Test Voltaire Legendre: a Practical and Comfortable Bike for City Living!

Highlights:

• Comfortable on cobblestones
• Good acceleration
• Clear and distinctive bell sound
• Comfortable saddle

The weaknesses:

• Slightly slow brakes that require effort

After the Courcelles and Bellecour models released in 2021 and 2022, it is now another model of vintage electric bike making its first appearances. With a more sporty look this time, the Legendre bike hopes to appeal to hybrid cyclists—those who enjoy riding in the city and going out for weekend rides.

The third Voltaire bike, codenamed “Legendre,” was released at the beginning of May 2023. Practical, comfortable in the city, and fairly lightweight, Mobiwisy managed to test it for a week.

Presentation of the Voltaire Legendre Bike: 5/5

Like its predecessors, the Legendre model features a very retro style that sets it apart from classic city bikes. The saddle and handles are made of waterproof leather. Additionally, you can choose among four colors to customize your unique bike: British green, navy blue, mint green, and graphite gray.

For safety, the bike is equipped with a 100-lux LED front light and a rear light integrated into the fender. Plus, an anti-theft system is attached to the rear wheel in the form of an “AXA Solid Plus” wheel lock. A small bell at the front of the bike allows you to signal pedestrians or obstacles in your path. Side reflectors are also provided for safety.

Technically, the motor positioned on the rear wheel weighs 1.5 kg. It has a power of 250 W and develops 35 Nm of torque. Instead of a chain like on a mechanical bike, a belt transmits power between the motor and the crankset. Additionally, the e-bike features a torque sensor in the crankset, which adapts to your pedaling to provide real-time electric assistance. However, note that the bike is not very light: it weighs 21.9 kg!

As a pedal-assist e-bike, the Legendre model offers three levels of assistance: 1, 2, and 3. Mode 1 is said to be closest to a traditional bike. In the city, mode 2 is the most useful. If you need more support, mode 3 will suit you perfectly.

On the handlebars of the Voltaire Legendre electric bike: 3/5

The Voltaire Legendre bike allowed us to undertake fairly long trips (12 km) through Paris with good comfort, thanks to efficient suspension and a comfortable saddle. The handlebar grips are wide and ergonomic, molding to the hand for good control. Despite its somewhat larger dimensions than other city bikes (188 cm x 61 cm x 105 cm), the Legendre was pleasant to ride in urban conditions.

On the Parisian cobblestones, especially around the Champs-Élysées and Place d’Italie, riding the bike was very enjoyable. Naturally, there were bumps due to the track surface, but the bike remained stable. With weight centered in the middle, the load was well balanced between the front and rear.

However, we noticed a problem with the hydraulic Tektro brakes on the handlebars. The right brake is somewhat weak when pressed, meaning more force is required and one must anticipate stops carefully. This is the brake most users tend to rely on in the city because it affects the rear wheel, which controls the motor and bike stop.

Nevertheless, we observed that the right brake is designed ergonomically for more frequent use. When the rider’s right hand is on the handlebar, they can easily access the rear brake. Conversely, on the other side, the rider must rotate the hand slightly to reach the brake.

Battery and Range of the Voltaire Legendre: 5/5

As with the previous Bellecour and Courcelles models, the battery of the Voltaire Legendre bike is removable. It is located within the frame and beneath the saddle. It is attached with a magnetic system that allows it to be placed at the bottom, along with an external key that keeps it secure once inserted, preventing theft.

The battery is black, with a capacity of 360 Wh and a voltage of 36 V, made of lithium-ion. A full charge takes about 2.5 hours on mains, according to the manufacturer. The theoretical range of the e-bike is between 45 and 70 km, depending on external temperature and rider weight.

We tested the battery on a 12 km trip in the Paris region. During the ride, we set assistance levels 1 and 2, as level 3 was too powerful for an urban cyclist. Over fifty minutes, we lost 17% of the battery. Our cyclist weighed 85 kg, with an additional 5 kg backpack, at 15°C temperatures. Extrapolating from the manufacturer’s data, the range is confirmed to be quite accurate.

Screen of the Voltaire Legendre bike: 4/5

The Voltaire Legendre bike is available in a non-connected version since April 19, 2023. Starting tomorrow, it will also be available in a connected version with a GPS tracker to help locate it if lost or stolen.

Therefore, we tested the non-connected version. The screen we tried was quite simple, showing key information for urban cyclists:

• Ride time
• Assistance level
• Battery percentage
• LED lights on or off
• Driving speed

With a minimalist design, the rider can easily access the functions they need. However, be careful to monitor your speed on the screen, as it may display a speed over 25 km/h on some routes. The founder of Voltaire assured us that speed limitation is properly respected at the motor level, in accordance with French regulations.

Price and summary of the Voltaire Legendre bike: 17/20

An eye-catching bike with good range, the Voltaire Legendre is excellent for city and countryside use alike. It offers good comfort and handling. The brakes, however, still need improvement, as relying solely on the right brake does not bring the bike to a complete stop. The acceleration at startup is very good despite the bike’s weight. It’s hardly noticeable, especially once the battery is removed from its cradle.

Regarding safety, we appreciated the powerful lighting that provides good visibility at night. The bell on the handlebar was a real favorite—the sound it produces is very clear and loud, maximizing safety for other road users.

This Voltaire Legendre bike costs €2,390 (+ €250 for the connected version). To purchase it, visit the official Voltaire website or go to the brand’s official shop (22 Rue de Rivoli, Paris). The bike is one size fits all, suited for riders 1.70 m and taller.

Great value for a bike with discreet but powerful electric assistance integrated into the frame!

Also read: Review of Voltaire Bellecour 2022: How good is the vintage electric bike?

Technical Specifications of the Voltaire Legendre e-bike: