Whether you’re planning a ride past the Eiffel Tower in Paris, cycling through historic Lyon, taking in the riverside charm of Bordeaux, or visiting the gardens of Versailles, choosing the right bike matters. The question we hear the most from curious travelers: Should I rent an e-bike or go classic with a Dutch bike?
Let’s help you decide what suits your trip, your style, and your pace.
What’s the Difference?
Ein klassisches holländisches Fahrrad ist einfach, stilvoll und auf Komfort ausgelegt. Es ist bekannt für seine aufrechte Sitzposition, breiten Lenker und stabilen Rahmen – perfekt für flache Stadttouren und gemütliches Cruisen.
Ein E‑Bike hingegen sieht ähnlich aus – gibt Ihnen aber beim Treten einen zusätzlichen Schub. Es übernimmt nicht die ganze Arbeit, macht aber Hügel, Wind und lange Strecken deutlich einfacher. Es ist eine großartige Sicherheitslösung, wenn Sie sich Sorgen machen, unterwegs zu müde zu werden.
Einige Menschen befürchten, dass ein E-Bike zu schnell oder technisch wirkt, aber moderne Modelle sind intuitiv und einfach zu bedienen. Sie bieten genau die richtige Menge an leichter Unterstützung – Sie treten weiterhin selbst in die Pedale, bekommen aber einen hilfreichen Schub. Sie müssen sich nicht durch körperliche Grenzen oder Ermüdung blockiert fühlen.
Bei Holland Bikes bieten wir sowohl klassische Fahrradvermietung als auch E-Bike-Verleih in französischen Städten wie Paris, Versailles, Lyon, Nizza, Île de Ré und Bordeaux an.
How to choose the right bike?
Consider Your Destination
First, you should consider your destination to make a decision on whether to take a normal bike or an e-bike.
For example:
Are you staying in Paris? Then both options are great. The city is relatively flat, and cycling has become a favorite way to get around.
Paris is also one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe. According to the City of Paris, there are now over 1,000 kilometers of bike lanes, including wide routes like Rue de Rivoli and the scenic banks of the Seine. No matter which bike you choose, whether you take a normal bike or an ebike, you’ll be in for a treat.
Consider the Distance, Terrain, and your Companions
Ask yourself a few key questions before you rent:
- How far do you want to cycle?
- Do you plan to ride uphill or stick to flat terrain?
- How much time do you have?
- Are you cycling solo, or with kids?
Distance: Our e‑bikes have batteries that last between 30-50 km, depending on use and terrain. Not sure how long you’ll be out? No problem. We’ll give you tips on how to preserve battery and even offer chargers for multi-day rentals.
Terrain: If you’re planning to visit hilly neighborhoods like Montmartre in Paris, the Fourvière Hill in Lyon, or ride along the scenic Côte d’Azur in Nice, an e-bike might make your ride easier.
Classic bikes are great for flat cities like Bordeaux, where you can cycle along riverbanks, or for Versailles to discover the royal forest.
If you have questions about what the terrain looks like, point out these concerns to our team, and we will help you make a decision.
Companions: If you are traveling with kids, you should know that in Paris and in all other French cities, it is prohibited for kids under 15 years old to use an e-bike.
If you travel with kids between 12 and 14 years old, you might all want to use the same type of bike to keep the same pace. If you travel with younger kids, you might want to carry them on the bike, so you will be interested in checking out our electric cargo bikes, tandem bikes, and electric long-tail bikes.
Think About Your Travel Style
Here’s a quick way to decide what suits you best:
If you want to… | Go for a… |
Ride slow, and soak in the city life | Classic Dutch Bike |
Cover more distance with less effort | E‑Bike |
Ride with kids or carry bags with ease | E‑Bike (cargo bike, long-tail, or with child seat) |
Travel light and keep things simple | Classic Dutch Bike |
Short on time | E-bike |
On a shorter budget | Classic Dutch Bike |
Both options at Holland Bikes come with comfort and quality in mind.
Online Booking, Security, and Safety
At Holland Bikes, our rental process is smooth, with easy online booking so you can book in advance. Whether you’re in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, or Versailles, just head to hollandbikes.com to choose your city, bike, and pick-up time.
Security is a priority — every bike comes with a strong lock, and we can show you exactly how to secure your bike properly.
Whichever bike you choose, make sure to wear a helmet, follow traffic lights and signals, and stay alert. Cities like Paris are wonderful to ride in, but like any urban environment, it helps to stay aware of cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists.
Final Thoughts: Which Bike is Right for You?
Every traveler moves differently — some prefer the gentle rhythm of a classic Dutch bike, others want the power boost of an e-bike rental to cover more ground in a half day.
There’s no certain word that can fully describe the joy of cycling in Paris, Versailles, Bordeaux, Lyon, or Nice — you have to feel it for yourself. Whether you go electric or classic, cycling is one of the best ways to experience a city
So, are you ready to explore, forget about traffic, and let the streets guide your next adventure?
Rent your bike today!
