Rose Gardner was just a few months away from becoming a parent when she and her partner acquired an e-assist bike during the summer of 2018. This eco-friendly mode of transportation transformed their experience of getting around.
“It was beneficial for me to keep cycling until late in my pregnancy,” explains Gardner, who serves as the bike education director at Vancouver’s HUB Cycling. “I appreciate being able to tackle hills, including some steep ones near our home. It also enables a more upright riding position without compromising the power that usually comes with that posture. Riding upright is more comfortable and allows for better visibility.”
Gardner is among the many individuals transitioning from traditional bikes or cars to e-bikes.
What is an e-bike?
E-bikes are essentially bicycles equipped with an electric motor and battery that assist in propulsion. While local laws and regulations differ across Canada, most classify e-bikes as having a motor of 500 watts or less and a top speed of 32km/h.
Why is interest in e-bikes skyrocketing?
Data on e-bike usage in Canada is limited, but trends suggest that e-biking is a rapidly growing phenomenon. In the United States, e-bike sales surpassed those of electric vehicles in 2021, and the global e-bike market, valued at over US$41 billion in 2020, is projected to approach US$70 billion by the end of 2028.
What is driving this increased enthusiasm for e-bikes? The motivations are as varied as the individuals who are adopting this assisted cycling mode.
Enhances fitness
The popularity of cycling as a viable transportation option has been on the rise for years, and the pandemic has further accelerated this trend, highlighting the need for socially distanced outdoor activities and a stronger emphasis on physical and mental well-being. E-biking allows for significant physical activity, as riders have the choice to pedal without electrical assistance.
Whether for work or leisure, riding an e-bike enables individuals of all ages to cover more ground quickly and with less exertion, all while minimizing their environmental impact. E-bikes produce zero emissions and eliminate the hassle of sitting in traffic, further helping to mitigate air and noise pollution.
Financial advantages
There are also monetary benefits associated with e-bikes: no parking or insurance expenses, no fuel costs, lower road taxes, and maintenance costs that are generally less than those required for a vehicle.
Commutes made easier
When Tony Valente switched from using a conventional road bike to an e-assist bike for his long commute, he noticed several advantages from a less physically demanding ride: he no longer needed to shower or change clothes upon reaching the office. Although his commuting distance has changed, he enjoys riding his e-bike whenever he gets the chance.
“Wherever I’m headed, I can wear regular clothes,” says Valente, a risk manager involved with infrastructure projects and a City of North Vancouver councillor. “I’ve vowed to cycle as much as possible. It’s a lot of fun.”
Transporting cargo, children, and pets
Having tried various e-bike models, Valente recently purchased an e-assist cargo bike, which has significantly improved his daily routines. Its spacious, insulated, and secure storage allows him to easily run errands, like grocery shopping or organizing a picnic with his wife, directly at the beach. E-cargo bikes can transport everything from pets and children to sports gear and camping supplies.
Gardner also opts for an e-cargo bike: she and her partner sought a safe way to carry their infant in a car seat via bike. “We’ve explored various Gulf islands, Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast on multiple camping trips,” Gardner shares. “In three and a half years, we’ve put over 10,000 kilometres on our cargo bike… Not only have we saved thousands of dollars and increased our outdoor activity, but it’s an enjoyable way for my daughter to engage with her community.”
Considering an e-bike?
Motor size
What sort of motor best fits your needs? There are two types:
- Mid-drives are generally smaller, lighter, more efficient, and suitable for hilly terrains and off-road travel.
- Hub-drives are better for long, primarily flat commuting routes.
Speed cap
Think about whether you prefer a bike with a lower speed limit.
Price
Budget is a significant consideration, with entry-level prices usually ranging from $1,500 to $2,000.
Weight
E-bikes are heavier than traditional bicycles; be sure to test lifting it before making a purchase.
Cycling together
E-bikes are an excellent choice for those looking to ride alongside friends, partners, or family members but may struggle to keep pace or have physical restrictions that necessitate assistance. The best part? Hills become much easier to manage.
Government support for eco-friendly transportation
Various provinces are promoting e-bike usage through financial incentives. For instance, in British Columbia, e-bikes are exempt from provincial sales tax. Additionally, $36 million has been allocated to BC’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program to assist municipal and Indigenous governments in enhancing sidewalks and bike paths.
Recently, a motion passed in Toronto to update the city’s bike plan to include tax incentives for both conventional and e-bikes. The Electrify program, offered by the Province of Nova Scotia, provides rebates on purchasing or leasing qualifying e-bikes. Furthermore, Banff has introduced a rebate initiative for e-bikes.
Given this bike boom, it’s likely that more cities in Canada will adopt tax incentives or rebates for bike purchases, and provinces may explore changes in infrastructure to further encourage cycling.
A nod to history
While e-bikes are the latest trend in cycling, the concept actually dates back to the late 19th century. The first patent for an e-bike was issued in 1895 to Ogden Bolton, Jr., who designed a battery-powered bicycle featuring a “6-pole brush-and-commutator direct current (DC) hub motor mounted in the rear wheel.”
