E-bikes catch on with green-minded locals
> BY KATE WILSON
Lined with more than 450 kilometres of bike lanes, Vancouver is one of the more cycling-friendly cities in North America. Upwards of 131,000 trips are taken by bike every day, and stats from the City of Vancouver show that when the area’s low-hanging clouds are banished by long sunny days, more people bike to work in the region than in any other urban hub on the continent.
Despite the location’s infrastructure and enthusiasm, however, there’s one major factor that keeps residents off their bikes. With its mountainous terrain, Vancouver might be a scenic place to live, but it’s hard to contend with the hills.
For those who need a bit more spring in their pedal, it’s possible to get some extra help.
Electric bikes—also known as ebikes—assist cyclists who are struggling against headwinds or climbing hills. Drawing power from a built-in battery, a motor attached to either the front or rear wheel lets riders build up to a substantial speed—typically about 25 kilometres per hour. When that top speed is reached, the motor cuts out and bikers rely solely on their pedals.
Despite requiring a small battery, this mode of transport is significantly greener than a car trip. It uses 18 times less energy than an SUV, and six times less energy than a journey on the Skytrain. Taking into account the life of the battery, an e-bike has a similar environmental impact to a conventional bicycle and can be of great assistance to the elderly or to those who want to build up their fitness level or commute to the office without needing a shower.
As the technology becomes more advanced, many Vancouverites are choosing to trade their 10-speeds or fixies for a modern alternative. Fuelling that demand, there are a number of local stores equipped to help cyclists upgrade. Here are five.
CIT-E-CYCLES ELECTRIC BIKES (3466 WEST BROADWAY)
With locations dotted around the Lower Mainland—vancouver, Surrey, and Langley all host Cit-e-cycles stores—this specialty shop boasts one of the bigger selections of bikes in the region. Its best-selling brands including commuter-friendly Pedego, electric-mountain-bike manufacturer Cube, and the foldable Tern. Ideal for customers unsure of what type of e-bike will suit them best, Cit-e-cycles has the stock to direct newcomers to the right model and offers price options ranging from about $2,000 to $12,000.
RECKLESS ELECTRIC HORNBY STREET) (1357
Reckless owns three bike shops around downtown Vancouver and has dedicated one solely to electric bikes. The company specializes in the eprodigy, Bionx, Bosch, Yamaha, and Shimano STEPS electric systems— each of which operates in a slightly different way. Unlike other e-bike stores, Reckless offers cyclists the option to rent a ride by the hour, day, or week and helps customers offset the cost of the bike with a rent-to-own scheme.
JV BIKE (929 EXPO BOULEVARD)
Located at the intersection of two major bike routes, JV Bike is a familiar stop for keen cyclists. Showcasing models from eight ebike brands, the store is famed for its sales. Customers are offered savings of up to 35 percent from typical sticker prices, sometimes cutting the cost by thousands of dollars. Catering to individuals who already own an electric bike, the shop also offers service and tune-ups, and features a separate showroom for those looking to expand their collection.
EBIKEBC (128–2323 ROAD) BOUNDARY
Rather than specialize in selling electric bikes off the shelf, EBIKEBC transforms an individual’s existing ride. Commuter bikes, mountain bikes, and folding bikes are all supported, with the team connecting all the necessary parts for pedal-assist power or an on-demand throttle to provide an extra boost. Each fitting comes with an extensive warranty.
CAMBIE CYCLES (3317 CAMBIE STREET)
As well as offering a limited selection of e-bikes, Cambie Cycles provides customers another way to motorize their ride. Like EBIKEBC, the store is able to install rear-rack mounted kits onto a traditional bike for $1,899, but it also offers the chance for individuals to do it themselves. Cambie Cycles sells ezee motor kits for $1,400—a significant reduction on the price of an e-bike—with the promise that any individual can convert their ride with two hours of free time, some basic DIY skills, and a set of bike tools.
BEAST > BY LUCY LAU
With temperatures steadily rising and sun on the horizon, it’s time to dust off your twowheeler and get bikin’. (Research has shown that regular cyclists tend to be happier, after all.) And while you’re at it, why not use the season as an excuse to invest a little in your commuting wardrobe? Whether you’re an avid roadie or a fair-weather rider, we’ve rounded up our favourite style picks that will have you making the city’s routes, trails, and dedicated lanes an impromptu runway.
TIP OF THE HAT The headwear of choice for bikers as far back as 1868, cycling caps are still worn by diehard roadies today for both aesthetic and practical reasons. (They fit snugly underneath helmets to keep sweat, sun, and rain out of your eyes and conveniently hide dreaded helmet hair postride.) Updating the quintessential hats for 2018, Victoria-based designer Christina Chan handcrafts particularly fun versions (from $25) under the name Knitchanchan, using upcycled and one-of-a-kind fabrics that are speckled with illustrations of octopi, doughnuts, and even sizzling strips of bacon. Find them at Sidesaddle Bike Shop (2496 Victoria Drive).
BAG OF TRICKS Two Wheel Gear— inventor of the bike suit bag that keeps 9-to-5 ’fits crisp and wrinkle-free during your commute—has tweaked its offerings for 2018, and we’re a big fan of the updated convertible pannierbackpack ($159). Designed in Vancouver, the sleek tote boasts a padded laptop slot and multiple pockets for your keys, phones, and other accessories. And as its name suggests, the bag easily goes from handy pannier to technical ’pack with a tuck and a few adjustable clicks, keeping your back clean and sweat-free during your ride. Find it at MEC (130 West Broadway and 212 Brooksbank Avenue, North Vancouver).
with a
MODE
love
for