Electric bikes (AKA e-bikes) have come a long way since they first made their way into the market in the 1990s.
Back then, electric bikes were viewed as a luxury purchase, but companies are now catering to all budgets, making them more affordable than ever. The global e-bike market was valued at US$17.56 billion in 2021 and is projected to be worth around US$40.98 billion by 2030, Canadian research firm, Precedence Research, said in an article in Electric Autonomy Canada.
From e-bikes to e-scooters to e-motorcycles and electric mobility scooters, there is just about something for everyone. And the idea of e-bikes is quickly picking up steam in Greater Sudbury, according to the folks at Sudbury E-Bike Inc.
“I had seen the electric bikes while working overseas being quite popular in urban centres,” said Gilbert Foucault, owner and operator. “Canada had a pilot program for introducing these products for roadway use and they didn’t require a licence or insurance to operate.”
That, along with being an environmentally friendly alternative to other modes of transport, especially for those who cannot afford or cannot get their licence due to various reasons, is why he is so revved about electric bikes, he said.
“But mostly I just found them to be fun products,” Foucault said. “We enjoy trying to match up the best bike to the people who visit our store.”
An electric bike is an assisted bicycle propelled by a throttle or a pedal-assist. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you can find them at Sudbury E-Bike Inc., which was established in September 2016. Sudbury E-Bike Inc. is the Daymak, Emmo, and E-Bike Pros authorized dealer for the City of Greater Sudbury. Sudbury E-Bike Inc. is able to warranty, carry parts and provide service on all its products, said Justin Liao, lead sales associate.
Sudbury E-Bike has been at its Kingsway location for three years, having moved there from Hanmer, where it served the community for five years, said Liao. The staff's goal is to ensure your experience is positive by supplying a quality-built green vehicle with professional and courteous service and sales, said Liao.
“Anyone can buy an e-bike online, but when it comes to getting it serviced or repaired, it's a hassle,” said Liao. “We have technicians here who can help you solve whatever issue you might be having with your e-bike.”
The average cost of a pedal-assisted e-bike is $2,000 to $2,500 and up, said Liao. However, Sudbury E-Bike's most affordable E-scooter (EMMO Urban T) rings in at $1,599. E-scooters and e-motorcycles range between $2,00 $3,000.
E-bikes are very popular in parts of the world that don't experience snow, said Liao. Northern Ontario presents its own set of challenges for e-bike users, but they are still gaining momentum here.
For example, Greater Sudbury isn't a walkable city, he said, and e-bikes are a great way to get around.
“It's a great option for those unable to afford a car, where the costs just keep adding up with insurance, pricey repairs, and the unstable fuel prices,” Liao said.
Sudbury E-Bike Inc. puts a great deal of emphasis on safety, he said.
“The law is that you are essentially still a bicycle, so you aren't allowed on the sidewalks,” he said. You can ride your e-bike on most roads and highways where conventional bikes are permitted, with some exceptions.
E-bikes are not allowed on the 400 series highways, on municipal roads where bikes are are prohibited under municipal bylaw, Nor are they allowed or bike paths, bike trails or bike lanes where e-bikes are prohibited.
Furthermore, e-bikes are subject to a speed limit of 32 km/h, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
There are numerous safety tips available on Sudbury E-Bike Inc.'s website at sudburyebikes.com.
Sudbury E-bike Inc. also has a charitable spirit, and has raised much-needed funds for such organizations as Myeloma Canada, SickKids, and the CTV-LIONS Children Christmas Telethon.
Sudbury E-bikes is located at 1390 The Kingsway. For more information on the store and its services, visit them online, or send them an email at [email protected].