Should I get an Electric Bike?

With the increasing popularity of electric or e-bikes, you may have been wondering if you should get one.

There are many opinions and options when it comes to e-bikes, but here are a few things to consider. Remember that this advice is from someone who believes that the number of bikes you need is equal to the number you have, plus one. I am not convinced that you need one, however, it may be just the thing you are looking for.

The bicycle is an incredible tool. It can be used for transportation, exercise, exploration, shopping, delivery, and sightseeing. Bikes are versatile and convenient.

They come in all shapes and sizes with a variety of functions. They can be fast, sturdy, functional and fun.

But, should you get an electric version?

What exactly is an e-bike?

An electric or e-bike is any bike that has an electric motor that can assist you when pedalling. The bike can simply assist or move you all on its own. There are various rules about how much power it can provide or how fast you can go, but in the US e-bikes can assist up to 20 mph while in Canada the speed cannot exceed 32 km/hour and a maximum power output of 500 watts.

In Canada, you can operate an e-bike without a license or insurance. This makes it easy for anyone to ride an e-bike and increases the likelihood of accidents. E-bike riders are more likely to suffer internal injuries, increased risk of concussions and have more collisions with pedestrians.

What about e-bikes?

Ask anyone who rides a bike and you will get many opinions about e-bikes, from enthusiasm to annoyance.

Like everything else, they have advantages and disadvantages like a few listed below.

Pros:	Cons:
Make cycling easier	Make cycling easier
Shorter commute time	Require charging
Make pedaling easier	Can be harder to pedal without the assist
Can go faster with less effort	Safety
Reduces car trips	Less environmentally friendly than a regular bike
Saves on fuel costs	More expensive services, repairs, tire replacement
Get more exercise than driving	Increased accidents and injuries
Can carry more gear, groceries, weight	Heavier than traditional bikes
More people can enjoy getting out on a bike	Inexperienced cyclists going too fast for their abilities

Riding an e-bike

Riding an electric bike is very much like riding a regular bike, except you turn on the motor, select the assistance level and then pedal. The motor can help keep your speed consistent, even uphill or without much pedalling. The bike is heavier which can affect stopping and the bike can feel “slow” because of the increased weight and tire size.

E-bikes come in many varieties, from the cruiser style to cargo and racing bikes which can be hard to distinguish from a traditional bike.

Yes, get one.

My advice to anyone thinking about an e-bike is if you answer yes to the following then maybe you should get an e-bike.

Will it reduce your vehicle use?

Will it make it more likely you will ride your bike?

Do you know how to ride a bike now?

Will it help you enjoy cycling for longer?

If required can I lift my e-bike?

Consider this too

An e-bike can be great, but spinning along shared paths at 30 km/hr while chatting with a friend is not going to make you popular.

E-bikes are quiet, heavy and fast. This can be a dangerous combination, especially if you are not used to operating a bicycle.

One study in the Netherlands – famously bike-friendly – showed that the increase in speed of e-bikes increased accidents. Women over 55 years old make up 47% of all e-bike accidents, not your usual demographic for getting injured (think young men between the ages of 18-30). With rider error being the most common cause.

My opinion is that if your e-bike replaces your dependence on a car and gets you outside more often, that is great, but don’t let it replace exercise too.

Change your mind, change your health,

Shayla