Micromobility and Growth Trends in Electric Bicycle and Scooter Usage in Canada
Before 2017, the term micromobility didn’t even exist. Now, dozens of municipalities in Canada are adopting their own micromobility programs. In fact, this concept is revolutionizing transportation in Canadian cities, as congestion and environmental issues are the bane of large cities. As a Canadian manufacturer of electric bicycles and scooters, Movin EV has seen the demand for these technologies grow first-hand. These solutions not only improve urban mobility, but also contribute to a greener future.
What is micromobility?
Micromobility is defined as small, lightweight vehicles that are personally driven.
Typically, these include electric bicycles, bicycles, scooters, and electric skateboards. One of the main conditions for classifying a vehicle into this category is the absence of an internal combustion engine and speed, in Canada, most often up to 32 kilometers per hour.
Basics of Electric Micromobility
With rapid advancements, micromobility has become accessible to the majority of the population. The main advances that are driving this rapid advancement are:- fast charging: depending on the battery type and capacity, a full charge can take anywhere from 2 to 9 hours.
- micro mobility range: e-bikes can now travel 60 to 160 km on a single charge, while e-scooters typically have a range of 30 to 50 km.
Electric bicycle and scooters statistics
According to market research company Mordor Intelligence
“The Canada E-bike Market size is estimated at 33.76 million USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 86.27 million USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 20.64% during the forecast period (2024-2029)."
The Canadian electric bicycle market shows clear trends in consumer preferences and technology adoption. Pedal-powered electric bicycles dominate with a share of 80.10% in 2023. This is mainly due to their regulatory advantages as they typically do not require registration or licensing and face fewer legal barriers than other types.
Urban electric bicycles lead the market by application, with a share of 75.84% in 2023. Dr. Sarah Thompson, Urban Mobility Researcher at the University of British Columbia, explains, ‘The surge in demand for urban electric bicycles is directly related to the expansion of Canada's cycling infrastructure and the proliferation of bike-sharing programs in major metropolitan areas.’
Battery technology is critical to the performance and adoption of electric bicycles. Lithium-ion batteries dominate this segment, holding 86.25% value share in 2023. Industry analyst Michael Chen of EV Market Insights notes: ‘The significant decline in the prices of lithium-ion batteries in recent years, coupled with their superior energy density, has strengthened their position as the preferred power source for electric bicycles.’
Looking ahead, the high-speed electric bicycle segment is expected to be the fastest growing propulsion type with a compound annual growth rate of 5.96% from 2024 to 2029. This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for enhanced comfort, safety, and payload capacity.
These statistics highlight the rapid development and growing sophistication of the electric bicycle market in Canada, reflecting a broader shift towards sustainable urban mobility solutions.
Canadian Bikeway Comfort and Safety Metrics
According to research, the Canadian Bikeway Comfort and Safety metrics (Can-BICS) provide insights into the quality and availability of cycling infrastructure across Canada.
The study looks at the amount and quality of bike lanes within 1 km areas called “Dissemination Areas” (DAs).
In these areas, the total length of cycling paths ranges from 0 to 28.5 km, with the highest being in downtown Vancouver.
On average, across Canada, there are 1.7 km of cycling paths per square kilometer.
The highest density of cycling paths observed was 24.3 km per square kilometer.
About 34% of these areas had no cycling infrastructure at all. In cities, this number was lower at 13%.
Additionally, 40% of these areas did not have any bike paths that are considered medium or high in comfort and safety. This number was also lower in cities, at 19%.
In simple terms, while some places in Canada, like downtown Vancouver, have extensive cycling paths, many areas, especially outside major cities, still lack adequate and comfortable cycling infrastructure.
If you are planning a cycling trip, you may be interested in a map of Canadian bike paths divided by comfort level.
The Financial Component of Micromobility
The upfront capital cost of electric micromobility is less than that of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
If you have a low income, many companies, including our company, have programs for financing purchases.
Verdict
The rapid adoption of micromobility solutions, such as electric bicycles and scooters, is transforming transportation in Canada. With significant growth in demand driven by improved cycling infrastructure and the popularity of bike-sharing programs, urban e-bikes now lead the market. The dominance of lithium-ion batteries underscores the importance of technological advancements in this sector. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring widespread access to safe and comfortable cycling paths across the country. As we move forward, the continued focus on enhancing infrastructure and promoting sustainable urban mobility will be crucial in meeting the evolving needs of Canadian commuters.
A short list of municipal micromobility programs.