Tested: Ritmic Duo Electric Car – Perfect City Companion with Massive Range!

Established in 2016 initially with electric skateboards, the Bordeaux-based brand Ritmic – previously known as Elwing – has made a significant impact with its new line of electric bikes named Ritmic. We previously discussed this at Vélo in Paris 2026.

A luxury cousin of the Yuvy, the Ritmic fatbike is available in three versions: Solo, Duo, and Jumbo, which are interchangeable by swapping out a few components on the same frame (similar to the upcoming Ultima Essentiel). Designed for a broad audience and positioned as a higher-end model, this fat-tire electric bicycle (E-bike) was thoroughly tested by Frandroid in the Duo version across various situations spanning nearly 150 kilometers. So, is it a genuinely good French fatbike for everyday use?

Technical Specifications

This test was conducted using a model provided by the brand.

A Hefty Fatbike, Especially in Weight

The geometry of a fatbike differs significantly from a traditional electric bike. It features a long, low fixed seat on a frame that combines an open front section with a skateboard-like footrest, reminiscent of the brand’s origins, and a rear C-shaped section with thick stays connected to a saddle support fixed on the central tube.

This bike generation is highly versatile, allowing for the installation of a standard seat in Solo version, behind which the saddle support can convert into a luggage rack, while it expands in Jumbo version to carry two children. This adaptability lets users switch as needs change.

Simultaneously a fatbike and an electric cargo bike, the Ritmic appears bulky but maintains a modest length of 1.85 meters, thanks to its small 20-inch wheels. However, its weight significantly exceeds that of a standard E-bike, tipping the scales at 37.9 kg with its “High Autonomy” battery.

Rich Features, with Options for Increased Load

This fatbike lives up to its category in terms of equipment, thanks to its large front light, which includes two types of illumination: a diffuse daytime light and a conventional but very narrow (1 meter to 3 meters distance) yet powerful 80 lux light.

In return, it features both front and rear turn signals, with a push-button control lacking a visual and audible reminder (since they are often forgotten). The rear light includes a stop function. The handlebar control, in addition to switching lights and turn signals, includes an electronic horn, which is somewhat indistinct in traffic.

The fenders are sized to match the tires (4 inches wide), but they are too short, which is problematic at the front as they allow splashes onto the feet. Due to the high weight, the bike uses a central double-legged kickstand to ensure stability, particularly when mounting a passenger. It’s easier to dismount than to park, requiring some force.

In our Ritmic Duo version, the saddle support leaves a small free space for a rear luggage rack compatible with MIK, but as an option, to carry panniers or add a child seat. Similarly, two front baskets are optional, with a load capacity of up to 20 kg. Care must be taken not to exceed the total permitted weight of 180 kg, including the fatbike.

A Pleasant Display, Albeit Without Connectivity

The Ritmic Duo features an attractive display positioned on the left of the handlebar, near the other controls. Its modern design includes large, easily readable characters with backlighting to handle all weather and times of day. The central speed indicator is highlighted by a power gauge, flanked by the battery gauge with percentage, and supplemented by three information blocks: engaged mode, distance, and remaining range.

Additionally, three other less critical windows can be scrolled through:

• speed, distance, and total mileage (which changes little from the main display);
• maximum speed, average speed, and cadence;
• calories burned (which remain locked at zero), riding time, and motor power

This wealth of information is welcome, given the lack of connectivity to an app. Unfortunately, while Bafang’s assistance exists, it’s unavailable here without Bluetooth. Without a numeric lock, it would have been preferable to have at least a physical lock included with the bike.

A High-Performing Fatbike with Some Drawbacks

Ritmic opted for the Bafang RM-G062 rear motor, which boasts a substantial torque of 80 Nm. It offers five levels of assistance, which we found to be poorly calibrated, and where the app could have balanced the settings. The first three levels (Eco, Tour, and Sport) have a peak power very close to each other, respectively 235, 270, and 315 W, while the two more powerful settings, Sport+ and Boost, reach 620 and 770 W. The gap is substantial.

In two-seater mode, it’s essential to switch to Sport+ mode, as the Boost mode is too abrupt at startup, but we would have preferred a less vigorous Sport mode around 500 W (with equivalent torque).

In any case, the Duo has no trouble starting up with a heavy load despite the rotation sensor (which requires a quarter-turn before activation), and it’s made easier to start via the trigger that propels you to the first 6 km/h. This is useful when there’s no time to shift down.

The Shimano Tourney 7-speed derailleur is somewhat slow to act and lacks a few gears. The generous torque somewhat reduces the usefulness of the derailleur, which only serves to adjust your pedaling cadence, due to the rotation sensor. Some will like this effortless operation, less so purists.

