Decathlon E Three 500 cargo bike: How B’Twin has improved the Longtail

Editor’s CONCLUSION

Evolution rather than revolution: The E Three 500 is continuing to refine the R500E gradually. Anyone who is happy with the older model is under little pressure to switch to the new bike. Nevertheless, there are significant improvements: the modular rack system and the colour display are the most obvious new features; the lighting system has also been updated. Added to this are a larger battery and a motor that is nominally slightly more powerful and, in practice, more smoothly tuned. It’s great that this improved package is even available at a lower price. However, prospective buyers will need to factor in the cost of optional accessories such as the front luggage rack. – Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, BIKE Magazine

The Decathlon B’Twin E Three 500 replaces the R500E Longtail V2. If you only look at the new colour scheme, you’ll miss the most important change: Decathlon has made the cargo bike more versatile with the B’Clip accessory system. Added to this are a larger battery, a colour display and slightly higher motor torque. It isn’t a radically new bike. We compare the predecessor and successor to this successful cargo bike and explain which new features really make a difference in everyday use.

A direct comparison of the E Three 500 and the R500E

Larger battery: more power on paper

Decathlon states the capacity of the E Three 500 as 711 Wh rather than 672 Wh – a theoretical increase of 39 Wh, or just under six per cent. In fact, we found that the new model offered noticeably greater range. However, this is also down to a new motor calibration. On paper, the hub motor in the 2026 model is slightly more powerful. In practice, however, the first thing you notice is the moderately tuned Eco mode. In the previous model, the thrust for riding on flat terrain was very pronounced, even in the weakest mode. That drains the battery unnecessarily. We prefer the power delivery of the newer version.

Motor and operation: Minor change to the figures, noticeable jump on the display

The Vision motor remains in the rear wheel. Its stated torque figure has increased from 58 to 60 Nm. An extra two Newton-metres is no indication that the loaded bike handles noticeably differently on hills. The hill-start assist up to 6 km/h was already available on the previous model; the new model offers it too. In our view, the most noticeable difference lies in the calibration of the modes described above. A step forward.

Equally impressive is the new TFT colour display with a digital lock function. The R500E V2 had an LCD display that looked very dated – and was rather reminiscent of a Casio watch from the 90s. The new colour display is a significant step forward. However, even the latest version cannot keep up with modern e-bike displays that offer a navigation view, anti-theft alarm, over-the-air updates and touchscreen functionality. In everyday family life, this is not a major issue.

Especially as a USB port for charging your smartphone and a lock function with a four-digit PIN certainly add value. The PIN lock is, of course, not a fully-fledged anti-theft device. The frame lock remains fitted to the fork as standard, which is ideal for short stops.

B’Clip: A real breakthrough in transport

A major functional innovation lies not in the drive system, but in the luggage rack. The E Three 500 is designed to be compatible with Decathlon’s new B’Clip accessories: compatible components can be clicked onto the designated rack and swapped around without the need for tools or additional adapters. This takes just seconds, and the accessories can be secured against theft using a key. Seat cushions, baskets, bags, transport boxes and child seats – the range of accessories is extensive. Anyone who transports children in the morning and shopping in the afternoon can adapt the load area more quickly. This is the most significant difference compared to the R500E’s previous standard configurations.

Important to note when comparing prices: ‘B’Clip-ready’ does not mean that the modules are included in the price of the bike. The front rack is also only available separately; the R500E V2 came with a front basket as standard. Anyone who regularly carries luggage at the front should factor in the cost of the necessary parts. According to Decathlon, some older accessories may still be compatible. Therefore, do not automatically assume that existing R500E accessories are unusable; check their compatibility on a case-by-case basis.

A quick look at the new features:

• 711 rather than 672 watt-hours of battery capacity
• Colour display with USB port and lock function
• B’Clip quick-release fastener for accessories
• Rear light with brake light function
• Just 6 gears instead of 8
• 2,699 instead of 2,999 euros
• Footrests and luggage rack cover made from weather-resistant plastic

Lighting and payload: Not everything is new or better

The new front headlamp has 60 lux and an automatic day/night mode. The R500E V2 was fitted with an 80-lux headlamp. The lux rating itself has therefore fallen. However, the new lamp is more securely integrated. This not only improves the appearance, but also the fit and impact resistance of the front light. The rear light has also been fitted with a brake light function, which further enhances safety.

The payload and the basic design of the cargo bike remain unchanged. The 170-kilogramme payload includes the rider and any passengers, of which a maximum of 80 kilogrammes may be carried at the rear and 10 kilogrammes on the optional front platform. The kerb weight has increased from 38 to 39 kilograms, bringing the gross vehicle weight up from 208 to 209 kilograms. Anyone weighing up different longtail designs will find in our Buying guide for longtail cargo bikes further guidance.

Longer shelf life?

The material used for the covers on the rear rack has also been changed. Instead of light-coloured wood, the panels are now made of black, weather-resistant plastic. Those who like the classic wooden look might be disappointed. Unfortunately, however, the wooden planks were prone to weathering over time. This should no longer be a problem with the new parts. And the look and feel remain good. You don’t get the impression you’re handling plastic parts. Incidentally, the new boards are also backwards compatible and can replace weathered wooden planks on older models.

A clear downgrade

Instead of an 8-speed gearbox, the new version now has only 6 gears. Whilst this isn’t a serious problem in flat, urban traffic, it is definitely a drawback. The gear ratios are therefore wider, which could be a negative factor particularly for sportier riders who like to keep their cadence under control.