The e-bike business is booming and showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, e-bikes are outselling EVs in both the US and Europe, with Canada not far behind.
The benefits are huge: hills disappear; distances shorten; knee and joint pain are not as big a barrier; the weight you can carry by bike increases. In short, e-bikes open the door to cycling for transportation to many people who previously would never be able to consider cycling.
Fortunately for consumers wanting to buy an e-bike, there have never been more options available.
Unfortunately for consumers, there have never been more options available. Wait… wasn’t that the positive? Well, yes. But it also means that it is becoming increasingly challenging to work out what constitutes a good purchase. Too much choice is sometimes overwhelming.
So here’s our handy check-list for picking your e-bike.
It fits you
Depending on the brand, you will find that E-bikes are often made in a single frame size, whereas standard bikes generally offer multiple frame sizes. Check the rider height range of the product to make sure it will fit!
You can store it
E-bikes are HEAVY. Because you’re using a battery to help you move, they don’t need to be made as light as standard bikes, and the batteries themselves are pretty hefty.
Consider where you’d store it. If you need to carry it up or down stairs. You may want to be able to remove the battery if it has to be stored in a public place or a shared bike room. Some options also fold or stand upright for smaller spaces.
It has a safe battery
The risk of battery fires is unfortunately real, especially for poorly made batteries and motors, so it pays to do some due diligence to ensure your new bike is safe. Fortunately, there is a certification process (UL-2849) for e-bikes to help guide your purchase.
Because the EU requires UL certification, all European Manufacturers will meet the standard by default, and most of the big brand name motors like Bosch or Yamaha will too. Most bricks-and-motor bike shops will only carry certified products as well, but you can always ask for proof that the motors meet UL standards.
If you’re buying from a Direct-to-Consumer company, you should be able to check whether their products are certified, or send them a question to ask.
The full e-bike motor certification guidelines can be found here: https://www.ul.com/services/e-bikes-certification-testing-ul-2849
It does what I need it to do
This sounds simple but there are a few things to consider here. For example, e-bikes have vastly different ranges, so if you need it to get you 40kms on one charge, then a bike with a 35km range won’t work! (Note that ranges are usually given for travel on the flat, using the lowest level of assist, with no lights; expect about half this distance for hilly night rides at the highest assist level).
Further, although many e-bikes will come pre-equipped with fenders, racks, lights, or a kickstand, kid seats or panniers may need to be bought directly from the manufacturer to fit properly. You may also want to upgrade one of the components, such as adding a more heavy duty kickstand than the base model includes. Take these extras into account when you’re making your decision!
It’s legal under Ottawa/Ontario laws
The regulations for e-bikes are not standardized world-wide, and Ontario is one of the few provinces which actually has laws on the books around e-bikes. Importantly, Ontario has restrictions on speed and motor power that places some options available in the US outside of the law in Ontario. European manufactured bikes have to meet similar requirements as us so are more likely to be OK.
Additionally, NCC bike paths specifically exclude Vespa-style e-bikes, and only pedal-assist bikes are permitted – but still have to adhere to the 20km/h speed limit.
The Ontario e-bike laws can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/riding-e-bike
I can afford it
You’ve spotted a bike you like, but then you see the price tag. E-bikes are expensive, no doubt. Absolute cheapest models start around $1,500, and can go well over $10,000 for e-cargo bikes (all amounts in $CAD).
That being said, the extra boost from the motor means that car trips are much more easily replaced by bike, so you’re not spending on gas or parking for that more expensive vehicle. It’s also not legally required to have a bike insured, and insuring an e-bike is cheaper than insuring even a small car.
Some bike shops have recognized the challenge and offer financing to help with the up front expense – treating e-bikes more like the cars they’re often replacing in many families’ budgets.
It’s also worth balancing the cost with the benefits. The quality of components, longevity of the battery, and comfort will all impact how long you get to enjoy your purchase. If you can spend a bit more up front, it may well be worth it in the long run!
Another option to look at is adding a motor to your existing bike. You can find conversion kits online, and many bike shops will be able to help you with the install if you’re not up to it. Keep in mind that these kits should still meet those certifications for fire safety, so the cheapest option is not always the best!
There is one more thing to consider, and that’s to try before you buy.
If you haven’t had the chance to try an e-bike, it’s worth giving one a try before deciding to spend the money. Bike rental companies in Ottawa now frequently carry e-bikes, and it usually doesn’t take long to feel the difference! Rentals can be for as short as one hour, or as long as several weeks.
You can also ask for a test-ride from a friend who owns one, or from a bike shop that carries e-bikes. This is an expensive investment for many people, and it’s good to know you’ll enjoy it.
Trying first is a great way figure out what you like and don’t like about specific types of e-bikes. For example, rear-drive motors are cheaper, but tend to have a small lag. Mid-drive motors are substantially more expensive, but there is no lag, and most people who try both will prefer the mid-drive.
If the bike you’re riding makes you smile, that’s the most important factor! If it doesn’t, then there’s probably another e-bike out there with your name on it.