The electric bikes They have established themselves as an efficient and sustainable urban mobility option, especially in large cities like Madrid, where more and more people are choosing to travel on two wheels with electric assistance. Recent government incentives and the emergence of new models on the market have further boosted this trend.
The Madrid City Council is promoting direct grants These aids make it easier to purchase electric bikes at a more affordable price, while specialized brands' offerings are diversified with options ranging from urban use to mountain sports. We'll tell you how these aids work, which models are popular, and what you should keep in mind to get the most out of them, even in challenging weather conditions.
Grants in Madrid for the purchase of electric bicycles
The Madrid council keeps its program open subsidies to promote electric mobility with a budget of 200.000 euros. Citizens who purchase a new electric bike between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025 can benefit from direct aid of up to 400 Euros, which is equivalent to 50% of the cost of the vehicle, provided that the bicycle meets minimum requirements established by the City Council.
These requirements include: be of age, be registered in Madrid before April 15, 2025, and provide the purchase invoice, proof of payment, and identification document. The bicycle must include electric pedal assistance with a maximum power of 250 watts and must stop attending when exceeding 25 km/h or if the cyclist stops pedaling. In addition, safety elements such as front and rear lights, fenders and kickstand.
The processing is carried out exclusively telematically through the City Council's online office. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and payments will be made to the bank account provided if the requirements are met. Only new bicycles and those purchased within the established deadlines are accepted. Purchases made late or second-hand are not eligible for aid..
Featured electric bike models: urban and mountain
The market already offers a wide variety of electric bicycles Adapted to almost any type of user, from those looking to improve their daily commute to those who want to enjoy challenging off-road routes. Among the most talked-about models are:
- Scott Strike eRide 930: A benchmark in the mountain segment, ideal for trail riding. It features a lightweight aluminum frame, adjustable TwinLoc suspension, and a 250W, 85Nm Bosch Performance Line CX motor. Its 625Wh Bosch PowerTube battery provides up to 80km of range, expandable with an extender. It comes equipped with 29" wheels, a 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle derailleur, and Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes.
- Eleglide Mopride 1 Plus: Designed for the urban environment, it stands out for its design and great autonomyIt features a 250W motor with a top speed of 25 km/h, a removable 13 Ah battery, and up to 100 km of range depending on the route. It offers 21 Shimano speeds, hydraulic suspension, and dual disc brakes, plus mobile app connectivity to monitor assistance levels and key data from your smartphone or the integrated LCD screen.
- Varstrom 700C: Popular for urban commuting and mixed-terrain riding, it uses a 200W, 250Nm Bafang M65 mid-drive motor. Its 43,2V, 10,4Ah (449Wh) battery provides a range of up to 90km. With an LCD display, three assistance modes, hydraulic disc brakes, and an 8-speed transmission, it features a suspension fork and a lightweight aluminum frame, ideal for riders of all sizes.
These models offer a balance between performance, autonomy and equipment, allowing them to adapt to diverse needs in the city, on interurban journeys or for leisure.
Tips for using electric bicycles: temperatures and maintenance
The use of the electric bicycle may be affected by the extreme weather conditions, like the intensely hot days so common in Madrid's summers. The motors and batteries of e-bikes manage the internal temperature mainly by dissipation and ventilationHowever, if certain limits are exceeded, manufacturers often program an automatic reduction in assistance or even a complete shutdown of the system to prevent damage.
Each brand establishes its recommended operating rangesFor example, Shimano motors typically operate between -10º and 50º, but above 40º they reduce assistance by 15%. Bosch recommends ambient temperatures between -5º and 40º for optimal operation, limiting power in cases of excessive heat. On lightweight models like the Mahle X35, it is not recommended to charge the battery if the temperature exceeds 40º. You should also pay attention to battery storage, which should be done between 10º and 40º, avoiding leaving the bike in garages or on terraces where high temperatures can reach.
During heat waves, it is advisable to ride on shaded routes, avoid prolonged stops in the sun, and if the temperature approaches the recommended limit, use low assistance modes and reduce effort on long climbs. This will prolong the engine and battery life and autonomy is maintained.
