City Ebikes and Commuting

Bikes is a part of modern cities. We have whole countries who are motivate their citizens use for ecologic transportation to safe the planet. People are using different types of Bikes for this purposes. City Ebikes one of the most popular nowadays.

City Ebikes and Most Bike-friendly cities 

What could be better than riding a bicycle through the city on a pleasant summer day? Only cycling through an unfamiliar city, exploring its attractions. We have prepared for you a selection of the 20 best bike-friendly (tracks, traffic lights, parking, rental stations, etc.) cities in the world. 

The bicycle is a convenient, eco-friendly, and health-beneficial mode of transport. Many countries recognize this: in Denmark, Japan, the USA, and other nations, cyclists "breathe freely" and are respected on the road.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark-bikes

Population: ≈1.2 million people.
Prices: monthly rent - $13.

About 35% of Copenhagen residents cycle. The authorities have ambitious plans - by 2015, they aim to get 50% of the working population on bikes. Almost every local resident has their own bicycle, and for tourists and "horseless" townspeople, about 2,000 bike rental centers are available. The city boasts 400 km of bike tracks.

Tokyo, Japan

Population: ≈13 million people.
Prices: monthly rent - $5.3; annual rent - $54.

Tokyo is a vast metropolis with a developed transport network, including cycling. It's much faster - no traffic jams, and healthier - the Japanese care about their health. Don't be surprised if you see a clerk in an expensive suit with a briefcase on a bicycle. There are specialized bike parking areas and bike rental points everywhere. All private bicycles are registered with the police, assigned a unique number, and have a plate with the owner's name attached to the frame.

Basel, Switzerland

Population: ≈171,000 people.
Prices: daily rental - $20; annual rental - $246.

Basel is a quiet and picturesque Swiss town on the banks of the Rhine. It's perfect for a leisurely bike ride! The city provides ample facilities for this. Basel boasts about 1,600 bike parking spaces. All private bicycles are registered with law enforcement agencies and insured. But people in Basel don't just cycle to work - the city also has a bike courier service. The so-called "Three Countries Bridge" connecting the French Huningue and the German Weil am Rhein is especially popular among cyclists. It has a dedicated lane for bicycles.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona bikes

photo by Joop van Meer

Population: ≈1.6 million people.
Prices : first 30 minutes rent - free; every subsequent 2 hours - €0.74; annual rent - €47.16.

The cycling movement started in Barcelona in 2007 and has been gaining momentum. Today, over 30,000 Barcelonians are cyclists. There are approximately 100 rental stations in the city: any resident or tourist can take a bike by leaving a deposit and then return it to the same or another location. The number of parking spots keeps increasing.

Portland, USA

Population: ~576,000 people.
Prices: 2 hours rent - 19$

Portland, located in the state of Oregon, is one of the greenest and most bike-friendly cities in the United States. About 9% of the local population uses bicycles in their daily lives. The city boasts a vast number of bike trails (more than 400 km), including those for mountain biking. In 2015, Portland will launch a bike-sharing program. Moreover, anyone interested can take bike riding courses.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Population: ≈6.3 million people.
Prices: first hour - free; daily rental - $2.3; monthly subscription - $4.45.

Sunny Rio is a very sporty city. Many residents go for morning runs, engage in surfing, and ride bicycles. Bike paths began to appear along Copacabana beach before the climate summit in 1992. Since then, the network has been continuously growing (after all, Rio has many beaches). Special attention to cycling infrastructure was given in the run-up to two major sports events the city was to host, the FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympic Games.

Paris, France

Paris bikes

Population: ~2.2 million people.
Prices: daily rental — €1.7; weekly subscription — €8; annual subscription — €29.

Paris is one of the capitals where air pollution from car exhaust is a pressing issue. Therefore, more and more locals and visitors of the French capital are switching to bicycles. Currently, Paris has about 1,500 free bike parking spots and over 100 rental points (conveniently located near metro stations and bus stops).

Dublin, Ireland

Population: ~506,000 people.
Prices: first hour — free; over 1 hour — €0.5; over 4 hours — €6.5; 3-day rental — €5; annual subscription — €20.

