Decathlon has launched a low-frame version of its Rockrider E-ACTV 100 electric hybrid bike in Almond Green for €999.99 across select European markets. This update adds a third color option to the lineup, which debuted in early 2025 with Pearl Gray low-frame and Charcoal Gray high-frame variants. Urban commuters and casual riders gain more aesthetic choices without changes to the proven specs, making it easier to match personal style at a sub-€1000 price point.
Decathlon’s Rockrider Line and Market Position
Decathlon, a French sporting goods retailer founded in 1976, has grown into a global leader in affordable outdoor and mobility products, with over 1,700 stores worldwide. Its Rockrider brand targets entry-level mountain and hybrid bikes, emphasizing value through in-house design and manufacturing. The E-ACTV 100 fits into Decathlon’s push into electric bikes, offering EU-legal pedal-assist models under 250W to appeal to budget-conscious Europeans facing rising fuel costs and urban congestion.
The model entered Europe in early 2025, initially in Pearl Gray (low-frame) and Charcoal Gray (high-frame). Sales now include the Netherlands, Spain, and France via Decathlon’s online stores, with no confirmed UK rollout for the green variant. This expansion reflects Decathlon’s strategy to broaden appeal through frame types and colors while keeping prices fixed at €999.99, undercutting many competitors in the sub-€1000 e-bike segment.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Motor | 36V brushless rear hub, 250W nominal power, 45 Nm torque |
| Top Speed | 25 km/h (EU legal limit) |
| Battery | Removable 356 Wh, up to 70 km range in Eco mode |
| Suspension | Front fork, 60 mm travel |
| Gears | 6-speed Microshift |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc, 160 mm rotors |
| Frame Options | Low-frame (22.8 kg) or high-frame (22.9 kg), aluminum |
| Wheels/Tires | Hybrid tires, 47 mm width |
| Features | Fenders, lights, Bluetooth app connectivity, SP Connect smartphone mount |
| Price | €999.99 |
Sources confirm consistent specs across variants, with the Almond Green limited to low-frame for easier mounting.
Performance and Ride Quality
The rear-hub motor delivers 45 Nm torque, sufficient for 10% inclines and 500m elevation gain, with three assist modes: Eco, Normal, and Boost. Real-world range hub motors without torque sensorserrain, though heavier loads or hills reduce it—typical for hub motors without torque sensors, which Decathlon likely omitted to hit the price. The 60 mm front suspension smooths urban paths, while 47 mm hybrid tires balance road and light gravel use.
Bluetooth pairs with the free Decathlon Ride app for stats like speed, distance, and firmware updates. An SP Connect-compatible stem mount adds practicality for navigation. However, the LED handlebar controller feels basic, lacking a full display, and the 6-speed shifter is entry-level Microshift—functional but not refined for aggressive riding.
Build Quality and Practicality
At 22.8 kg (low-frame), it’s maneuverable for an e-bike, with a lockable, side-insertion battery easing home charging. Included fenders, lights, and rack compatibility (MIK HD optional) suit daily commutes. It’s trailer-approved for Hamax and Bike Original models, broadening family use. Drawbacks include no standard kickstand (€15 accessory) and mechanical brakes, which perform adequately in dry conditions but lag in wet weather compared to hydraulics.
Low-frame suits riders preferring easy step-through, ideal for city stops or less agile users. High-frame offers rigidity for control. Colors now include Almond Green (low), Pearl Gray (low), and Charcoal Gray (high), expanding personalization.
Price and Value Assessment
€999.99 positions the E-ACTV 100 as a budget standout, bundling essentials without frills. Components prioritize cost over premium feel—hub motor over mid-drive, mechanical brakes over hydraulic—but deliver reliable urban performance. Longevity questions remain: hub motors wear faster on steep terrain, and without torque sensor confirmation, assistance may feel less natural than pricier rivals.
Comparison with Competitors
| Model | Price | Motor/Torque | Battery/Range | Weight | Key Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockrider E-ACTV 100 | €999.99 | Rear hub/45 Nm | 356 Wh/70 km | 22.8 kg | App connectivity, accessories included |
| Rockrider E-ST 100 | ~€1000 | Rear hub/42-70 Nm (varies) | ~380 Wh/50 km | ~23 kg | 8 speeds, more MTB-focused |
| Entry-level Cube (e.g., Hyde) | €1200+ | Mid-drive/50+ Nm | 400+ Wh/80 km | 24 kg | Smoother power, better hills |
| Decathlon Riverside 100 | €900 (non-electric) | N/A | N/A | 18 kg | Lighter, cheaper for no-assist |
The E-ACTV 100 undercuts Cube hybrids while matching range, but trails in motor sophistication. Against Decathlon’s own E-ST 100, it offers hybrid tires and a better urban kit over MTB emphasis.
Verdict
The Rockrider E-ACTV 100 in Almond Green earns a strong buy for urban commuters seeking an all-in-one e-bike under €1000—perfect for 20-50 km daily rides in flat-to-moderate terrain. Its removable battery, app integration, and inclusions like lights justify the price, though serious hill-climbers or wet-weather riders may want hydraulic upgrades. Unanswered: UK availability and long-term motor durability. If you’re in NL, ES, or FR, this low-frame green option delivers accessible e-mobility without compromise on essentials.
