The present invention concerns the use, as a cationic surfactant for preparing bitumen emulsions, of at least one emulsifier comprising, and preferably consisting of: a) at least one alkoxylated amine, preferably comprising at least 5 alkyleneoxy units, and comprising at least one hydrocarbon chain, preferably a hydrocarbon chain comprising between 8 and 30 carbon atoms, inclusive; and b) at least one carboxylic acid of formula R'-COOH, in which R' represents a hydrocarbon chain comprising between 7 and 12 carbon atoms, inclusive, optionally comprising one or a plurality of unsaturations in the form of (a) double and/or triple bond(s). The invention also concerns bitumen emulsions prepared from said emulsifier, and the coated products prepared with said emulsions.