Frequently asked questions

Here you’ll find answers to all your questions about electric bikes, how to use them and the special features of our Gorilla E-bikes!

General(16)

Do I need special insurance for a gorilla?

No, you don't need any special insurance for your Gorilla - it's considered to be an electrically-assisted bicycle. You'll probably have third-party liability insurance with your home insurance: that's enough. However, some buyers are looking to insure their Gorilla more fully against theft, given its price.

Do you have to pedal to power the Gorilla's engine?

Yes, the Gorilla is a VAE: an electrically ‘assisted’ bicycle. This assistance is only activated when the user pedals. Pedalling sensors in the crankset transmit the information to the bike's on-board computer, which then activates the motor. The Gorille's motor cuts out instantly if the rider stops pedalling or brakes. When you pedal again, the motor is reactivated and you are once again propelled by the bike's electric assistance. Assistance without pedalling up to 6km/h is also possible by activating the trigger on the left handle. This feature helps the user to initiate pedalling, either for difficult starts (hills), or to facilitate pedestrian travel alongside the bike.

What are the specific road safety and insurance requirements for gorillas?

The Gorille meets the same safety requirements as conventional bicycles. Wearing a helmet or safety waistcoat is not compulsory, but is recommended. As the Gorille is considered to be a bicycle and not a moped, it does not require any specific registration or insurance.

Why a motor in the rear position (in the rear wheel hub)?

From a dynamic point of view, and to limit the risk of losing grip in bends (inherent in front-wheel drive), it is natural to prefer propulsion either via a motor on the rear wheel or on the crankset (central motor).

The motor on the rear wheel has the advantage of not putting any strain on the chain, which is not the case with the central motor.

The assistance provided by the rear motor also allows you to benefit from the maximum torque of the motor without having to force the pedals, making it very pleasant to use for touring.

Is the Gorilla engine really efficient?

The sensation of using the Gorilla can be compared to an experience halfway between a classic bicycle and a light moped. The motor delivers 250 watts of power and between 80Nm and 120Nm of torque (depending on the model), which corresponds to what a cyclist weighing 80kg would need to develop on a 10kg bike to reach a speed of 32km/h on flat terrain. Under normal conditions of use, the assistance provides a real feeling of ease of movement.

Does the Gorilla have gears?

The Gorilla is still a bike to which a motor has been added, along with its control and power supply components. As on a conventional bike, you can change the gear ratio using the Shimano 9-speed system (Male/Lady/baby/Retro) located on the rear wheel. Correct use of the gears will optimise the Gorilla's performance and battery life.

Is it possible to ride without motor assistance (when the battery is flat, for example)?

This is an electrically “assisted” bike. It is therefore perfectly possible to ride without this assistance, as the motor is in any case disengaged. Under these conditions, it is obvious that the extra weight associated with the assistance system will be felt by the user.

Are the Gorilla's motor and battery reliable?

The electrically assisted bicycle is not a new product. It is just beginning to emerge in France, but benefits from feedback from Northern Europe and Asia, where it has been manufactured and sold by the millions for many years. The parts chosen to equip the Gorilla come from the best brands, which now benefit from this experience and have become very reliable.

- The motor is a BAFANG brushless (carbon-free), which is a guarantee of durability. BAFANG is one of the world leaders, and this year won the prestigious 24H VAE race ahead of the BOSCH teams.
- The batteries are top-of-the-range, fitted with the latest generation cells and manufactured in France, which is a sure guarantee of reliability. They are also protected against undercharging and overcharging, and have cell temperature monitoring.

In any case, the motors and batteries are of course covered by a 24-month warranty.

How much does a gorilla weigh?

Our models weigh between 25kg and 35kg depending on the model. The extra weight of a Gorilla compared with a conventional bike is around 8 to 10 kg, which is not significant when you consider the gains made by electric assistance.

In the end, the effect of this assistance makes the question of weight irrelevant. In fact, the opposite is true: thanks to electric assistance, you'll be able to climb hills loaded down with parcels or with a child in a bike seat, almost effortlessly! What's more, our models have a trigger that makes them go at 6km/h without pedalling, so you can handle them (climb a kerb, the steep ramp of a garage, etc.) without being on the bike and without effort.

Where can I try the Gorille range?

Call us to make an appointment at one of our test centres: 05 32 09 21 88

Is it more expensive and complex to maintain a Gorilla than a conventional bicycle?

No, the electrical parts require no maintenance, and we even recommend that you leave them untouched, as this could invalidate the warranty.

Are cycle paths open to gorillas?

As electrically-assisted bikes are subject to the same legislation as conventional bicycles, it goes without saying that they are perfectly permitted to use cycle paths.

Can I transport a Gorilla on a car? (roof bars, tow bar or rear window)

The Gorilla is heavier and longer than a conventional bicycle. It can be transported on the roof of a car, on the towball or on the rear window. Of course, it's up to you to check with the supplier of your mounting system that it accepts the load you want it to carry.

What to do in the event of a breakdown? What are the specific operations required to maintain a Gorilla compared to a conventional bicycle? Who can I contact to maintain my Gorilla?

The cycle part of a Gorilla is identical to that of a conventional bicycle. Maintenance/repair operations are carried out in the same way as for a conventional bike (change a cable, a tyre, tighten the brakes, grease the chain, etc.). You can do them yourself if you're handy, or go to your nearest bike shop.

