Decathlon resurrects the Piaggio Ciao in an electric bike version

Decathlon’s designers offer us a little throwback to the 1980s that will delight those over twenty, with their Magic Bike electric bicycle concept which contains some very relevant technical solutions.

Decathlon is increasingly interested in electric bikes. Alongside its classic offer of city pedelecs and MTB, the sports store chain is exploring new avenues. After the electric cargo bikethe company’s designers have just unveiled a concept of urban electric bike called Magic Bike. With its very low “V” crossover frame and stripped-down design, it immediately reminded us of the Piaggio Ciao, the star moped of the 1980s popular with all teenagers.

This nostalgia aside, the Magic Bike develops several interesting ideas to “help current and future cyclists in their daily commute. “We quickly pass on the recognition system without contact of the owner (by key or via the telephone), the screen integrated into the stem and the light signature integrated into the ends of the handlebars already seen.

Single brake lever

We find relevant the idea of ​​the double leg crutch (Piaggio Ciao, definitely) which locks the bike and acts as an alarm system if we try to fold it up. Also very interesting is the single brake lever with 60/40 brake distribution between front and rear. Only one missing Integrated ABS to offer optimal safety when braking in the rain or on slippery surfaces. Well seen also the standard of fixing which allows to interchange the gate luggage between the front and the back according to his needs.

Decathlon does not provide information on the engine that equips his Magic Bike but specifies that it is equipped with an automatic transmission which manages the assistance up to 25 km/h. The advertised autonomy is between 30, 60 and 90 km thanks to a removable battery comprising three separate elements that can be added or removed depending on the distance to be covered.

For the moment, nothing indicates that the Magic Bike is promised a commercial future. But there is little doubt that Decathlon will seek to bring this concept to fruition, hopefully while retaining its main innovations.