about the design first. Nothing extraordinary looking at it from afar. The design is refined, and the battery fits into the imposing tube of the open frame. A unisex frame and, moreover, a very practical one that allows everyone to easily get on the bike. Looking closer, we see that the bike is quite well finished. The cables enter the main tube, nothing to say on that side. The handlebars cannot be actually raised, but its stem is adjustable to ensure a more upright and less tiring position.
A high level of customization
Overall, driving comfort is quite exceptional on the model we tested. But this is a version with several options, including a fork and a suspended seat. The latter is topped with a Selle Royale very comfortable with sound gelgel. The bike therefore handles road imperfections without problem. This configuration seems ideal if you want to give this Ellipse E2 ST a little more versatility and transform it into a VTC capable of driving on poorly paved roads.
But with Ellipse, these items are optional, just like many others. There would thus be 12,000 possible configurations, colorscolors included. There are, for example, different phone holders, many variationsvariations baskets and porteporte-luggage, and even a doorbelldoorbell or a central stand. Also available as standard, the latter is placed at the rear by default. We found that it is rather fragile. Another point of weakness: the indicators. A simple imbalance and a fall when stopping due to this crutch which does not facilitate centering, and the small tips in plasticplastic white of these indicators are dislodged from the handle. It’s not a disaster, because they are easily replaced. However, it is better to screw them back in correctly using the tools provided by Ellipse.
Enhanced security
Despite everything, the standard version of the bike remains rather well equipped with its indicators, its very efficient headlight, its feufeu stop, the presence of this Selle Royal and 28-inch puncture-proof Michelin tires. Comfort therefore and omnipresent safety thanks to the excellent brakes and above all to an additional battery which allows the lighting system and indicators to be kept functional, even when the bike’s battery is discharged or absent. Even more secure with anti-theft hardware for the wheels and even an alarm! It starts to sound as soon as you touch the bike. First slowly by making the indicators flash, then more and more loudly if you continue to stir it.
Better yet. It is possible to add an optional anti-theft security module. It is certainly expensive (198 euros) and requires an annual subscription of 49 euros after a first free year. This device works with theapplicationapplication homemade which allows you to geolocate the bike and detect its routes and its movementsmovements. To avoid a avalancheavalanche notifications on the smartphone as soon as the bike moves, it is possible to tailor movement detection.
Cycling in action!
On the power side, the 250 engine wattswattsplaced in the rear hub, and its torque of 45 Nm are impeccable for climbing hills and even for starting on an upward slope. This is quite remarkable, because the very beautiful belt-driven Tenways CGO009 that we tested was quite incapable of doing so.
Shifting gears is controlled by clicking with your thumb, up or down, on the small LCD screenLCD screen located near the left handle which also displays speed, battery life and, provided you have good eyesight, the number of kilometers traveled and other statistical information on the use of the bike.
The indicators are triggered using the small buttons located next to each handle. They flash at the end of the handles and also at the rear of the bike. They are especially visible at night and also very practical when you have to signal a turn while braking on a slope. These two buttons are also used to unlock the bike by making a series of presses in an order predetermined by the manufacturer. For braking, there are Shimano MT 2002 hydraulic disc brakes, sufficiently sized to ensure powerful and precise stopping.
The autonomy is substantial, it would reach 100 kilometers. But, with our steep city, it is inevitably reduced. However, with our daily trips of more than five kilometers, the electric assistance of the bike made it possible to finish the week without going into the red. The removable battery charges in just under five hours.
Futura’s grandfather
We appreciated the Ellipse E2 ST for its impeccable finishes, its comfort, its robustness and its remarkable assistance even when climbing steep slopes. The big plus is also riding French with integrated safety equipment, all at an affordable price for a bike of this level of quality.
