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Valeo

by Dr. Watts'on
Valeo electric engine brand information

Valeo electric engines

  • Founded: 1923 (entered the e-bike market in 2020)
  • Country: France
  • Range: Electric drivetrain and motor systems for e-bikes
  • Price segment: High-end, with e-bikes equipped with the Valeo Cyclee™ system typically starting at around $4,000
  • Reputation: Known for its innovation in e-bike electrification, leveraging automotive-grade expertise to provide powerful, low-maintenance e-bike systems. Recognized for their robust integration of automatic gear shifting and high torque, Valeo has quickly established itself as a premium provider in the e-bike industry.
  • Appearance: Functional, high-tech systems designed for city, trekking, and cargo bikes, emphasizing ease of use, automatic features, and sleek integration.
  • Overall quality: Very high, benefiting from Valeo’s established reputation in the automotive sector. Their e-bike systems are designed for durability and high performance, with an emphasis on minimal maintenance and long-term reliability.
  • Durability: Extremely durable, thanks to innovations like the automatic gearbox and the use of a belt drive instead of chains, which reduces wear and tear.
  • Customer service: Comprehensive, with a dedicated support network offering technical assistance, spare parts delivery within 48 hours across Europe, and a robust aftermarket service.
  • Brands using their engine: Peugeot, Bianchi, FUELL, Sunn, VUF Bikes.

Who or What is Valeo?

Valeo is a global French company that primarily operates in the automotive industry but has recently expanded into the e-bike sector. Founded in 1923, Valeo is known for producing cutting-edge automotive components, particularly in the areas of electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Their entry into the e-bike market was marked by the launch of the Valeo Cyclee™ system in 2020, which integrates Valeo’s deep knowledge of 48V electric motors and transmission systems developed for cars into bicycles​.

What Makes Valeo Good or Unique?

Valeo’s unique selling propositions (USPs) lie in its innovative drivetrain solutions for e-bikes. The most notable is the Valeo Cyclee™ system, which combines a 48V electric motor with a 7-speed automatic adaptive gearbox. This drivetrain is designed to eliminate traditional bike components like chains and derailleurs, reducing the need for regular maintenance and offering higher efficiency and performance.

The system is equipped with 130Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful e-bike motors available. It can multiply the cyclist’s effort by a factor of eight, allowing for effortless climbing of steep gradients and carrying heavy loads. Additionally, Valeo’s drivetrain includes advanced features like regenerative braking, a boost function for overtaking, and anti-theft measures integrated into the pedal assembly, which locks the bike when necessary​.

Valeo Electric engines of 2025

aleo does not produce bikes but supplies their motor and drivetrain systems to premium e-bike brands. The Valeo Cyclee™ system is typically found on high-end city bikes, trekking bikes, and cargo bikes. Brands like Peugeot, Bianchi, and FUELL use this system in their models, positioning their bikes in the upper-middle to premium price segment. E-bikes equipped with Valeo’s technology usually start at around $4,000 and can go higher depending on the specific features and build quality of the bicycle.

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Valeo History

Valeo, originally founded in 1923 in Saint-Ouen, France, began as a supplier of brake linings and clutch facings under the name Société Anonyme Française du Ferodo. Throughout the 20th century, the company expanded its automotive component portfolio, adding systems related to thermal, transmission, and electrical operations.

This broad expertise allowed Valeo to become a leader in the global automotive market, continuously advancing innovations in vehicle efficiency and comfort. During the 1980s and 1990s, Valeo pursued an aggressive growth strategy through acquisitions, consolidating its leadership position in Europe and expanding into North America, Asia, and South America.

In the early 2000s, Valeo shifted its focus towards sustainability and green technologies, responding to global demands for more efficient and eco-friendly automotive systems. It made significant investments in research and development, with a particular focus on electrification and automation.

This culminated in Valeo’s leadership in the development of 48V systems for hybrid and electric vehicles, which they later adapted for e-bikes as part of their diversification into the “zero-emission mobility” market in 2020.

One of the most significant moves in recent years was Valeo’s entry into the e-bike sector. Utilizing its advanced automotive electrification expertise, the company launched the Valeo Cyclee™ system—an e-bike drivetrain with an integrated motor and automatic transmission, marking its first significant step into the non-automotive mobility market. This move highlights Valeo’s ongoing strategy to diversify beyond its automotive roots, leveraging its electric motor expertise to capture emerging markets in urban mobility​.

Timeline of Valeo 

  • 1923: Valeo is founded as Société Anonyme Française du Ferodo in Saint-Ouen, France.
  • 1960s-1970s: Valeo expands its product range to include advanced automotive thermal, electrical, and transmission systems.
  • 1980s: The company adopts the name Valeo, focusing on international expansion and making significant acquisitions.
  • 1990s: Valeo becomes a leader in Europe and gains a strong presence in North America, Asia, and South America through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.
  • 2000s: Valeo pivots towards green technologies and begins extensive research into automotive electrification.
  • 2010s: Valeo becomes a leader in 48V hybrid systems and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
  • 2020: Valeo enters the e-bike market with the introduction of the Cyclee™ system, leveraging its automotive electrification expertise.
  • 2022: Mass production of Valeo’s Cyclee™ system begins, signaling its long-term commitment to the e-bike sector​.
  • 2023: Valeo celebrates a century of innovation in mobility, marking its presence as a key player in automotive and e-bike technology.

News about Valeo in 2024

In 2024, Valeo continues its strong momentum, particularly in the e-bike market, with several key developments:

At Eurobike 2024, Valeo showcased new enhancements to its Cyclee™ system, including a quieter 48V motor, further refined Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solutions, and more sustainable design elements, with components made from recycled materials.

The Cyclee™ system is now even more responsive, with advanced features such as a 7-speed automatic transmission that adapts instantly to the rider’s pedaling style, offering a smooth and intuitive ride. Valeo’s smart HMI solutions provide riders with more seamless interactions, from an anti-theft phone-as-a-key system to diagnostics accessible through mobile apps​.

Additionally, Valeo announced partnerships for reconditioning e-bike components through a collaboration with Smovengo, an operator of the Vélib’ Métropole bike-share program in Paris. This initiative focuses on refurbishing the motors and batteries of the shared e-bikes, further emphasizing Valeo’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.

The company has also expanded its production capacity, with over 100,000 units of the Cyclee™ system expected to be delivered by the end of the year, solidifying Valeo’s position as a major player in the growing e-bike industry​

Valeo Contact and Warranty

Valeo offers a comprehensive warranty for its e-bike components, particularly those equipped with the Valeo Cyclee™ system. The warranty covers manufacturing defects in both the 48V motor and the 7-speed automatic gearbox. Typically, warranties last up to five years for parts and labor, depending on the specific component and usage conditions.

However, some limitations apply, particularly regarding wear and tear or improper usage, such as using non-approved batteries with the system. Valeo ensures that their after-sales service includes easy access to spare parts, technical support, and even remote diagnostics to assist in repairs​.

In terms of contact information, Valeo maintains an active presence across several platforms. Their main website for the Cyclee system is valeocyclee.com, which offers detailed product information and support options. They also provide customer service through a dedicated hotline and email support for technical assistance. Additionally, Valeo is present on social media, including: