Sales and leasing of electric bikes continue to grow in Belgium. At KAMEO Bikes, we see rising demand every day — whether for daily commuting, family leisure, or transporting goods and children.
But faced with the multitude of ranges available — city, trekking, hybrid, mountain bike, speed pedelec, folding, road, gravel, cargo — many people hesitate. This article guides you in identifying your real needs and choosing with full knowledge of the facts. 🚲
What kind of routes will you be riding?
Concrete road? Dirt track? Forest? Off-road? This first question is fundamental, because each bike range is optimised for a specific terrain.
- 🛣️ City bikes & speed pedelec → roads and cycle paths (24–45 km/h max depending on the model)
- 🌳 Hybrid & trekking → dirt tracks, mixed paths, versatile
- ⛰️ Mountain bike → off-road, mountains, rough terrain
- 📦 Cargo & longtail → urban trips, maximum load capacity
- 🏁 Road & gravel → tarmac and small tracks, sporty leisure riding
What role will this bike play for you?
🔧 Work tool (commuter bike)
If you will use it every day, invest in a well-equipped bike:
- ✅ Sturdy rear rack (min. 25 kg)
- ✅ Rigid mudguards (less noise)
- ✅ Solid kickstand
- ✅ Integrated lights (no batteries)
- ✅ Personal equipment (helmet, pannier, waterproofs)
🎯 Leisure & rides / Mixed use
For occasional outings or alternating work + leisure:
- → A light, manoeuvrable bike will do
- → Trekking & hybrid = champions of versatility
- → Less mandatory equipment
- → Budget often more affordable
Where do you fit? An overview
Some ranges lean towards work, others towards leisure. Here is the complete map:
| Category | Best for | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| City | Town, short trips | Work ✅ |
| Speed pedelec | Long trips (45 km/h)* | Work ✅ |
| Cargo / longtail | Children / heavy loads | Work ✅ |
| Folding | Multimodal (train + bike) | Work ✅ |
| Trekking / hybrid | Roads, tracks, versatile | Work ✅ Leisure ✅ |
| Mountain bike | Off-road, mountains | Leisure ✅ |
| Road | Roads, sporty rides | Leisure ✅ |
| Gravel | Roads + tracks, adventure | Leisure ✅ |
⚠️ Speed pedelec: e-bikes > 25 km/h require registration, insurance and a driving licence. Riding on cycle paths is not permitted.
Comfort: find your frame
The frame determines your riding position. There are three main shapes to choose from:
- Wave (swan neck) → easy step-through, upright position
- Trapeze → comfortable middle ground
- Diamond → leaning, sporty position, high step-over
✨ Gender does not dictate the frame. Women and men alike choose according to their comfort!
Frame size (general guide)
- < 1m60 → S
- 1m60 to 1m75 → M
- 1m75 to 1m85 → L
- > 1m85 → XL
💡 Sizes vary from one brand to another. Ask your KAMEO sales adviser in store for advice — it's essential!
Going electric? Motors explained
Bosch motors and Shimano dominate the high-end e-bike market. Here is what you need to know.
Power is not torque
- ⚡ Rated power: 250 W for all (legal limit in Belgium)
- ⚡ Peak power: 400–750 W depending on the model (instantaneous energy)
- 💪 Torque (Nm): this is the real measure of strength. Higher = climbs hills more easily
Bosch 2026 range: several motor families, each for a specific use
🚴 Active Line
- Torque: 40–60 Nm
- Light, quiet, urban
🚴 Performance Line
- Torque: 65–75 Nm
- Reliable, natural, versatile
⚡ Performance Line Speed
- Torque: 85 Nm and above
- Speed pedelec (45 km/h)*
🏔️ Performance Line CX
- Torque: 85 Nm and above
- Loaded mountain bike, off-road
📌 Note: Bosch and Shimano offer their motors in several variants (versions for hub gears or derailleurs, assistance customisable via a mobile app). The choice depends on your type of e-bike, terrain and budget.
Recommendations based on the terrain in your region
For daily bike commuting, the terrain along your route guides the choice of motor torque:
| Type of terrain | Example region | Recommended torque |
|---|---|---|
| Flat | Brussels, Charleroi | 50–60 Nm |
| Hilly | Liège, Namur | 65–75 Nm |
| Mountainous | Ardennes | 85 Nm and above |
Torn between two motors? Our KAMEO experts in store will help you choose based on your actual route and your priorities (range, weight, price).
The battery: how much range?
The battery powers the motor. Its capacity (Wh = watt-hour) determines the range, like a car's fuel tank.
Common capacities
- 250–400 Wh → short trips, urban
- 500–540 Wh → medium trips
- 600–800 Wh → long trips, maximum range
💡 Real-world range depends on:
- Your weight
- The terrain (hills ↑ consumption)
- Your speed
- Assistance mode (Eco vs Turbo)
Dual battery system: need more range? Some models let you combine two batteries to exceed 1,200 Wh.
The key components
Beyond the motor and battery, several components influence quality and durability:
- Derailleur: SRAM and Shimano are the leaders (reliability, durability)
- Brakes: hydraulic discs (better modulation and safety)
- Suspension: optional, improves comfort on rough terrain
- eShift: electronic gear shifting, ultra-smooth on some models
The other market leader
Bosch dominates, but Shimano offers motor and battery systems of equivalent quality. Both brands offer excellent value for money — the choice depends on your priorities (power, weight, range, budget).
Your decision checklist
- ✓ Type of route defined (road, dirt, off-road?)
- ✓ Use identified (work, leisure, mixed)
- ✓ Frame and size tested for comfort
- ✓ Motor chosen to suit your region & routes
- ✓ Battery sized for your real-world range
- ✓ Reputable components (Bosch, Shimano, SRAM, etc.)
- ✓ Budget set and sources of funding (cargo bike grant?)
- ✓ Bike tested in store (essential!)
Frequently asked questions
🔋 Does more Wh always mean more range?
Yes, generally — but your riding style, the terrain and the weather also play a part. A large battery used in Turbo mode can give less range than a smaller one used in Eco mode.
⚙️ Speed pedelec: is registration really mandatory?
Yes, in Belgium. For any e-bike > 25 km/h, you need registration, third-party liability insurance and a driving licence. Riding on cycle paths is not permitted.
🛠️ How much maintenance does an e-bike need?
Maintenance depends on how you use it: for moderate use, one annual service is usually enough; for intensive daily use, plan several services a year. Washing your bike regularly also reduces wear between two services.
💰 Is there any financial support for the purchase?
Yes, for self-employed people and companies, particularly for cargo bikes. Read our articles on bike grants in Wallonia and in Brussels, or contact us to check your eligibility.
Still unsure? Let's talk about your needs.
Our KAMEO experts in store (Liège & Brussels) know all these criteria and will help you find your ideal bike.
Contact us →