What is an e-bike?

Whether you're a recreational bike rider, love the thrill that mountain bikes offer, or are looking for a convenient way to get to and from work while living downtown, there's no denying that electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are becoming increasingly popular amongst Canadians.

So, what exactly is an electric bike? How does it differ from a regular bike? How much does an e-bike cost? And what are the pros and cons of owning an electric road bike? If these are some of the questions lingering in your mind, stick around and learn more about these motorized vehicles!

What makes electric bikes different from traditional bikes?

Now, before we get into electric bikes and why they're a great mode of transportation, we should probably explain what precisely an e-bike is and how it differs from a regular bicycle. Continue reading to learn more:

Electric motor and battery capacity

An electric bike is a type of bike equipped with an electric motor that operates on electric power that is supplied by a rechargeable battery. The motor power of an e-bike, which is determined by the battery capacity, will depend on the battery capacity. Generally speaking, the battery capacity of an electric bike can range from 200 watt hours to 700-watt hours, depending on which of the three classes of electric bikes you have.

The top speed of an electric bike is around 20 miles per hour, with a battery life of around 70 miles before you will need to recharge the lithium-ion batteries.

Now, in terms of where the motor is stored, a mid-drive motor is stored in the middle of the bike around the area where the pedals are located. Mid-drive systems can handle heavier loads and can reach higher speeds, making them perfect for mountain biking and having an off-road capability. In contrast, rear hub motors are typically stored in the rear wheels. These e-bike models are more affordable and lightweight, making them suitable for steep hills and longer trips.

Pedal power

Another feature of electric bikes is their pedal power or pedal assist. E-bike pedal assist is a mode on e-bikes that supplies additional power from the battery to help you pedal faster, which can be beneficial if you need to travel up a steep hill and don't want to expend a lot of energy.

Do you need a driver's licence to operate an e-bike?

Similar to conventional bicycles, to operate an electric bike, you do not need a driver's licence. Keep in mind, however, that while you do not need a driver's licence for an electric bike, you are still mandated to follow specific traffic laws. For example, you will need to use the bike lanes provided by the city rather than the sidewalk.

How much does an electric bicycle cost?

The cost of an electric bike can vary significantly depending on the model and class you choose. On average, the cost of an electric bike can range between $1000 to $5000. You can, however, find e-bikes for under $1000.

What are the pros and cons of electric bikes?

Still on the fence about whether or not an electric bike is right for you? Take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of owning an e-bike in Canada:

Pros of electric road bikes

Electric road bikes offer numerous advantages, as we will explore further in the section below:

Eco-friendly

Opting to use an e-bike as your means of transportation as opposed to a gas vehicle is better for the environment as it does not produce any harmful emissions. To keep our local environment and planet safe, switching to e-bikes is a great alternative to traditional transport!

Saves money on gas

With gas prices on the rise across Canada, using e-bikes rather than a vehicle can help save you a substantial amount of money. All you have to do to recharge your e-bike is plug it into your wall!

Great way to exercise

Beyond getting from point A to point B conveniently, e-bikes are also a great way to exercise and stay in shape. While pedal assist helps propel the bike forward, you still have to use your legs to move, which is good for your cardiovascular health.

Cons of e-bikes

Electric road bikes come with their own set of disadvantages, which include:

Could be a target for theft

Because e-bikes are becoming more popular in Canada, they can be targets for theft and vandalism. Without the proper insurance and security features in place, you could make yourself a target of a burglary.

It can be expensive to maintain compared to conventional bikes

E-bikes can be expensive to maintain, given that their parts are expensive to repair and replace. While it is not as expensive as a vehicle, the ongoing maintenance costs for e-bikes should be considered when deciding whether to buy one or not.

They carry extra weight

E-bikes are heavy, unlike a conventional bike. So, be prepared to lug them around with you if you live in an apartment complex.

Do you have to be a certain age to ride an e-bike in Canada?

The legal age to operate electric bikes in Canada will vary based on the province or territory you live in. For example, in Ontario and British Columbia, the legal minimum age to operate an electric bicycle on public roads is 16. In contrast, the minimum legal age to operate electric bikes in Alberta is 12.

Do I need insurance for my electric bikes?

Unlike other types of insurance in Canada, e-bike coverage is not legally mandated. That said, because electric bikes have a motor and electric assistance, operating one without insurance could put you at risk. E-bikes are more powerful than traditional bicycles, and getting into an accident can cause significant damage and injuries not only to yourself but to others.

Without e-bike insurance in place, you could be found legally responsible for third-party property damage and bodily harm if a lawsuit is filed against you, which can lead to severe financial consequences.

