Swapfiets Power 7: rental bike test—expensive but effective

Within the full range of Swapfiets bikes, we tried the top-of-the-line Power 7, an electric bike at €109.90 per month in Paris. Here’s our experience.

If you are in Paris and the inner suburbs, you’ve probably noticed these strange bikes with the blue front tire. Normal, as the service was created in the Netherlands in 2014 and founded by 3 students who chose to stand out this way.

Arrived in France in 2019, Swapfiets now offers a range of 4 bikes. Two are muscular, the Original at only €16.90/month and the Deluxe 7 with a high frame and 7 gears at €19.90 per month. E-bike, the single-speed Power 1 offers a rent of €59.90/month. We tested the big brother, the Power 7 with a 7-speed gearbox and larger autonomy.

Presentation of the Power 7 Bike

The Swapfiets Power 7 is thus the premium offering of the service. This electric assistance bike is Dutch-made, with a Dutch riding position. The bike is very recognizable, not only because of its blue front tire but also because of the very high handlebar, the front basket support (included as an option on our model), and a semi-open frame. Additionally, its clay green color adds a touch of originality compared to the black models, even on the metallic chain guard.

With large 28-inch wheels, the e-bike adopts Dutch-style braking as well. You need to get used to pedaling backwards to brake at the rear, while the front brake (lever on the right of the handlebar) is also very effective via a drum brake. Everyone has their preferences and adaptation, but this system can be complicated in Parisian traffic where frequent, sometimes aggressive braking is common.

This model seems suited to the infrastructure in the Netherlands, where dedicated cycling lanes are very different from car lanes, but difficult to use the Shimano N7 pedal-back system between taxis, or on uneven or absent bike paths. An emergency brake in front of a car resulted in a nice fall, the consequence of unbalanced braking. Evidence of its robustness: the bike was unscathed and we were back on the road as if nothing had happened.

At the handlebars of the Swapfiets Power 7

During riding, the bike performs well thanks to the central Shimano E-6100 motor of 60 Nm, combined with three assistance modes. We noted adequate power, but sometimes the transmission was uneven. Assistance was abnormal at times, requiring extra pedaling effort and only returning to normal after restarting the bike.

The Shimano Nexus hub gear is also quite inconvenient. Very often, the highest gear (7th), or even the 6th, requires reacting the rotary switch on the handlebar. Gear changes are somewhat random, which might bother many Swapfiets riders. However, we appreciate being able to easily ride beyond 30 km/h if needed, without pedaling into the ground.

Nevertheless, the bike is highly maneuverable despite its large size and passive riding position. The handlebar also features a rotating stem to fit into tight spaces. Finally, if you do not have the large front basket like ours, which could have benefited from a quick wash before being handed over. Without suspensions, comfort is mediocre, with the bumps and paving stones being felt strongly. The balloon tires Continental Contact Plus absorb part of the shocks but not as well as similar Schwalbe tires.

Battery, Range, and Charging of the Swapfiets

Following the motor, Shimano also handles the battery. With a capacity of 504 Wh, it has a semi-cylindrical shape, allowing perfect integration into the frame. Swapfiets chose to install it under the tube, which is not very convenient for extraction. With limited space between the frame and rear wheel, and the need for a latch to prevent it from falling, we prefer batteries mounted on top of the tube.

Advantages: an even lower center of gravity and less exposed to rain (and in this case, the Sahara dust encountered during our test). Removable, the battery can be recharged on the Power 7 or outside. In any case, it is not recommended to leave the bike parked with the battery attached, as the charging time to reach 80% is about 5 hours with the 1.8 A charger. Slightly inconvenient, the indicator on the battery shows the charge level (out of 5) via blinking lights rather than a bar gauge.

In terms of range, Swapfiets promises 100 kilometers. This is true in mode 2, versus 144 km in mode 1 and 72 km in mode 3. As you know, autonomy varies greatly depending on assistance mode, rider weight, inclines, temperature, etc. In our test, we traveled 30 km before losing 40% of the battery, in cold weather (below 10°C), with frequent stops and some hills. Under intensive use, you can cover around 70 km without issue.

Screen, App, and Security

Again, Shimano installs the « SC-5000 » screen on the right handlebar, which is common, visible on models like Gazelle. It is very easy to use thanks to large buttons for lowering or increasing assistance levels. The display is clear, monochrome but backlit, with speed in the middle, a 5-bar range gauge (not very precise for autonomy), and the assistance level indicated by three bars on the left. Below, three pieces of info scroll via the small central button: remaining autonomy (varies by mode), mileage, and current trip distance.

In case of a problem, such as a mechanical issue, the app can enable a « Swap » if it’s impossible to go to a shop. In summary, an appointment is arranged where Swapfiets will intervene within 48 hours, with a bike exchange if necessary. Additionally, the rear wheel lock and chain included with the bike help prevent theft. The chain is long enough to reach the front wheel, while the rear lock secures the key once locked. Despite this, Swapfiets charges a deductible even if the bike is stolen with both locks attached (unlike competitors like Red-Will).

Note also the absence of a smartphone support, especially since Swapfiets is very popular among delivery riders. No GPS tag either like Motto.

Pricing and Comparison of Swapfiets

Robust, quite attractive, and well built around Shimano components, the Swapfiets Power 7 isn’t free of flaws. The price in Paris is €109.90/month, nearly double that of the smaller Power 1 and three times the cost of a Véligo! It makes you think, as competitors offer much cheaper options (see table). Also, the bike is made in the Netherlands (not far for ecological reasons), and repairs are done in shops or reconditioned/recycled in the native country in case of serious damage.

Today, Swapfiets operates in 70 cities across 9 European countries, with 270,000 members. In France, besides Paris, Swapfiets has expanded to Strasbourg, Lyon, and Toulouse, where the Power is more affordable (€74.90/month).

Link to the official website.

Pros and Cons of the Swapfiets Power 7:

Also read: Fifteen, the future major player in bike rentals in France