4% of cyclists (6-7% in central areas) of Dublin's total population might seem modest compared to major bike cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen. However, experts predict that the Irish capital will soon become a true bicycle haven. Since 2006, the number of bikes in the city has doubled, and by 2021, the city authorities plan to quintuple the network of bicycle paths.

Seville, Spain

Population: ≈706,000 people.
Prices: first 30 minutes - free, weekly subscription - €5.

Spanish Seville is one of the cities where cycling is rapidly developing. Consider this: in 2006, only 0.5% of the city's residents regularly traveled by bike, but today that number has reached 7%. Like Barcelona, Seville boasts a developed network of bike lanes, all in good condition. Both locals and visitors can rent a bicycle in the city.

Montreal, Canada

Montreal bikes

photo by potato

Population: ~1.6 million people.
Prices: first 30 minutes — free; daily rental — $5 (for club members); monthly subscription — $31.25 (for club members); annual subscription — $82.5 (for club members).

This is the most bike-friendly city in Canada. The bike modernization began in the 1980s. Over the years, authorities have invested around $134 million in the city's infrastructure to make it convenient for cyclists. Now Montreal has about 600 km of bike paths, hundreds of parking spots, and rental stations. Montreal residents use the bike rental system for commuting and other purposes.

Berlin, Germany

Population: ~3.4 million people.
Prices: first 30 minutes — free; every minute (starting from the 31st) — €0.08; daily rental — €15.

The rise of the cycling movement in Berlin began in the early 2000s. A national program was adopted, which included building infrastructure (paths, parking spots, rental and repair points, etc.) and various incentives for people cycling. For instance, Berlin recently introduced the "green wave": now cyclists don't have to stop at a red light. These measures are proving successful. About 13% of Berliners (in some parts of the city, even 20-25%) are avid cyclists. 

Antwerp, Belgium

Population: ≈503,000 people.
Prices: daily rental - €3.6; weekly subscription - €8; annual subscription - €36.

Antwerp is the second-largest and most significant city in Belgium. Politicians in the local elections in 2006 promised to build 100 km of bike paths in the coming years. By 2012, they kept their word. Bicycle lanes in Antwerp are painted red to alert motorists. Today, of the half-million residents of Antwerp, 16%, or more than 80,000 people, are cyclists.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest bikes

photo by Bike Portland

Population: ≈1.7 million people.
Prices: the first 30 minutes - free; daily rental - $2.3; 3-day rental - $4.5; annual subscription - $85.

The Hungarian capital is experiencing a real cycling boom. Two decades ago, a bicycle was not seen as a mode of transport but more as a recreational tool (to ride somewhere out of town on a weekend). Now, Budapest is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe. By 2011, Budapest had laid 144 km of bike lanes, and in 2013, a city bike rental system was introduced.

Bogotá, Colombia

Population: ≈7.4 million people. 
Price: rent per 1 hour = 5-7$

Bogotá is the capital of Colombia and perhaps the most bike-friendly city in Latin America. The city boasts an extensive network of bike lanes, totaling around 300 km. The bike movement's momentum was set by Mayor Enrique Peñalosa, who, to improve the city's ecological environment, began promoting cycling and beautifying the city with greenery. Every year, Bogotá holds a car-free day - Ciclovia, during which traffic is halted for cars, and everyone switches to bikes. Moreover, the same happens every Sunday on the city's main streets.

Christchurch, New Zealand

Population: ≈341,000 people.
Prices: first 2 hours - free; daily rental - $16; weekly subscription - $65; monthly subscription - $163.

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand and also the most bicycle-friendly place in the country. Locals are meticulous about their health, so they are keen to switch to bicycles. The picturesque nature encourages long bike rides, especially since the city has all the necessary infrastructure for it — even the highways are equipped with bike lanes. But the most amazing thing is that in Christchurch there's an open-air cinema for cycling enthusiasts. Want to watch a movie? Pedal on a stationary bike, otherwise the "electricity will run out."

Beijing, China

Bikes China

Population: ≈21 million people.
Prices: the first hour - free; every subsequent hour - $0.2.

Beijing is not only the economic and cultural capital of China but also the bicycle capital. Officially, the city has over 11 million bikes (by law, bicycles, like cars, need to be registered). However, the ecological situation in Beijing is still far from ideal, so the authorities are actively promoting urban cycling. New tracks and parking lots are being built, and rental points are being opened.

