Electric Bikes: A Buying Guide
Electric bikes are for everyone! Whether you ride on asphalt roads or mountain trails, electric bikes allow you to rack up more kilometres, and—Why not?—commute by bike. Here is our buyer’s guide for electric bikes.
Why choose an electric bike?
There’s no reason not to get one—electric bikes are for everyone. Whether you’re an athlete, beginner or expert on two wheels, you’ll find an electric bike has many appealing advantages.
Owning an electric bike allows you to cover more kilometres more efficiently. Cyclists with busy daily schedules will appreciate being able to get in a quick bike ride after work or at lunchtime.
Electric bikes allow beginning cyclists to keep up as they improve. Furthermore, they’re an excellent choice if you want a bike to replace your car for your daily commute and errands.
Are you a mountain biker? Read 3 Reasons You Should Ride an Electric Mountain Bike.
How do electric bikes work?
An electric bike—regardless of type—has a motor powered by a rechargeable battery. The motor is housed either in the bottom bracket or the bike’s rear hub. The battery is very often incorporated into the frame on the down tube.
To give you a smooth ride, electric bikes are equipped with a torque sensor on the bottom bracket. This component is activated when you pedal and informs the motor that you’re moving. This means you need to pedal to activate the electric assistance. When motion is sensed, the motor provides you with the assistance level you’ve chosen on the controller.
For these bikes to be safe for their weight, they have adapted components and feature a sturdier frame.
Types of Bikes with Electric Assistance
Road Bikes/Gravel Bikes
E-bikes are designed to be ridden on asphalt and sometimes gravel surfaces, depending on geometry and tire type. Electric road bikes are perfect for long rides, tackling steep hills and being able to keep up if you do a lot of group rides. They can even be a solution to replace your car for your daily commutes.
How much does an electric road bike cost? From $6,000 to $10,000
Are you more the normal road bike type? Browse our Road Bike Buying Guide.
Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid electric bikes are designed to ride in the city, on bike paths and, Why not?, to get to work. Their geometry makes for comfortable riding, which allows them to be used for all occasions—as much for fun as for commuting. That’s what you call combining business with pleasure!
How much does a hybrid electric bike cost? Between $3,000 and $5,000
Are you more the conventional hybrid bike type? Browse our buying guide for hybrid bikes.
Mountain Bikes
Electric mountain bikes are designed for even more climbs and downhills. They enable you to rack up more kilometres and make the most of your outings. They’re an ideal companion for those who have a busy schedule and want to stay active.
How much does an electric mountain bike cost? From $6,000 to $10,000
Are you more the conventional mountain bike type? Check out our article Choosing your type of mountain bike.
Rules for Electric Bikes
In Quebec, electric bikes aren’t considered a vehicle, especially if you’re riding in the city. That means that they don’t need a registration as a scooter does. That said, the battery can’t exceed 500 watts and a maximum speed of 32 km/h.
Helmet Requirement
If you buy an electric bike, you’re required to wear a bicycle helmet that meets certain standards. Not wearing one is illegal, and violators could be fined $60 to $100.
Here are the standards for bike helmets for electric bikes:
- CAN/CSA-D113.2 (Canadian Standards Association)
- 16 CFR Part 1203 (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
- ASTM F1447 or ASTM F1898 (American Society for Testing and Materials)
- EN 1078 (European Committee for Standardisation)
- B-90 and B-95 (Snell Memorial Foundation)
If you want to know everything about bicycle helmets, read our article Choosing the Right Bike Helmet.
What are the criteria for a good electric bike?
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Power and motor — The motor’s power is measured in watts. In Quebec, the maximum power is 500 W.
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Electric assistance levels — Electric bikes offer at least three levels of assistance. Some models have more than three, which gives you more flexibility during travel.
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Battery performance — This is what provides the energy the motor needs. The battery is usually located on the frame and either built-in or removable. You can recharge them using a wall outlet.
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Brakes — Because of their hefty weight, electric bikes should have high-performance brakes.
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Comfort — This aspect doesn’t change whatever bike you’re buying: try it in-store to make sure you’re comfortable on it.
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Ease of use — Make sure the bike is easy to use, including the control screen, battery charging and maintenance.
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The electric bike’s weight
Difference in Motor Power for Electric Bikes
Electric bikes’ motor power varies from bike to bike, depending on the product line. An electric bike’s motor harnesses the electric energy in watts (W) provided by the battery.
The different wattages give you an idea of how quickly the motor can reach a certain power level to assist you.
What is the range of an electric bike?
The battery range of an electric bike depends on several factors—some that the rider can’t control—such as battery capacity, motor power, the level of assistance selected and weight carried. However, the higher the battery capacity, the more kilometres you can ride.
Additionally, some uncontrollable factors impact battery life, such as temperature and terrain.
What kind of bike rack do you need to carry an electric bike?
Because electric bikes are heavier, a hitch bike rack is the only type that can bear the load. The Thule Easyfold XT bike rack is perfect for transporting your electric bikes.
If you want to find the bike rack that best suits your equipment, read our article Choosing a Bike Rack Based on Your Needs.
Can I ride an electric bike without assistance?
Yes, you can ride without electric assistance when the battery is dead. Though you can pedal as smoothly as on a bike without electric assistance, you’ll feel the additional weight.
