Gaya: French reclining and cargo bikes at attractive prices

The new Parisian brand launches the Gaya bikes, with two models: elongated and cargo, starting at €1,700, made in France.

To replace the car for short trips, the bike is a much cheaper and especially environmentally friendly solution. But can you do it as a family? The sector of elongated – or longtail – and cargo bikes is bursting with new manufacturers and models. Here is proof, with Gaya, a brand launched in June 2022. Designed in Paris and assembled in France, its electric bikes are the initiative of co-founders Amélie Guicheney and Jacques Bonneville.

A choice between two models

Gaya currently offers two models. The Compact is the smallest, as its name suggests. The Cargo is the big brother, even longer.

Both e-bikes share the same base, with an open frame, rigid fork, 20-inch tires housing disc brakes with 180 mm diameter cables. The wide, well-padded suspension saddle, front lighting with turn signals, and rear wheel lock are standard. The handlebar is curved for a comfortable, elevated position, with an adjustable stem.

Practically, the Gaya features a small front support. This allows attaching a basket or a bag easily, carrying up to 10 kg. But the most important is at the rear.

On the Compact, you can already carry a second adult, up to 80 kg (160 kg total). This requires installing a kit with a seat and footrest. For the Cargo, the platform can carry up to two children, always with a dedicated kit and its safety bars.

Geolocation and choice of 4 batteries

The electrical part features a 50 Nm motor housed in the rear hub. It assists pedaling via a torque sensor, using a standard chain transmission with a 7-speed Shimano derailleur. The Gaya bike’s assistance is controlled through an integrated handlebar screen.

This screen is basic — similar to a Vélo Mad model, for example — but intuitive, clear, and easy to operate. The e-bike also includes a geolocation feature via the Gaya app, which offers remote motor locking, statistics, and assistance.

Regarding the battery, the basic model uses a Bosch 450 Wh pack, with a 600 Wh option available. French-made and repairable Gouach batteries with the same capacities are also available. The range is similar for both, at 70 and 100 km depending on the size in favorable conditions.

Prices from €1,700, but easily rising

Starting at a base price of €1,700, the Gaya bike seems quite affordable. Yes, a well-equipped, French-made elongated e-bike at this price point is very reasonable. However, the configurator options quickly inflate the bill. The Cargo model already costs around €2,300.

Add €40 for a brown saddle-grip duo, €50 for a fast charger, €360 for the cargo child kit. And for the battery, €150 for 600 Wh or the repairable Gouach 450 Wh, or even €300 for Gouach 600 Wh! Opting for the 600 Wh pack and previous options pushes the total beyond the Decathlon R500. The Gaya Cargo reaches €2,900 compared to the Decathlon R500e with child kit and 672 Wh batteries, priced at €2,799. But it remains much less expensive than another French electric cargo bike, the Öklo Evo, over €4,200.

Gaya also offers theft insurance and roadside assistance, covering replacement, repairs, and transportation, at €180 per year. Similarly, the maintenance package costs €180 annually and includes check-up, tube replacement, and brake pad change.

Also read: The increasingly popular bike in France