What a warranty actually covers
The legal warranty of conformity (minimum 2 years in France) covers manufacturing defects, not wear or damage from use. In practice:
| Item | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Frame (defect, crack unrelated to impact) | Yes, often extended warranty (5 years to lifetime) |
| Bearings, fork, drivetrain (original defect) | Yes, 2 years |
| E-bike battery and motor | Yes, 2 years (often minimum capacity guaranteed) |
| Tyres, chain, brake pads, cables (wear) | No |
| Damage after crash or impact | No |
| Buckled wheel after a puncture | No (unless proven defect) |
The pitfalls that void your warranty
- Skipped maintenance: a manufacturer can refuse if recommended servicing hasn't been followed. Keep your receipts.
- Poor home assembly on a safety-critical component.
- Non-original parts fitted outside the network, on certain brands.
- Missing the reporting deadline: flag a defect quickly, in writing.
