Already widely democratized in Europe, E-Bikes are now making their way onto the roads and trails of Quebec. What are the criteria for making the right choice?
Price, range, type of motorization: here's a buying guide to help you find your way around the wide range of electrically-assisted bicycles on offer.
E-Bikes are designed for all types of cyclists, not just the elderly as is generally believed.
The current popularity of electrically-assisted bicycles is largely due to the trend towards using bicycles as a means of urban transport. Indeed, the extra power provided by the motor means that cyclists can arrive at the office refreshed and ready to go, even after a mid-summer climb. But the uses are increasingly varied, from running errands to taking a leisurely stroll. There are also electric road bikes, multi-purpose bikes, bikes for mountain bikers and, in recent years, models for fatbikers.
The electric bike can be used to extend your outings, when you're a little more physically limited (in case of injury or at an older age). The boost given by the motor's pedaling assistance will enable you to go higher and further, putting in the effort that suits you. "Several frame configurations are available, for a sportier or more comfortable ride," explains Marc-André Lebeau, owner of Bicycles Quilicot.
Autonomy is a decisive factor when choosing an electric bike. A bike's performance and range depend to a large extent on the battery, and the latter represents a significant proportion of the total manufacturing cost. It's essential to find out about the options in terms of voltage, power and capacity.
Among the models offered at Bicycles Quilicot, the distance covered on a full charge can range from 60 to 200 kilometers! Depending on usage, a battery's lifespan can fluctuate from 600 to 800 recharge cycles, and its replacement cost can range from $500 to $1,000. In general, its lifespan varies from 6 to 8 years.
Important element: a recharge cycle corresponds to a complete charge (from 0 to 100%). So if you charge your bike twice from 50% to 100% or four times from 75% to 100%, that still equates to 1 full charge cycle. 800 complete recharge cycles can therefore be the equivalent of 3200 "partial" recharge cycles of 25% (from 75% to 100%).
Marc-André Lebeau explains: "Today's quality EVs use lithium battery variants. They offer several advantages over lead-acid batteries, including the fact that they can be recharged at any time, and that they have a deep standby mode that prevents them from running completely flat.
Store the battery at room temperature (not below 5°C).
Recharge it at least once a month, especially in winter, when you tend to neglect your bike a little more (you can use or store your bike in cold weather, but the battery must be stored at room temperature).
Another important factor when choosing your electric bike is the type of motorization. There are two main types: the wheel motor and the pedal motor.
Wheel motor - Generally more powerful than a pedal motor. This system has been democratized by the Bionix brands. Bikes with a throttle are generally equipped with a wheel motor. Some models also allow you to recharge the battery while riding.
Pedal motor - This generally enables you to cover longer distances. It also helps center the weight on the bike. This may be negligible in some cases, but can improve handling and ride quality in others, such as mountain biking. What's more, most motors today feature a power sensor that adapts the power delivered by the motor to that emitted by the rider. This not only makes pedaling assistance smooth and pleasant, but also optimizes battery autonomy.
For a quality EAB, expect to pay a minimum of $2,000," says Marc-André Lebeau. Then, depending on your needs, the price can go up to $5,000, or even $12,000 for high-performance, long-range mountain bike models." Interesting fact: you can take advantage of certain spring discounts on models that have been in store for over a year. On the other hand, it's best to stay away from cheap models, sometimes on sale in certain big-box stores or on foreign websites, as they often use older battery technologies. By opting for a well-established, specialized store, you can be sure of buying a bike that complies with Canadian standards (such as the protection mode on the throttle lever), as well as getting good after-sales service. What's more, the warranty is a factor to consider when making your purchase. Most major manufacturers offer warranties of 18 months or more on all bike components, including the battery.
Above all, it's the motor they use that distinguishes the EAB brands. Here are the main brands:
Of German origin, Bosch motors are produced entirely in Europe - a fact reflected in the price of the bikes equipped with them... but also in the quality of the product. They are available in two power ratings: one for urban transport (350 watts), the other for mountain biking (500 watts), and offer four levels of pedaling assistance. With its 350 watts and 3 assistance levels, the Shimano motor equips all types of bikes, and its performance is comparable to that of EABs equipped with Bosch motors, but retails for between $3,000 and $3,400.
For mountain bikers, Specialized offers VAEs powered by German Brose motors. These are accompanied by a smartphone application that adjusts the motor's assistance according to the planned route: a good way to avoid running out of "juice" in the middle of a ride! Are you tempted by a fatbike, but put off by the effort required to pedal through snowy trails? For just $6,500, you can get a Bosch or Brose motor installed on a fatbike.
The only real way to check whether an electric bike's battery is still in good condition is to recharge it and see how far the bike can travel while riding. What's more, if the bike is an import, you need to check whether the manufacturer is still in business to make sure you have service and parts in case of breakdown.
As mentioned earlier, there are systems available to convert a conventional bike into a genuine electric-assist bike. Although less expensive than buying an electric-assist bike, the conversion option does not offer the same performance or reliability. And it's imperative: conversion kits must absolutely be installed by a specialized bike shop like Vélo Branché by Quilicot.
Did you know? Ever since the invention of the bicycle at the end of the 19th century, the electric-assist bicycle has coexisted with its (not so) minimalist big brother. As early as 1895, the first attempt to electrify the pedal bicycle was registered as a patent. Battery technology was not yet perfected, however, making the electrically-assisted bicycle unattractive.
The world crisis of 1929 gave a brief boost to the electric bicycle. The world was looking for economical alternatives to the car. At the time, Bicycles Quilicot was even selling them in its store! It wasn't until the 1990s and China's growing need for mobility that the electric bicycle came back to the fore. Between 1998 and 2008, Chinese sales leapt from 56,000 to 21 million. In the meantime, the use of electrically-assisted bicycles has spread to Europe and America. The story has only just (re)begun!
Now you're ready to store with confidence! To store our different models and get more details.
If you're not sure of your choice, don't hesitate to contact our advisors. Many models are available for trial! We also offer various rental formulas, refundable when you purchase your next electric bike. Don't wait any longer!
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