Jean Fourche launches his first electric bicycle, assembled in France

The Bordeaux manufacturer Jean Fourche continues its cycling adventure with an electric version of its original model, blending city and relaxed riding styles.

A new French bicycle brand, it’s no longer a rare event as projects multiply across France. But among this crowd of players, Jean Fourche stands out for its approach and values. The mission of this company based in Bordeaux is to design and assemble locally, and to produce as locally as possible. From there, a first mechanical bike was born. The second is more complex because it’s electric, particularly concerning the motor and, above all, the battery. But Jean Fourche has a card up its sleeve: Gouach.

An Electric Part Made in France, But Not Just…

The first Jean Fourche bike is already quite atypical, which the brand describes as “between a city bike and a cargo bike”. Indeed, it is elongated and compact, with 24-inch wheels. This base is used for the electric model nicknamed “Jean Foudre,” where the motor and batteries are integrated into the original frame.

The 80 Nm motor is designed by Virvolt, assembled at the Flins factory (Yvelines), just a few steps from the Renault ZOE! The battery’s origin is also French, not Asian. It is developed in Bordeaux by Gouach, which supplies other brands like Gaya. Its unique feature is that it uses reconditioned cells, assembled on-site, making the battery easily repairable—cell by cell—and reconditionable itself (as is the motor). With a capacity of 430 Wh (or 12 Ah), it provides about 80 km of range.

Regarding other components, Jean Fourche remains fully transparent since not everything can come from France. For example, while Ref Bikes can offer a frame with a “French” design due to its radically different conception, this one comes from abroad, specifically Portugal—“9 hours’ truck drive” from Bordeaux (like the fork and the carrier rack). One of the co-founders even admits to eventually wanting to manufacture it in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, but short-term miracles are unlikely for the original stem, hubs, pedals, or tires from Asia.

Controlled Pricing for the Jean Fourche Electric

Despite its assembly in France, with a motor and a battery made on the territory, the Jean Fourche electric bike is not priced elitist. Starting at €890 for the mechanical version, the elongated e-bike begins at €2,190. It competes with the Gaya Compact at €1,950 and is much more affordable than the Oklö Origine electric at €2,870, Yuba or Tern models above €3,000, or the Bergamont E-Cargoville at €4,399.

Also read: Test of Moustache Lundi 20.3 Dual: the Rolls-Royce of cargo bikes?