For specific components (battery, motor), you should contact a specialist. Please contact us to discuss the best solution for dealing with your problem as quickly as possible. Depending on whether or not the component in question is still under warranty, you will be offered different repair options (standard exchange, return of the faulty part, contact with our technical department, etc.).

What standards do electric bikes have to meet?

Electric bicycles sold in Europe must be EN15194 certified, guaranteeing compliance with European standards. All Gorille models comply with this standard.

If I have a problem with my Gorilla, what after-sales service do you provide? What assistance do you offer?

We invite you to contact our technical service, especially if your Gorilla is still under warranty. You can contact us via our contact us section, either by telephone or by writing to us. In 90% of cases, this will be enough to solve the problem, with our technical team telling you what to do by phone or e-mail. It is important to provide us with as much information as possible to enable us to deal with your question as quickly as possible.

If necessary, we will ask you to send us photos, which are often much more effective than a long explanation. If the problem requires the intervention of a technician (10% of cases), we will contact your nearest bike shop and deal with them directly so that you have no costs to pay in advance.

Battery(12)

How much autonomy does a gorilla have?

In real-life conditions, a Gorilla's range depends on a number of factors:
- The type of battery chosen (410Wh, 520Wh, 740Wh, or 880Wh),
- The weight of the user,
- The type of route (hilly or flat),
- The level of assistance used: range will be significantly reduced if maximum assistance is permanently activated. On the other hand, it will be extended if it is adjusted according to the user's level of fatigue, the wind and the gradient.

Compliance with battery use and maintenance procedures.
That's why we give an average range (flat terrain, 70kg user, no wind, assistance levels 3 out of 5) and a range for extreme cases.

Battery capacity 410Wh
Average: 30 km
Min: 15 km
Max: 40 km

Battery capacity 520Wh
Average: 50 km
Min : 30 km
Max : 70 km

Battery capacity 740Wh
Average: 70 km
Min : 45 km
Max: 100 km

Battery capacity 880Wh
Average: 90 km
Min : 65 km
Max: 130 km

Does the battery recharge when driving?

Our models do not incorporate a regeneration function that allows the battery to be recharged by 10-15% on descents and to benefit from engine braking. This technology is still relatively exclusive and expensive on electric bikes.

Should I wait until the battery is completely discharged before recharging it?

No, our batteries are designed so that partial charges have no effect on their life. However, we recommend discharging them completely for the first 3 charges, which is a sort of running-in period to optimise the balancing of the cells making up the battery.

How many times can the battery be recharged? How long does it last?

The life of a battery is measured in complete charge cycles.Once this number of cycles has been exceeded, the battery's range will gradually diminish. Our batteries are designed to maintain their full performance over 1,000 charge cycles.

This corresponds to a distance travelled of around 15,000 to 50,000 km (equivalent to 3 to 7 years' use), depending on how the battery is used.

If the Gorilla is used occasionally, how should the battery be maintained?

It is advisable to recharge it regularly (once a month) when you are not using your Gorilla, to prevent it from discharging and losing some of its power.

How much does a battery cost?

The battery is a key technical component of the electric assistance system. It determines the performance and range of your Gorilla. That's why it's important to follow the recommendations for use to prolong its life. Depending on the type of battery, replacement can cost from €450 to €989.

Where can I buy a replacement battery when my original one is worn out?

We recommend that you ask us for a replacement battery. We have a wide range of spare parts.

Are the batteries standard?

Yes, the format used equips many other makes of bicycle.

Where can I recharge my Gorilla?

Simply insert the charger supplied and plug it into a standard 220V socket. It's the same charging principle as for any mobile device with an electric battery (camera, telephone, etc.).

No socket in your garage? No problem, our batteries are removable and can be taken off the bike for easy recharging at home.

How long does it take to charge a battery?

It takes around 6 hours to fully charge a battery (and 2 hours on our Express 6A chargers, standard on Cadet/VTT/Titus/Cargo).

Why is the battery under the saddle?

From a technical (mechanical and dynamic) point of view, the central battery positioned under the seat gives the Gorilla good balance, with a low, central centre of gravity.

How much does a battery weigh?

Batteries can weigh between 3 and 5 kg, depending on their capacity.

Delivery(3)

How is the Gorilla delivered?

In accordance with current legislation in France and Europe, the bikes are delivered to the end user semi-assembled (pedals to be screwed on and handlebars to be fitted and tightened), in a closed cardboard box, with detailed assembly and user instructions + a step-by-step assembly video on our website.

On receipt of the order, the customer must check that the Gorilla is in good condition and that it is working properly, and must read the conditions of use in the instructions for use and the explanatory videos provided.

What are your delivery times?

The indicative lead time for a product in stock is 3 to 5 working days.

What should I do if my Gorilla has a defect on delivery?

On receipt of the products ordered, the customer or recipient must check that the goods delivered are in good condition and working order, and must familiarise themselves with the conditions of use set out in the instructions supplied. In the event that one or more of the products ordered are missing, defective or damaged, the customer or recipient must make reservations with the carrier at the time of delivery.

To be admissible, these reservations must be clear and precise and provide information on the condition of the goods and not on the packaging (‘damaged bike’, ‘broken fork’, ‘damaged paintwork’ and not ‘damaged parcel’, ‘damaged packaging’). Any reservation referring to subsequent verification by the recipient (‘subject to inspection’, ‘subject to unpacking’) is inadmissible. All complaints must be sent to us by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt within 3 working days of receipt of the products.