Looking for a Canadian based ebike? In this post I’ve sourced a couple manufactures of Canadian ebikes.
From personal experience, given the plethora of ebikes available, it can be a bit daunting to sift through all of them. Whenever possible I try to by Canadian products and services. In this post I’ve slashed through the cruft and whittled down to Canadian ebikes (as in “Made in Canada”).
Table of Contents
- What’s the Shtick With Ebikes?
- The Financial Benefits
- It’s Also About the Lifestyle
- Urban Living
- Live a Healthier Life
- Where Are Canadian Ebikes?
Many Canadians are embracing the ebike culture; for one, it’s the ideal way to get around town without having to worry about traffic, expensive gas prices and endless road construction. Also, with economic uncertainty, more people are looking at bicycles as a way of life versus exercise (even though I prefer ebikes as an alternative form of transport wherever possible).
And yes, biking is even possible in the deep freezing, snow bound winter. Don’t believe me? Then take a look at what they do in Oulo, Finland. If they can do it… So can we! – I agree with the video, that it’s important to update our mind-set and perceptions.
What’s the Shtick With Ebikes?
Your Canadian ebike should be environmentally friendly, as in no gasoline usage, etc.
It should help you remain fit, get outside and bike it!
Depending on where you live they would help you get around faster, convenient with lots of parking available.
Ebikes help you save money because there are no transit fares, etc.
…and let’s face it, sometimes it’s nice to be out in good weather, and when we hit a hill, kind of a bonus to cheat a little and use the motor to catch the breeze on the way up.
The government of Ontario does have some specific rules we need to follow (and I assume other provinces do as well): Ontario Ministry of Transport – Electric Bicycles
The Financial Benefits
Plainly put, the obvious one is no gasoline purchases.
As the bike battery is electrical, when recharging, electricity is a cheaper energy source than others.
Without question, there is the initial cost for the bike, as well as yearly maintenance (but you should have a tune up after about every 100km).
One thing to consider, are you buying a Canadian ebike for your business (and can prove that), you might be able to include the depreciation, etc. in your yearly taxes.
To operate, your daily usage should cost in the area of around 10 cents (or less). That’s about $3 per month. This is excellent if you live in an area where you don’t need a car.
It’s Also About the Lifestyle
If you do have a car, using your Canadian ebike whenever possible will reduce the wear and tear on your car, as well as reducing its operating costs.
They are perfect (and fun) for daily trips to get things done, pick things up, etc. Pick up groceries, using your rack bags or a bike trailer – But I prefer a knapsack most times.
We can take longer trips (like weekend day trips) without worrying about slogging back home tired from peddling. Have a hill, tired and trying to keep up? Go electric!
I found some 2016 statistics from StatsCan that said:
“…In 2016, workers commuted a median distance of 7.7 km one-way to go from home to their usual place of work. In other words, half of employed workers commuted more than 7.7 km, and half commuted under 7.7 km. This was up slightly from a median distance of 7.0 km in 1996…”
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/171129/dq171129c-eng.htm
To me at least, this indicates a terrific opportunity to live healthier and better, as that’s not a long distance. I’d think trips for errands, shopping, etc. are even closer.
Urban Living
A glaringly obvious benefit is parking… It’s a snap! No need to drive around looking for a spot where parking is uber expensive. Just park, lock up, and go.
What’s even sweeter, you’re not stuck in traffic, waiting. You’re exposed to less pollutants as a result, as you can move around faster. It’s far less stressful.
What’s more, as I’m out-and about, I can often get somewhere faster than by car or public transit – While still cool and relaxed.
Live a Healthier Life
Using your Canadian ebike to get to work, is far less stressful, more enjoyable, and promotes physical well being. Even if I’m using the motor, it’s still beneficial to be out-and-about.
Less noise pollution improves mental and physical health. Ebikes make very little noise and the electric engine is almost silent. Compared to noisy cars, an ebike is like a bird silently gliding. Yes, noise pollution is a thing that effects our physical and mental health: What are the health effects of noise pollution?
Speaking of health effects, using ebikes (any type of bike for that matter), improves our coordination, keeping our brains exercises, which improves many other facets of our lives.
Again… Your outside, active, fresh air… Need I elaborate?
Where Are Canadian Ebikes?
The Canadian ebike boom has been steadily growing. Canadians are buying them in droves, as costs of travel are increasing, and people are looking for healthier, more environmentally friendly solutions.
Two businesses that are Canadian based, provide some excellent ebikes:
Ohm Cycles
They are pioneers in the Canadian ebike industry. Their products lend themselves to supporting “green transportation” initiatives. They also provide ebikes for all age groups, as well as those for recreation, working professionals, as well as urban commuters.
According to their website:
“…We’ve developed a reputation in the e-bike community for good reason: we produce high-quality, comfortable, power-assisted bicycles with exceptional riding range that are really fun to ride. Since 2005 when our first prototypes were produced, OHM has invited cyclists to go for a ride and experience the difference. Some things are better experienced than explained…”
https://ohmcycles.com/pages/electric-bicycle-manufacturer
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They design ebikes that have powerful motors for nature and urban biking. They’re really entrenched in adopting newer technologies for their ebikes, as well as offering ebikes that are designed by actual riders.
In conclusion: Because Canadian ebike technologies and offerings are becoming more and more popular, ebike companies are popping up all over the place. In this post I’ve found a couple ebike companies located right here in Canada.
I’m a strong believer is supporting our own community, make in Canada, travel in Canada, buy in Canada! Hopefully the above two Canadian ebike makers can serve as a good starting point in your own research.
If you have any questions, suggestions, etc., please feel free to include them in the comments below (or you can even choose to be a guest writer).