Electric Bikes in Toronto: Everything You Need to Know

Ever wondered about gliding through it all with greater ease, speed, and peace of mind? That's where e-bikes roll in!

Whether it is commuting to work, exploring the busiest beach, or simply running errands, electric bikes can level up your life. They will amplify your strength, add coziness to the ride, and take you to places you can't get on a pedal alone.

So, let's explore what they are, how they work, and what are the legal regulations around them in Toronto.

What is an Electric Bike? 

Electric bikes are just like regular bicycles except that they have an electric motor and a battery to assist the rider in propelling farther and faster.

As with the rest of the world, e-bikes are getting popular in Toronto too! And why shouldn't they be? They offer a myriad of advantages over traditional electric bikes. They help getting around with a mix of physical activity and power assistance. They aren't reliant on fuel and can be charged like any other gadget in a home. Plus, they are friendly with the environment as well!

Also, they are available in various types to cater to the needs of every kind of rider. Here is a table that summarizes key differences among major types of electric bikes:

E-Bike Type	Typical Use	Unique Features
Commuter	For everyday/ long-distance riding on roads	Comfortable posture, long-range batteries
Mountain	For off-road riding or uphill routes	Great suspension, knobby mountain tires
Folding	For easy portability, storage & transport	Lightweight and foldable aluminum frame
Fat Tire	For riding on sand, snow & rough terrains	4-inch wide bumpy tires, sturdy build
Beach Cruiser	For riding on sand in a relaxed style	Sweptback handlebars, upright riding posture

How Does an Electric Bike Work?

The working principle of e-bikes is simple: you charge the bike, you take it out, start pedaling and boom!

Electric bikes are equipped with one of the two motor options: hub or mid drive. As the rider starts to pedal, a mechanical sensor (cadence, torque, or a combination of two) detects it and activates the mechanism that engages the motor.

The additional power provided by the motor gives a boost to pedaling power and is especially handy when carrying heavy loads, climbing hills, or going long range. Hub e-bikes also have throttle, that allows you to ride on motor power alone, without any pedaling.

It's not so simple… e-bikes also have gears, suspension, brakes, controllers, and a bunch of other stuff as well. We promise we'll cover it all soon!

How to Ride an Electric Bike?

Riding an e-bike is way simpler than riding the traditional ones. Here is a stepwise guide on how to ride it for a comfortable drive!

1. Check out the manuals and instructions and familiarize yourself with your bike.
2. Take on safety gear and make sure you have a high-quality and properly fitted helmet.
3. Make sure you have enough battery power to go for a ride.
4. Mount the bike and make yourself comfortable with the saddle arrangement, riding position, and braking system.
5. Turn on the bike power. Pedal and go. Make sure you start slow and don't accelerate much if you are a newbie.
6. As you hop on the road, remember to be cautious about road safety rules, local regulations, and your surroundings!

How Much Does an Electric Bike Weigh?

There is no fixed size, weight, or dimensions for an ebike. Every model weighs differently than the others. On a rough estimate, average weight for electric bikes lies in the range of 50 to 70 lbs.

Ebikes are slightly heavier than regular bikes. However, advancements in technology have led to development of some lighter models such as Movin' Tempo which is merely 50lbs (23kg). Ultra-light frames come at their own cost that you have to pay in the form of more bucks!

How Fast is an Electric Bike in Toronto, Canada?

Well, there is a limit on how fast you can take your electric bike on public property and roads. It is to protect the riders as well as others on the go. Electric bikes in Toronto, Canada, can have a maximum speed speed limit of 32 km/h as per Ontario's e-bike regulations.

How Far Can an Electric Bike Go on One Charge?

Most e-bikes can go as far as 80km (almost 50 miles) on a single charge. The range depends on the battery capacity (the more energy content or 'watt-hours' you have, the longer you'd be able to go), and is usually pre-stated with the ebike specifications.

But keep in mind that you may not be able to achieve the stated/ max range in all your rides, because range is always affected by terrain, speed, rider's weight, the level of pedal assistance used, and weather conditions.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in an Electric Bike? 

Your dollars matter! E-bikes are not a cheap investment and you must be wary about the features of your preferred models.

Here are some essential elements you must look for in an electric bike:

• Battery Capacity: Make sure the battery capacity aligns with your needs. At Movin', our Tempo e-bike features a massive 48V 18AH (864 WH) Samsung battery, while the Pulse is available in single/ dual battery options.
• Motor Power: If you plan to take off-road or uphill routes, you must look for motors with adequate power. Also, you must make sure the motor complies with e-bike regulations. At Movin', both our e-bikes have 500W motors in compliance with Canadian e-bike laws,
• Frame & Design: You must Look for a sturdy and comfortable frame that caters to your height and riding style. At Movin', we use 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum - which is not just lightweight but also extremely high-strength. 
• Braking System: Prioritize bikes that come with reliable braking systems and safety features even when they cost you more. At Movin', we have equipped our e-bikes with hydraulic disc brakes, which are far more superior than the other alternative - mechanical disc brakes.
• Add-Ons: You must also factor in added features such as built-in lights, fenders, racks, etc, for a more enjoyable ride. Don't worry, we offer them all (and more) at Movin'.

How to Choose an Electric Bike?

The market is flooded with various types and models of e bikes, and at times, it becomes overwhelming to decide on the right one.

So, when you are about to buy an ebike, breakdown the selection process in simpler, smaller steps so you don't miss any important detail. Here is what you may do!

First, assess your needs by asking yourself a couple of questions, such as why you need an ebike, where you plan to ride it, where you will be going the most, how much performance and speed you would prefer.

Next, determine your constraints that may be regarding the budget or storing space in your garage. Go through all the local regulations so you can choose a model that can be ridden on anywhere and not just private property.

Moving on, do a thorough research about models available in your locality. Make use of online websites that allow you to read the reviews as well. 

And finally, take a test ride! Almost every ebike seller allows potential customers to take different models for a test ride. So, seize the opportunity and try out different bikes to select the best!

Wrapping It Up

Electric bikes have revolutionized personal mobility in Toronto and beyond, and have opened up a world of endless adventures for thrill seekers! 

Now that you know essential info about them, it is time to consider having one for yourself. But before you make a purchase, make sure to do your research. After all, this investment is going to last you a lifetime.

Visit our lineup here. Happy riding!