Comfortable Alone, Less So with a Passenger

Moreover, the Ritmic should not require too much leg power, given the reclined riding position with its high, curved handlebar. You sit upright on the seat, fairly low with an advanced pedal set.

Available in two heights, the seat can theoretically accommodate individuals from 1.60 m to 1.95 m, but our 1.85 m seemed already a bit tall for this electric Duo fatbike. We would thus be more comfortable on the Solo or Jumbo version with a standard seat.

The width of the seat is also exaggerated, as it may rub against the thighs while pedaling, and the passenger does not have a comfortable posture, constantly working the abductors. Unfortunately, the Ritmic paid attention to equipment through the foldable footrests and the side protections made of plexiglass.

Ultimately, we used the two-seater version only occasionally, with tires that indeed absorb road imperfections, without dampening movements under heavy loads. Thus, we prefer riding solo, where we enjoy the bike’s relatively agile handling for a fatbike, and appreciable comfort with the small adjustable front fork, allowing for cruising even over tens of kilometers.

However, don’t expect major off-road excursions, at least not on too rough trails. Only sections with gravel, sand, or dirt are feasible. Finally, the braking is excellent, managed by 4-piston Tektro hydraulic brakes, in combination with the large Schwalbe Super Moto X tires, which bring the bike to a halt in less than 3 meters.

A Massive Battery with a Long Recharge Time

The Ritmic Duo, like its two other versions, offers a choice between the “small” Standard battery of 691 Wh (14.4 Ah) or the High Autonomy version. We had the latter during our test, with a capacity of 921 Wh (19.2 Ah).

This hefty unit, positioned behind the central tube rather than under the two-seater seat like the old Elwings, is not easy to remove. It requires turning the key and lifting simultaneously without hitting the frame.

Its weight is 4.8 kg, and it must be handled with both hands in the absence of a handle. Its recharge is also impractical for daily use, due to the conventional 2A charger, which requires 10 hours for a full charge… The progress can be monitored on the battery’s four indicators or on the display when it’s mounted on the bike.

XXL Autonomy, Between 65 and 125 km Depending on the Mode, Even with Two Riders

So, does the massive battery capacity provide “High Autonomy”? In theory, the brand indicates up to 115 km, likely in Eco mode.

Well, that’s actually a conservative estimate since we surpassed that distance by logging more than 120 kilometers in Tour and Sport modes (2/5), riding solo (80 kg load excluding the bike, in temperatures above 20°C). Conversely, with two riders in Boost mode, the range drops to approximately 65-75 km depending on the weather. Note that this autonomy doesn’t change much whether riding solo and/or in Sport+ mode.

A Reasonably Priced Electric Fatbike with Numerous Options, Assembled in France

The Ritmic Duo is available at a base price of 2,799 euros, making it a more expensive electric fatbike than some less-recommended Chinese rivals, but it’s better equipped with reputable components and complies with the law. It is compatible with two heights of two-seater seats (the higher one costs 99 euros), in three colors (black, white, or yellow), while it also comes in two other versions: the Solo (2,699 euros) and the Jumbo which almost plays the role of a compact electric cargo bike (2,899 euros).

You can also opt for a conversion kit between the Solo/Jumbo and Duo, for 299 and 249 euros respectively. Each of the three versions can be equipped with the large “High Autonomy” battery, with an extra cost of 200 euros.

Our test model thus came to a final price of 3,099 euros. Ritmic also offers the option to rent it through a long-term lease (LLD), starting at 102 euros/month, ranging from 1 to 3 years, with included breakage/theft insurance (175 euros/year if paid in full).

In addition, the French brand has numerous solutions in its accessory range, compatible with the Duo:

• Rear luggage rack (69 euros)
• Light front basket 10 kg (49 euros)
• Front platform 12 kg (59 euros)
• Small front basket 10 kg (69 euros)
• Front MIK platform 15 kg (69 euros)
• Large front rack 20 kg (89 euros)
• Large front basket 20 kg (109 euros)
• Passenger kit with backrest and side handles (109 euros)
• Surfboard rack (99 euros)

Assembled in Bordeaux at Ritmic’s workshop, this two-seater electric fatbike comes with a 2-year warranty on the frame and components, except for wear items (tires, brakes, grips, etc.). The battery guarantees 70% capacity after 2 years or 500 charge cycles, while finishes “against manufacturing defects” are guaranteed for 1 year.

Available on Ritmic’s official website, the Duo is delivered to your home but is also available for a test ride before purchase at various dealers across France (about 150).