Dance Test: Our opinion on renting electric bikes

New player in bike rentals in Paris, the German brand Dance offers a very well-designed electric bike and flawless service. Here’s our review.

No more ownership; urban bikes are rented. The German company Dance arrived in Paris this spring with beautiful models available from €49 per month. We tested this e-bike as well as its competitors.

Dance’s new service just arrived on our screens. It’s neither a TikTok competitor nor a video game to mimic your favorite artist’s moves. Dance is a new mobility operator, created by three men: Eric Quidenus-Wahlforss and Alexander Ljung, co-founders of the podcast and music platform Soundcloud, along with Christian Springub, creator of Jimdo, a web management tool. Launched in summer 2021 in Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich, the subscription-based two-wheeled rental service expanded to Vienna and Paris in spring 2022.

As the scooter did not cross the Rhine, the only transport mode in the catalog is the pedal-assist e-bike. Two versions are available: the “Dance One” with a traditional frame and an active position, and the “Step” with an open frame and high handlebars. Both have a conventional but very neat design, featuring a large black logo on a light blue-grey background. The quality impression is flattering, worthy of the German reputation. Equipped with very large 27-inch wheels, these two e-bikes include fenders, disc brakes, and rear racks. A basket is optional (€2/month), while the smartphone holder is free.

Registration and Bike Discovery: 5/5

We followed the typical customer journey. Registration is done via the official website in just a few minutes: selecting the type of bike between open and traditional frame, options (rear basket, etc.), then choosing the subscription (no commitment or 12 months). All that’s left is to enter your personal and banking details, and set a delivery date.

The bike is indeed delivered free of charge to the desired address within the service coverage zone. In Paris, this includes the city itself and some nearby towns in Hauts-de-Seine: Boulogne-Billancourt, Neuilly-sur-Seine, Levallois-Perret, Clichy, and Saint-Ouen. A straightforward process initially, continuing through the mobile app.

After downloading the app, the user receives confirmation of their order and can access extensive information about the service while waiting for the bike. All menus and explanations are in French and feature perfect ergonomics. There are even brief tutorials on locks and battery handling — guides that help users become familiar with the bike before receipt.

On the day of delivery, before the scheduled time, the subscriber receives a reminder email before being contacted by the delivery person. The first pleasant surprise: the delivery vehicle is an electric van, a commendable effort to reduce local pollution (though you might argue a cargo bike could have been used…). Another special feature is that the delivery person is also an instructor, explaining the operation of the electric bike and some specific features of Dance.

Beyond its simple appearance, the modes, lights, and wheel lock are specific to this model. The user also needs to pair their phone via Bluetooth, as the lock is connected to it. After a 10-minute introduction to the bike, it’s ready to go — just hop on and ride! Well, almost, since the reflectors were missing at delivery, which are mandatory on bikes in France.

On the Saddle of the Dance Electric Bike: 5/5

For our test, we chose the Step version with an open frame, as it’s more practical to use and comparable to the traditional frame. Dance’s motor is installed in the rear hub. We found this system somewhat cumbersome for handling the bike, as it makes the rear very heavy. It’s a shame, because the weight of 21 kg is quite manageable. In contrast, the lightness at the front and on the handlebars is pleasant. The forward-leaning position is quite active and enhances agility.

The choice of connecting the motor to the crank via a flexible belt turns out to be excellent for urban e-bikes. No more shifting gear at red lights and then back to avoid jerking when the light turns green. It also guarantees durability and minimal daily maintenance — a plus for Dance.

The electric assistance is super simple, with only two integrated modes. However, pressing the arrows does not clearly distinguish which mode is active. It’s not uncommon to have traveled several hundred meters in Mode 1, thinking it’s the most powerful. The difference isn’t huge but guarantees better autonomy. Without specific torque figures, we can say that acceleration is clear, with no jerks via the belt and no need to change gears. Sporty riders might find it frustrating, as you pedal above the maximum assistance speed. It’s difficult to exceed 27 km/h while pedaling on flat terrain.

The riding comfort is also very decent despite the lack of suspension. Thanks to the Vittoria Randonneur Tech balloon tires, which perform well and are better than entry-level suspension forks. The Karasawa brakes are equally reassuring, powerful, and progressive at all times.

Battery, Range, and Charging: 4/5

Painted to match the frame — a rare feature worth noting — the lower-positioned battery blends elegantly into the overall look. It is removable and very easy to handle. Simply turn the key and operate the latch to remove it, then replace without difficulty. Its capacity is “only” 360 Wh, which is relatively low for an electric bike.

The brand promises a range of 55 km. Indeed, after riding mostly in the most powerful mode for 50 km, one bar out of five remained. That still left about 10 more kilometers to go.

The battery charges in 2 hours to 80%. However, it’s a pity Dance didn’t include a socket for direct recharging on the bike or a USB port for the phone.

Display and Connectivity of Dance: 4/5

In the style of Vanmoof (a Dutch bike brand), with completely minimalist handlebars, Dance bikes lack a display. To compensate, an app provides key information: speed, distance, duration, CO₂ saved versus car travel, etc. It also summarizes previous trips (date, time, distance, average speed) but without geographic details.

The app can also remotely unlock the wheel lock (not automatically in hands-free mode like Vanmoof), report issues for repair within 24 hours, and track the bike in case of theft. Dance offers a concierge service similar to other connected bikes like Decathlon 920E Connect or Angell, with the role of tracking and recovering the bike.

The main drawback of the app is the lack of a battery gauge. Dance simply forgot this parameter! Especially since the five white lights on the handlebars are not very intuitive, given that no display is available. And it’s impossible to check these indicators without turning the bike on.

Review Summary and Price of Dance Bike: 18/20

To attract customers, Dance launched a rental service at €49 per month with an annual subscription. The price rises to €69 without commitment. These rates are valid until July 14, 2022. Beyond this introductory offer, bikes will cost €59 and €79 respectively for future customers.

It’s much more expensive than Véligo (see sidebar), but it is undoubtedly the most enjoyable rental e-bike in the capital. Its higher price justifies the premium, especially compared to models like Motto, Swapfiets Power 7, and Red-Will.

Additionally, Dance for Business will offer corporate rental options for employees, in line with fiscal advantages of the Sustainable Mobility Package.

Pros and Cons of the Dance Rental Bike in Paris

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