The world is changing, and our ways of getting around are changing with it. Gone are the days when our only options were car, foot, bike, and public transportation. The electric bike is a perfect choice for people who don’t have room for a car, who care about the environment, or who simply love the e bike experience.
As e biking is increasingly accepted both as a means of transportation and as a recreational outlet, more and more options are available to consumers. If you need a way to zip around in a big city like Toronto, there are electric bikes designed for commuting. If you want to enjoy some tranquil scenery, you may want to consider a trail or mountain bike option. Perhaps you are an adventurer who likes rough terrain and year-round biking even when it’s snowing – an off road model could be the best electric bike for you.
Shopping for an electric bike is a bit like shopping for a car: you have to consider what you like and what you will use it for. The best e bike for you is the one that reflects your needs, your lifestyle, and your personality.
Why Choose An Electric Bike?
You may be wondering why you should consider an electric bike at all. Why not just go with good old-fashioned pedal power? While it is true that a regular bike can be a lot of fun and get you from A to B, there are several reasons you might be looking for the best e bike you can get.
It’s a great form of assisted exercise
Not everyone has the strength or skill to power up and down hills without a little help. And if you’re cycling to work, you may not want to be sweaty when you get there. Electric bikes provide the benefits of exercise and fresh air in a way that can be enjoyed by more people.
It’s cheaper to run than a car
Anyone who has owned a vehicle can attest to the expense. Gas, insurance, parking, wear and tear. Electric bike batteries are affordable and can last a long time if you take proper care of them, and they cost next to nothing to charge up.
It can fit into a corner
If you live in a city centre apartment and where parking costs a fortune, you can use an e bike to get around during the day, and park it in a corner at night. You can use it for commuting or light shopping, or to visit friends. No matter where you take it, you will find a space to park it.
It is kind to the environment
Global warming and pollution are serious issues that pose real threats to our environment. By choosing an electric bike over a gas car or motorcycle, you can do your part to combat climate change and contribute to clean air for all of us to breathe.
How Do You Select The Best E Bike?
As you start the search for the best electric bike, it’s important for you to remember that what’s best for someone else may not be best for you. There is a variety of electric bikes on the market these days, and each one suits different needs. Some people want commuter bikes, others want something for long country rides. Some people are on a budget, others don’t mind spending a bit of extra money on some bells and whistles.
Here are some of the things you should look out for when deciding which e bike is best for you.
- What are you going to use it for? Are you riding the bike to work and back, going to the mountains, or riding it in the sand or snow? How much stuff do you plan to carry with you?
- Will you be using it every day, on weekends, or once in a while? Are you planning to use it year-round, or will it be stored for the winter?
- How are you moving the bike around when you’re not riding it? Do you have to carry it up and down stairs? Do you have space to store a full-sized bike, or do you need something foldable?
- How far will you be riding at a time? Will your rides be on level, even surfaces, or rough mountain paths?
- How experienced are you in e bike riding? Does it come naturally to you, or is this your first e bike?
- How secure is your storage? Will the bike be kept in your own private space, or do you need to consider a lockable battery and a quick-release wheel?
What Are The Best Electric Bike Options?
Now that we’ve talked about what kind of things to consider, let’s get into some of the best value electric bike options.
BlueRev Trio
Not a bike but a trike, this is the perfect choice for people who want a bit of stability. It comes with a thumb throttle, Pedal Assist Sensors, and a hydraulic braking system that is smooth, effective and safe in most weather conditions. Best of all, if you need to do your shopping or carry a lot of things back and forth, the front and rear carriers will meet your needs perfectly.
Price
$3,200 for the standard option
Specs
Motor 500 watt
Battery 14.5Ah
Range 60-90 km
Charge time 6-8 hours
Upgrade Options
17.5Ah battery 80-120km range ($400 extra)
21Ah battery 100-150km range ($700 extra)
BlueRev Ultra
If you want to go off roading in sand or snow, this is the perfect choice for you. With its rugged tires, suspension system, and front and rear fenders, this is the best electric bike for any kind of off road terrain. Front and rear lights will ensure that you are visible in low lighting and poor weather, and the easily foldable design means this bike will fit into the trunk of most cars.
Price
$2,600 – $3,200
Specs
Motor
500 watt
Battery
14.5Ah 60-90km range
17.5Ah 80-120km range
21Ah 100-140km range
Charge time
6-8 hours
Colour
Choice of black or white
Magnum Summit
This fast, sleek number is ideal for trail riding or mountain biking. The fully integrated battery reduces bulk, and if speed is your thing, you can crank this e bike up to 40km per hour with pedal assist. Not only is this bike fantastic on mountain trails, it has a stunningly eye-catching design.
Price
$3,200
Specs
Motor 48v 500w
Battery 48v 12.8Ah
Range 40-80km
Charge time 6.5 hours
Top speed 40km/hr pedal assist; 32km/hr throttle
Wheel size Choice of 27.5 or 29
Colour Choice of black/blue, black/green, black/orange or black/sand
Magnum Navigator
With its solid, compact design, this is undoubtedly one of the best e bikes for commuters. It was designed specifically for urban riding, so it can withstand the rigours of stop and go traffic. It’s step-thru frame facilitates quick and easy mounting and dismounting, and the braking system is perfectly suited to city riding.
Price
$3,200
Specs
Motor 48v 500w
Battery 48v 12Ah
Range 40-80km
Charge time 6 hours
Top speed 40km/hr pedal assist; 32km/hr throttle
Colour Choice of black/blue, black/silver or white/blue
Research Before You Buy
No matter which electric bike you end up buying, it’s important to first know everything you can about your choice. At Epic Cycles, we have knowledgeable expert who are more than happy to talk to you about your choices. Tell us what you plan to use the electric bike for and how experienced you are in electric biking, and we will help you select the e bike that is best for your needs. Just as you test drive a car, you will have the opportunity to take your potential e bike out for a test ride.We also carry a full range of accessories and replacement parts, and a friendly support team that is at your disposal any time you have a question or concern.
To learn more about the e bikes in this article or any of our other products, give us a call at 647-715-9000 or email info@epiccycles.ca
