Never Too Late To Be An Early Adopter

Considering electric bicycles have been around for more than a century, it’s hard to fathom why Tessa Ward would call someone like me who just got one an “early adopter.”

But like many fellow seniors, I’ve had to curtail some of my activities in recent years in deference to age-related wear and tear – multiple knee and foot surgeries, in my case. I was determined to stay active, however. After a lot of research, I found a solution.

I bought an e-bike. A what, you ask?

Ward, public relations manager for Rad Power Bikes, says seniors are a rapidly growing and increasingly significant market segment for the eco-friendly, convenient and relatively affordable two-wheeled mode of transportation, commonly referred to as “e-bikes.”

“Many of our customers are seniors who want to stay active but have had to give up cycling because of health issues or other challenges,” says Ward. “More and more are realizing that an e-bike is the answer not only for exercise but for getting around, visiting friends, commuting, getting groceries or just about anything else. Why take the car when you can ride your bike?”

For the record, Ward says, “Rad!” (for “radical!”) reflects the reaction most people have when they first see an e-bike. It also happens to be the first three letters of Mike Radenbaugh’s surname. Mike started building custom e-bikes in 2007 before he and school buddies Ty Collins and Marimar White-Espin founded the company in 2015. Its growth has been nothing less than phenomenal, reflecting a world-wide trend.

This new generation of e-bikes is not to be confused with electric scooters. Neither are they electric motorcycles or mopeds, although most models provide for a throttle setting that eliminates the need for pedalling when required.

But that, for those of us seeking exercise, defeats the purpose. (Having said that, I sheepishly admit that the throttle comes in handy when you need a break from pedalling.) Basically, the modern e-bike is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that provides escalating levels of assisted pedalling on demand.

George Krastev founded Voltbike Electric Inc. in Vancouver five years ago. He rode a traditional bicycle, occasionally, and quickly discovered that, even for the average person, it was pretty arduous on anything other than flat terrain. He researched the e-bike concept and used his technology background to design his first Voltbike. Today, the company’s product line, like many other manufacturers, includes a range of models.

Indeed, for today’s e-bike buyer, the choices are plentiful. Some fold for ease of transportation, others resemble road and mountain bikes, others hark back with nostalgia to the cruiser bikes of the 1950s, and then there are the very popular “fat bikes,” with balloon tires capable of taking on all sorts of terrain. Whether it’s for commuting, running errands, sightseeing on vacation or any other reason, there’s likely an e-bike model that suits the purpose. There are even commercial versions like the three-wheeled Rad Burro with its optional tilting truck bed or cargo box.

Like their competitors, Voltbike and Rad Power Bikes cut costs by selling their products online, although Seattle-based Rad has just opened a store in Vancouver. While this does present a challenge for prospective purchasers who want to test drive before they buy, many companies have active online communities with enthusiastic members who are more than willing to let you go for a spin on theirs. Perhaps “online communities” is an understatement. “Fan clubs” might be more appropriate because the participants, almost universally, are ecstatic that they purchased an e-bike.

E-bikes can also be purchased from retail outlets ranging from bike shops to big-box chains like Costco and Canadian Tire. But prospective e-bikers should make sure they are confident about after-sale technical support and warranties.

Krastev estimates that almost half of Voltbike’s customers are seniors.

“Many say they’ve had some problems, like a knee replacement or a back problem, that means they need an electric bike,” he says. “They love them.”

I know I do.

Speaking from my brief experience, there is a newfound freedom now that I have an e-bike. Maybe “rediscovered” is a better word, though. Being able to hop on my bike and go for a cruise on a sunny day or pick up some groceries or head to the golf course has brought back memories of my youth. A series of trails in our region means I can visit my daughter in a village 20 kilometres away or make my way to a nearby beach for a swim. I’ve put more kilometres on my e-bike than my car since spring arrived!

If this is being an early adopter, then I am very happy I am one.

E-bike Essentials

In Canada, e-bikes are classified as “power-assisted bicycles” and must have operable pedals, an attached electric motor of 500 watts or less, and a maximum speed capacity of 32 kilometres per hour when the motor is engaged.

Generally, you do not need insurance or a driver’s licence to operate one. However, each province has additional regulations. In British Columbia, for example, riders of e-bikes must be at least 16 years of age and must wear a helmet.

Like automobiles, prices for e-bikes run the gamut based on materials, components and options. A basic, reliable model can be had for under $2,000 from, for example, Rad Power Bikes or Voltbike. Vancouver-based OHM Cycles has been producing e-bikes since 2005. Their offerings start at about $4,000, but include extras such as upgraded motors and gears, air suspension and more.

Modern battery technology means an e-bike, depending on the level of pedal-assist used, can have a range of at least 40 kilometres, sometimes many more, on a single charge.

For more information:

There are scores of e-bike manufacturers and related websites, such as www.electricbikereview.com. It is well worth the time spent to check out as many as you can before purchasing. For a start, here is the contact information for the three companies mentioned in this article.

Rad Power Bikes Canada 1-800-939-0310
www.radpowerbikes.ca
Twitter @RadPowerBikes
Facebook facebook.com/RadPowerBikes

Voltbike Electric Inc. 1-800-350-4840
www.voltbike.ca
Facebook facebook.com/voltbikes

OHM Cycles 1-866-646-2925
www.ohmcycles.com
Twitter @ohmcycles
Facebook facebook.com/ohmcycles

4,370 views