Pedaling up Roberts Creek Road last week, my friend and fellow bike commuter Jules Smith zipped past, leaving me in her dust with a wave and a smile. Brushing off my bruised ego, I trundled along till we caught up at the light. “Olympic training schedule? Performance enhancing drugs?” I gasped. “Nope,” she answered with a grin. “New e-bike. See ya later.” As I watched her disappear into the distance, I thought, “I need to know more about this.”
Hobbyists have rigged electric motors to bikes for decades, but e-bikes have now moved into the mainstream. They offer an elegant solution for people who want to reduce their car use and get some exercise, but who are put off by big hills or long distances. Since prices have dropped and battery life risen, e-bikes have gained popularity. After chatting with Jules, I can see why.
Last year Jules bought an Evox e-bike and quickly fell in love with it. After years of bike commuting to Sechelt, she was tired of the hills and prolonged time on the highway. Now she gets to work fast and can load up with groceries on her ride home. Best of all, she gets some exercise while enjoying the outdoors. She’s learned some lessons – monitor the battery charge, and don’t lose expensive-to-replace parts – but she’s happy with her choice. It turns out she is not alone. While e-bikes represent a small share of the North American bike market, sales have doubled from 2016 to 2017. E-bikes are also expanding into mountain biking, with major brands like Giant and Norco adding electric assist options to their lines.
There are several factors to consider when buying an e-bike. A new e-bike starts at around $2,000. That’s expensive when compared to a cheap pedal bike, but not when compared to an electric scooter or small car. There is battery power and life to consider, as well as the design of the system. Some systems add a boost to the pedal, while others add power to the rear wheel. There is also the fit; an expensive e-bike that will see a lot of time on the road better be comfortable.
With Bike to Work Week coming up, readers may want to check out e-bike options. Visit your local bike store, and see what they have in stock. Happy cycling!
