Vässla Test: We Tried the Electric Balance Bike on Rent

Vässla bets on renting an electric balance bike, rather than a bicycle or a scooter. What are the differences and how does it work? Mobiwisy tried it out for 15 days.

Within the world of electric personal mobility, we are familiar with bikes, scooters, and skateboards. But do you know there is a less popular category, that of balance bikes? We’re not talking here about pedal-less children’s bikes but about heavy electric devices. This type of vehicle has entered the traffic code in the category of EPDM (electric personal transportation devices), similar to hoverboards and e-bikes. Aside from the few models available in France and online, an initial rental service is now available in Paris.

Introduction, registration, and delivery of the Vässla: 5/5

The first company to rent electric balance bikes is Vässla. Originating from Sweden and founded in 2017, it started in the capital Stockholm. It then expanded abroad, to Madrid (Spain) and Berlin (Germany) in October 2021. The fourth destination was Paris in May 2022. Naturally, we couldn’t miss this product.

To sign up, simply visit the official website, on the “Subscribe” page. You can choose between two no-subscription plans, “Flex” and six-month “Pro,” with the free option including a basket and a helmet size (included) among three options. Then, enter your personal information and a delivery address (e.g., at your office). Next, proceed to payment, and you’re done. Quite straightforward.

All that remains is to wait for the delivery date, confirmed by email. The delivery person then provides a 3-hour estimated window and notifies you a few minutes before arrival.

The Vässla Bike arrives, but not alone. The delivery person gives a brief introduction to the electric balance bike: how to turn it on, recharge, fold, etc. They make sure the helmet fits, and then hand over the bag with accessories: charger, mirrors, and smartphone holder. A chain lock is also included, configured with the desired code by the delivery person. Ready to go, all that’s left is to hit the road!

Introduction and handling: 4/5

Let’s take a moment to explain the electric balance bike. The Vässla Bike is a two small-wheel electric device, with 14-inch wheels, smaller and wider than a bicycle but more imposing than an electric scooter’s wheels. The aluminum frame forms an L shape, connecting to the front fork and the rear via two metal arms. A suspension under the seat also helps absorb shocks.

The handlebar is high to allow an upright sitting position. For comfort, the vehicle incorporates a very thick and wide saddle, although it is not height-adjustable. The handlebar also cannot be adjusted, so all sizes must adapt. Our (1.84 m) height was a bit tall for this size, but we got used to it with time. The motor is located in the rear hub, but there’s no chain or transmission, since there are no pedals like on a bicycle. You place your feet on the small supports and start moving.

When stationary, the Vässla is heavy to handle at 25 kg. Conversely, its size is smaller than an electric bike, allowing it to easily fit into a building’s storage or elevator. Its center stand with two feet also provides very stable positioning. It can also be folded by disengaging the rear suspension, for example to transport it in a vehicle. However, Vässla has omitted a system to lock the folded position, requiring the footrests to be unfolded when stored.

On the handlebar of the Vässla electric balance bike: 4/5

How does the Vässla work? Turn on the Vässla by pressing the button on the frame, then hold the upper button on the screen for a few seconds. Like on a scooter or motorcycle, starting works by twisting the right handlebar. It’s quite sensitive, so beware of activating it while stationary! You need to switch to “0” mode to avoid surprises. The balance bike offers three riding modes, numbered 1 to 3, with maximum speeds of 15, 20, and 25 km/h.

Changing modes is straightforward, and the monochrome screen displays the total mileage and current speed on the upper part, along with a battery gauge. The display also has two other pages to scroll through. The first shows average and maximum speed and the trip mileage. The second indicates remaining autonomy—depending on the mode—and trip distance.

Acceleration is very gradual, slow at first, then quickly approaching the speed limit. The sensation is similar to an electric scooter, encouraging cautious riding. However, many would prefer a more responsive motor to quickly escape close vehicles or dangerous situations in the city. Once moving, the device accelerates well beyond 10 km/h.

With a front resembling a scooter but with all the weight toward the rear, the Vässla isn’t very maneuverable. It’s impossible to let go of the handlebars to show changes in direction; having blinkers for the next version or wearing bright clothing is advisable. Brake power from the two Tektro discs is very strong, precise in all situations, no complaints here.

For comfort, thick tires and rear suspension ensure a smooth ride, although the Vässla tends to bounce over large bumps or obstacles with a harsh jolt. The saddle also lacks some width to guarantee long-distance comfort. The lighting is powerful, as is the horn. The horn might be too powerful, sounding loudly throughout the neighborhood and being located very close to the acceleration handlebar, causing involuntary activations.

Battery, range, and recharging of the Vässla Bike: 16/20

Like some electric-assist bikes, the Vässla has a battery located inside the seat tube. To access it, you need a key turn and lift the saddle. You can choose to remove the battery, which is removable, or charge it directly on the vehicle. A button indicates the charge level with 5 lights. More subtly, it also exits sleep mode.

This is the main weakness of the Vässla, as the battery often goes into sleep mode. Pressing the buttons on the frame and the screen is often insufficient to restart it. Long-pressing the battery button is needed to wake the device, then re-engaging the other buttons before starting. Fortunately, the delivery person warns us about this at pickup!

Regarding range, the official 40 km is difficult to attain. We traveled between 30 and 35 km on a single charge, with mode 3 active. The 40 km is probably calculated using mode 1.

Charging, then. Regardless of where you are—on or off the electric balance bike—you should use the supplied charger. Note that the battery weighs 3.5 kg and is fairly bulky, so it should only be removed if necessary. It takes about 4 hours for a full charge, but only 2 hours to go from 30% to 100%.

Summary of the Vässla Bike electric balance bike test: 16/20

Initially curious, we ended up adopting the Vässla more easily over time. The electric balance bike is somewhat sluggish in acceleration, heavy but sturdy, compact, and offers good comfort. It does lack some range and several minor adjustments are needed (unfinished folding system, non-fixed footrests, battery sleep mode).

The Swedish device is available at a price of 79 euros per month. Is it expensive? Ultimately, this is similar to renting an electric bike like the Dance or Red-Will. Of course, it’s more passive and has less autonomy, but it’s a unique choice. Remember, there are no options, as the lock and helmet are included in the price. You will only need to add 49 euros in registration fees if you choose the plan without the Flex subscription.

Finally, this service is currently only available in Paris and the surrounding suburbs. However, Vässla promises that its electric balance bike will soon arrive in other major cities.

Also read: Test of Véligo: how is the rental of electric bikes in Île-de-France?