Malmö, Sweden

Population: ≈310,000 people.
Prices: daily rental - $23-26.

Malmö is the third-largest city in Sweden. It is just 19 km from Copenhagen. Perhaps that's where Malmö got its love for bicycles. The city authorities have invested €47 million in the development of cycling - building lanes, parking, and holding "Car-Free Days". About 25% of Malmö's residents cycle daily. A unique feature of Malmö's bike paths is that each has a name. They are specifically named to make it easier to find them via GPS.

Trondheim, Norway

Population: ≈169,000 people.
Prices: daily subscription - $19.

Trondheim is a small Norwegian town considered the technological capital of the country. Bicycles are widely used in Norway. Trondheim is a clear testament to this. The bicycle movement began there in the 1990s. Nowadays, the town has about 30 municipal bike rental stations and a famous bicycle lift known throughout Europe. It helps locals and visitors climb the Brubakken hill with their bicycles.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam bikes

photo by meganrosengrant

Population: ≈813,000 people. 
Prices: daily rental - €4.4-9; 4-hour rental - starting from €10 (depends on the bike and the season).

Amsterdam is the cycling capital of Europe. More than 40% of city traffic is by bicycle. The city has over 400 km of bike lanes, equipped with special signs and traffic lights. There are many parking and bike rental stations throughout the city. You can rent not only the usual bikes but also children's bikes, tandems, and more.

Utrecht, Netherlands

Population: ≈313,000 people.
Prices: daily rental $13-18.

Utrecht is located in the heart of the Netherlands and is the country's largest railway hub, as well as one of Europe's most bicycle-friendly cities (ranked third by Copenhagenize). In Utrecht, cyclists are the most respected road users. People ride bikes to work, to visit friends, to the cinema, for errands, etc. Fortunately, the city's infrastructure allows for it.

City Ebikes and Commuting

Ebikes, short for electric bicycles, are bicycles equipped with an electric motor to assist riders while pedaling. They offer various levels of motor assistance, making cycling easier and allowing riders to cover longer distances or tackle challenging terrains. City Ebikes come in different types, catering to various riding preferences and needs. 

City ebike can revolutionize your city travel experience. Wondering why you should switch to an commuter ebike for your daily journeys? Absolutely! Below are ten compelling reasons why a commute e-bike is a really smart move.

Less Effort, More Distance

toronto city bike

Believing your workplace is beyond biking distance? Think again! An city ebike’s assistive tech lets you glide further with ease. Movin' commuter e-bikes provide adjustable support levels, boosting your pedaling so you can travel further and faster without tiring. This means not only timely office arrivals but also spicing up your weekend getaways!

Time Efficiency—It's Not Just Speed

Though they resemble conventional bikes, city ebikes zip through faster, cutting down your commute. With variable pedal support settings—'eco,' 'normal,' 'sport'—on Movin' City Ebikes, you maintain your pace with less effort. Plus, you bypass traffic snarls and parking hassles, gifting you extra time for morning lie-ins, gym sessions, or quicker access to after-work socials.

Simple Charging, Like Your Phone

Charging an city ebike is as straightforward as your electronics. Just detach the battery, connect the charger, and plug it in. Charging times vary, but on a full charge, you can expect a range of 30-120 miles (50-200 km), variable with assist level and terrain. Even partly charged, it's still pedal-ready!

Safety Comes First

Your swift commute should also be a safe one. Equip yourself with a snug helmet, and be conspicuous with lights, reflectors, and high-visibility attire. Safety is a standout priority.

Comfort In Every Ride

Prepare for a comfy ride on your city ebike, boasting water-resistant, pressure-relieving saddles. Concerned about its heft? The 'walk assist' feature aids in maneuvering the bike when you're on foot, lightening the load.

Gear Shifting Made Simple

Navigating gears on an city ebike is a breeze, with mechanical and electric assistance options expanding your speed choices. Start on the lowest gear and shift up as needed, simplifying the riding process.

Carry More With Ease

An e-bike erases worries about cargo limits. Pack your work essentials or shopping finds without extra pedaling strain, thanks to the assistive push. Add-ons like child seats or trailers are also viable, making family outings a joy.

