Ref Bikes: Modular and Made-in-France Bicycles

The new French brand Ref Bikes promises electric and muscular bicycles assembled in France, with a modular frame made locally, at affordable prices.

So many new brands in electric bikes, especially French ones! And many aim to manufacture within France like Moustache and to reduce their carbon footprint. This is the case of Ref Bikes, a new company launched in 2023.

Customizable and Repairable

Ref Bikes is the project of a modular electric bike. The starting point of its two main goals: a bike whose parts are made in France, and a bike that can be easily modified or repaired. Regarding the first aspect, we know that the frame remains the main component not yet produced in France (except for rare exceptions).

Here, Ref Bikes has designed a frame in several parts, all of which are manufactured in France. These parts only require assembly in a few minutes, using a patented “Plug&Go” method, compared to “several hours” as the brand indicates. This modularity allows easy repair of one of the frame parts, and customization. Changing the color of the tube sections or updating them is also possible.

Three Bikes at Launch

Three different models are available at launch: the muscular One Essential, the electric Boost bike, and the Urban Boost variant with fenders and rear rack. All three offer the choice between a closed or semi-open frame, and share the same components: Mach 1 wheels, Hutchinson tires, handlebars, stem, fork, pedals, Royale saddle, 180 mm disc brakes, and a flexible belt drive.

On the Boost electric bikes, the Zehus motor is housed in the rear hub and includes a 173 Wh battery. With a maximum torque of 40 Nm, it allows recharging the battery by pedaling backward, providing a range of 60 km in eco mode.

What is the Price for Ref Bikes?

Here are the launch prices for Ref Bikes, which will change after the launch: 

• One Essential: €712
• One Boost: €1,752
• One Urban Boost: €1,944

Pre-orders for Ref Bikes have already begun, but deliveries will only start during 2023. The company is also offering short test rides of 30 minutes for their bikes at four locations in Lyon and one in Paris. Additional events will be held in Montpellier, Strasbourg, Nantes, and Grenoble.

Also read: Moustache Petit Weekend: the new city-ready mountain bike