Additionally, because electric bikes are high-ticket items, they can be more prone to theft and vandalism. And without e-bike coverage, you could be left to pay for a replacement or repairs out of your own pocket.

Is electric bike insurance the same as motorcycle insurance?

No, motorcycle insurance and e-bike insurance are not the same thing. Motorcycle insurance is specifically designed to provide coverage to electric scooters, mopeds, and specific models of motorized bikes with an engine size of at least 50 cubic centimetres. Because of this engine size, motorcycles ride faster than electric bikes and have a different riding style that does not require pedal assist. If you wish to purchase insurance for electric bikes, you will need to ask an insurance provider for policies tailored to electric bikes, such as the following:

Theft insurance

Similar to comprehensive insurance, theft coverage will cover the cost of repairs or replacements if your electric bike is stolen or vandalized. Before your electric bike is repaired or replaced, you will need to pay a deductible to your insurance company beforehand.

Damage insurance

If you're involved in a collision that damages your e-bike, damage insurance will help pay for the repairs. This type of coverage typically has a deductible, which is an amount you will need to pay before your insurance kicks in to pay the rest.

Liability coverage

If you cause property damage or injuries to a third party while operating your electric bicycle, liability insurance will cover the cost of medical expenses, legal fees, repairs, and other associated costs that arise from a lawsuit.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage, like a standard car insurance policy, is meant to protect electric bike riders in the event that they are involved in an accident with a vehicle that is either uninsured or underinsured. With this insurance, you will be compensated for medical costs and potentially provided with income replacement if you are unable to work as a result of the collision. Additionally, this policy also covers you if you are involved in a hit-and-run.

Personal accident insurance

If you're in an accident on your electric bike and suffer injuries, this insurance will cover your medical expenses while you are recovering.

Accessories and custom parts coverage

If you have accessories and extra components added to your electric bike, accessories and custom parts coverage is a form of add-on insurance that will cover the cost of repairs and replacements if your items or parts are damaged or stolen.

Get insurance with BrokerLink today!

Whether you're looking to save on car insurance, have more questions about coverage for your electric mountain bikes, or want to bundle bicycles and home insurance, BrokerLink is your one-stop hub for all your insurance needs. Beyond coverage for your electric bikes, BrokerLink can help you secure all types of auto insurance, including:

• Collision car coverage
• Comprehensive car coverage
• Accident forgiveness
• Accident benefits coverage
• Electric car insurance

With offices across Canada, BrokerLink may be in your neighbourhood! If we're close by, come on in and visit us to work with a broker in person! You can also give us a call during business hours to speak with one of our team members over the phone.

Alternatively, if you're in a rush and don't have time to speak with someone, don't hesitate to use our free online quote tool for a competitive, customized quote right now!

1-866-724-2372

FAQs about ebikes

How much does electric bike insurance cost in Canada?

On average, the cost of electric bicycle insurance is $1000 per year. That said, this is only an estimate and will vary significantly depending on the type of e-bike you have, where you live, how much power your e-bike has, the types of insurance coverage you purchase, your previous insurance claims history, and more. Therefore, before purchasing any coverage for your e-bike, we recommend shopping around with different insurance providers and comparing coverage options so you can find insurance that meets your needs and budget.

What should I do if I get into a car accident while riding my electric bike?

In the unfortunate event that you are involved in an accident with another electric bike, pedestrian, or vehicle, don't panic. It's common not to know what to do if you’re in a car accident. First things first, make sure that you're okay and assess whether you have any injuries. If you or anyone else is injured, reporting a car accident is legally required. In this case, make sure to get a copy of the police report, as you will need this information when you file a claim with your insurance company. Once you are in a safe location, give your insurance provider a call and open a claim. Depending on the type of electric bicycle insurance you have, you could be compensated for damages, medical bills, and other associated costs. After an insurance claim is opened and an adjuster is assigned, they'll be able to walk you through the next step in your claims journey. Remember, in certain scenarios, not reporting a car accident could work against you. So, when in doubt, calling someone to the scene is always recommended.

Are there any safe driving tips for e-bike riders?

Riding an electric vehicle comes with certain risks, whether it be scooters or electric bicycles, which is why brushing up on safe driving tips can help give you peace of mind while you're in motion and sharing the roads with bicycles, pedestrians, and cars. Just like you would with conventional bicycles, you must wear a helmet and remain vigilant about your surroundings. Remember that you still need to follow the rules of the road, so make sure you use your hand signals while turning to inform others on the road where you intend to go. Additionally, consider wearing some sort of reflective gear that will make yourself visible to others.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.