Familiar Riding Experience

If biking is second nature to you, an e-bike won't throw you off balance. Stick to road rules and remember e-bikes' additional speed and weight. With proper practice in handling and braking, you'll soon cycle with confidence.

Max Efficiency

Cycling is inherently energy-efficient, even more so than walking. With an e-bike, you'll exert even less energy thanks to the motorized assist, turning your commute into a relaxed ride, not a workout—unless you opt to switch off the assist for more exertion.

It's The New Cool Time

Times have changed, and eco-friendly commuting is now in vogue. Riding an e-bike reflects a concern for the environment and a cool, contemporary attitude.

Electric bikes offer an ideal blend of practicality, health benefits, and enjoyment for your daily travels. Explore our selection of commuter e-bikes to find your perfect match.

How to choose right commute electric bike

nice commuter bike

Selecting the right electric bike for your commute requires careful consideration of various features and attributes. Here's a detailed guide to assist you in finding an e-bike that's tailored to your commuting needs:

Assess Your Commute Needs:

  • Distance: Estimate the mileage of your daily commute.
  • Terrain: Factor in whether you’ll encounter hills or flat roads.
  • Cargo: Consider if you'll be carrying a backpack, groceries, etc.

Battery Range and Quality:

  • Choose a battery capacity that exceeds your commute distance to avoid range anxiety.
  • Quality batteries ensure longevity and consistent performance.

Motor Placement and Power:

  • Hub Motors are typically in the wheel, suited for flat terrains.
  • Mid-Drive Motors are centered on the bike, offering better weight distribution for hilly areas.

E-Bike Style:

  • Urban/City Bikes are designed for the comfort and practicality needed in a city.
  • Road or Hybrid Bikes might suit longer, faster commutes on varied terrain.

Frame Material and Weight:

  • Aluminum frames offer a good balance between weight and durability.
  • Carbon fiber is lighter but more expensive, suitable for carrying up stairs or for mixed-mode commuting.

Pedal-Assist and Throttle:

  • Pedal-assist systems provide power only when you pedal, ideal for a more bike-like feel.
  • Throttle allows you to ride without pedaling, useful for a rest during long commutes.

Top Speed:

  • Consider the legal e-bike speed limits in your area.
  • Higher speeds can reduce commute time but may require more attention to safety.

Braking System:

commuting by electric bike
  • Disc brakes offer better stopping power and are reliable in various weather conditions.
  • Hydraulic disc brakes require less force and offer more stopping precision than mechanical ones.

Tire Type and Size:

  • Puncture-resistant tires can save you from frequent flats in a city full of debris.
  • Wider tires provide comfort and stability; thinner tires are faster and more efficient on smooth roads.

Accessories and Customization:

  • Look for built-in lights, fenders, and racks.
  • Check if the bike can be customized with additional accessories like panniers or a child seat.

Comfort and Ergonomics:

  • A comfortable saddle, adjustable handlebars, and a suitable frame size are crucial.
  • Test riding can help determine the right ergonomic fit.

Warranty and Post-Purchase Support:

  • A strong warranty can protect your investment.
  • Ensure there's dealer support for service and maintenance nearby.

Price Point:

  • Set a budget that reflects the quality and features you need without overspending.
  • Sometimes, spending a bit more upfront can lead to savings on maintenance.

Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations:

  • Look for user experiences and professional reviews.
  • Join forums or local cycling groups to get recommendations from seasoned e-bike commuters.

By taking the time to research and consider each of these factors, you can choose an electric bike that will make your commute more enjoyable, efficient, and tailored to your lifestyle.

Movin Commute Ebike

We've developed our own solution for urban riding enthusiasts: a blend of a powerful battery, moderate price, and stylish design. Introducing the Movin Tempo:

  • 500W motor
  • 17A battery
  • Tektro hydraulic brakes
  • Shimano derailleur
  • A vast amount of positive reviews

But hold on!

This month we are launching a new Tempo model with a 25A battery, at the same price. So, you could be one of the first owners of one of the best Commute bikes in Downtown Toronto (according to our customers' reviews).

Come visit us at 654 College Street, we will provide you a free test drive, and you can check all these specs for yourself.

 


Explore more