The warm spring air brings a familiar sight to Canadian streets—cyclists navigating urban pathways, suburban roads, and rural trails. But something has changed in recent years. More and more, traditional pedal bikes are sharing the road with their electrified cousins, as e-bikes surge in popularity from Victoria to Halifax.
“I couldn’t make the 14-kilometer commute on a regular bike,” says Melissa Janssen, a 42-year-old accountant from Mississauga who switched to an e-bike last summer. “Now I ride three days a week, even with groceries. The assist makes all the difference when you hit those hills on Dundas.”
Stories like Janssen’s are becoming increasingly common across the country. Transport Canada estimates that e-bike sales have grown by approximately 30 percent annually since 2019, with particularly strong growth in urban centers and among commuters aged 35-55.
The pandemic accelerated what was already a growing trend. When public transit ridership plummeted during lockdowns, many Canadians discovered e-bikes as a socially distanced alternative. What began as a pandemic solution has evolved into a lifestyle shift for many.
“We’re seeing customers who haven’t been on bikes for decades,” notes Kai Wong, owner of Voltage Cycles in Vancouver. “They’re coming back because e-bikes level the playing field. You don’t need to be in Tour de France shape to enjoy cycling again.”
This accessibility factor appears to be driving adoption across demographics. A recent survey by the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium found that 64 percent of e-bike purchasers cited physical limitations or fitness concerns as a primary reason for choosing electric over conventional cycles.
Yet regulatory frameworks haven’t kept pace with adoption. Provincial rules vary widely, creating confusion for riders crossing municipal boundaries. In Ontario, e-bikes are classified as bicycles if they have functioning pedals, a maximum speed of 32 km/h, and don’t exceed 500 watts of power. However, Quebec has different weight restrictions, while British Columbia recently updated its framework to create three distinct classes of e-bikes.
“The patchwork approach causes unnecessary barriers,” says Martin LeChance, policy director at Vélo Canada Bikes. “Someone purchasing an e-bike in Ottawa might unwittingly buy a model that doesn’t comply with regulations across the river in Gatineau. We need national harmonization.”
Despite regulatory challenges, the environmental benefits remain compelling. Environment Canada data suggests that for every person who switches from car commuting to e-bike commuting, carbon emissions decrease by approximately 2.5 tonnes annually. This calculation accounts for the carbon footprint of battery production and electricity generation.
Local governments are responding to the trend by expanding infrastructure. Toronto’s post-pandemic cycling network expansion added 25 kilometers of protected bike lanes, while Montreal continues to enhance its already extensive cycling infrastructure. Even mid-sized cities like Kitchener-Waterloo and Halifax have announced ambitious plans to accommodate more two-wheeled traffic.
“Infrastructure is critical,” explains Dr. Patricia Mokhtarian, transportation researcher at the University of Calgary. “Our studies show that perceived safety is the number one barrier to e-bike adoption. Protected lanes significantly increase the likelihood that potential riders will make the switch.”
The economic implications extend beyond individual savings on fuel and parking. A 2022 report from Deloitte Canada estimated that the country’s e-bike industry contributed approximately $165 million to the economy last year, supporting over 2,300 jobs in manufacturing, sales, and maintenance.
For small businesses, the trend offers new opportunities. Emma Bouchard opened Quantum Cycles in Quebec City in 2021, focusing exclusively on e-bikes and accessories. “We couldn’t keep inventory on the floor last summer,” she says. “Especially cargo e-bikes – families are discovering they can replace a second car with something that costs a fraction to purchase and maintain.”
The cargo e-bike segment represents one of the fastest-growing categories. These utility-focused vehicles feature extended frames, often with cargo boxes or child seats, enabling riders to transport groceries, equipment, or kids. Statistics Canada reports that households with cargo e-bikes reduce car trips by an average of 41 percent.
Weather remains the most frequently cited barrier to year-round adoption in Canada’s climate. However, innovation is addressing even this challenge. Purpose-built winter tires, improved battery performance in cold temperatures, and better weatherproofing are extending the practical riding season.
“Five years ago, e-bikes would lose 50 percent of their range in sub-zero temperatures,” notes Waterloo-based battery engineer Samira Al-Hakimi. “Today’s lithium-ion systems with thermal management can maintain 80-85 percent capacity down to -15°C.”
As adoption increases, safety concerns have emerged. Several municipalities have reported increases in e-bike-related incidents, prompting calls for rider education. Ottawa recently launched an “E-Bike Smart” campaign focusing on rules of the road and safe operation practices.
“The technology has democratized cycling, which is wonderful,” says Constable Rick Taylor of the Toronto Police Service’s Traffic Division. “But we need to ensure riders understand that these are still vehicles requiring responsible operation, especially given the speeds involved.”
Looking ahead, industry forecasts suggest e-bike momentum will continue. The Canadian Association of Retailers in Alternative Transportation projects the market will grow to $400 million by 2025. Meanwhile, provincial governments including B.C. and Nova Scotia have introduced rebate programs for e-bike purchases, further accelerating adoption.
For Canadians considering the switch, the growing community of e-bike enthusiasts offers support and guidance. Facebook groups and local clubs have sprung up across the country, providing advice on everything from winter maintenance to secure parking solutions.
As our cities evolve and environmental concerns mount, e-bikes represent more than just a transportation trend. They’re increasingly part of a broader conversation about how Canadians move, live, and interact with their communities – one electrified pedal stroke at a time.
