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E-bike made in France

Made in France challenge

Vue de profil depuis le sol du vélo électrique Eclair. Sans fond.

By taking up the challenge of the electric bike made in France, we contribute to the French bike industry revival and promote local job creation.

By favoring European components, we uphold the most demanding social and environmental standards while reducing our production carbon footprint.

E-bike made in France:
understanding this marking

Badge made in France.

In the European Union, the rules of non-preferential origin (NPO), defined in Articles 59 to 63 of the Union Customs Code (UCC) and the associated regulations, establish a product’s country of origin. For an in-depth understanding, we suggest consulting the French Customs’ Guide to non-preferential origin.

This NPO can only be defined by precisely tracking the manufacturing process, the countries involved in production (whether by supplying components or carrying out operations), the cost of individual components, and the ex-works price of the finished product.

When a product, such as an electric bicycle, is manufactured across multiple countries, the UCC states that it is made in France if it undergoes its final substantial transformation, namely its assembly, within FranceHowever, this alone is not sufficient. It is also necessary to comply with one of the following primary rules: the change of tariff heading (CTH) or the 45% value-added rule.

The change of tariff heading

To qualify as “Made in France,” an assembled electric bike must have a tariff heading (the first four digits of the customs code) that differs from the tariff headings of its non-French components. With heading 8711 for e-bikes, this is usually true.

However, in the case of electric bicycles, a specific requirement applies: non-originating parts must have a tariff heading other than 8501, 8507, or 8714. These headings cover essential components like the motor (8501), battery (8507), frame, fork, rims, crankset, brakes, saddle, and many other parts listed under 8714. If any of these elements are not made in France, the CTH rule becomes inapplicable, making this option virtually impossible.

The 45% value-added rule

To comply with this rule, the value acquired by the assembly and possibly the incorporation of parts manufactured in France must represent at least 45% of the ex-works price of the electric bike. It is the rule generally used for an e-bike to display the “Made in France” label.

Residual rules

If neither the CTH rule nor the 45% value-added rule is respected, one must refer to the residual rules. For e-bikes, the “major part” rule applies: the e-bike’s country of origin is the country where the majority of its components are manufactured.

Therefore, an e-bike is “Made in France” if French components form the largest share, exceeding those from countries like Taiwan or China. However, this designation raises questions about the authenticity of a “Made in France” label, especially when a significant portion of the value-added comes from foreign components.

An electric bike is typically labeled “Made in France” if it is assembled in France and at least 45% of its ex-works price comes from the cost of assembly and components manufactured in France.

Le vélo électrique Eclair garé sur le pont Bir Hakeim à Paris avec la Tour Eiffel dans le fond

A 45% value-added in France might seem modest, but only a tiny fraction of today’s e-bikes can boast the “Made in France” label. Beware of “Frenchwashing!”

What about Eclair?

Eclair is firstly a frame made in France. In Auxelles-Bas, near Belfort, the CITELE Group machines parts from internally produced aluminum castings and assembles them with chromoly steel tubes drawn by Osborn Metals in Longueville, Seine-et-Marne. Technocoat in Chassieu, Lyon’s region, paints the frame.

Our eco-responsible battery, designed by PYMCO in Ivry-sur-Seine near Paris, is manufactured in Cluses, Haute-Savoie.

eBikeLabs in Grenoble develops the eBikeOS software.

In the Loire department, Mach1 in Marclopt manufactures rims and spokes, while Stronglight in Saint-Étienne produces mudguards.

For enhanced theft protection with GPS tracking, we use a connectivity module manufactured by Velco near Nantes.

Ultimately, over 60% of our electric bike’s value-added is French, with nearly 10% more coming from European manufacturers.

And of course, Eclair is assembled in France by l’Usine à Vélo in Villeurbanne.

Carte de France avec les villes des fournisseurs d'Eclair
  • 60% French value-added
  • France Assembly in

By choosing Eclair, you support a new sector of French startups and SMEs dedicated to cycling while reducing your carbon footprint.

Vue du velo Eclair de 3/4 avant.

Support French
craftsmanship!

And enjoy our special pre-order price of €2,990.