A research study on daily trips found that 52% of all journeys—across all modes of transportation—are less than 5 kilometres. Surprisingly, 28% of trips are less than 2 kilometres, with just 2% of trips exceeding approximately 80 kilometres.
Why are we driving for such short distances? For trips under 5 km, pedal-assist bikes, also known as electric bikes or e-bikes, are an ideal, cost-effective transportation solution. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or just getting out and about, pedal-assist bikes make these journeys cheaper, easier, and far more enjoyable.
What Exactly is a Pedal-Assist Bike?
Simply put, pedal-assist bikes are electric bicycles equipped with a motor that provides a boost when you pedal, making it easier to ride faster and longer. Unlike throttle-controlled e-bikes, pedal-assist models rely on your pedalling to engage the motor, giving you full control. And once you stop pedalling, the motor disengages—so no worries about losing control. You also have the flexibility to choose how much effort you want to exert, making it a versatile option for all fitness levels.
Let’s explore why pedal-assist bikes are becoming a go-to option for people looking for a cost-effective and sustainable way to get around.
Why Pedal-Assist Bikes Are Perfect for Your Everyday Trips
Increase Your Carrying Loads
Pedal-assist bikes significantly enhance your carrying capacity, making them ideal for everyday trips. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or just getting out and about, these bikes allow you to transport groceries, kids, backpacks, or other items with ease. The added power of pedal-assist technology means you can handle heavier loads without the physical strain typically associated with traditional bicycles. This versatility makes e-bikes a practical choice for various daily activities, allowing you to ditch the car for short errands and enjoy all the benefits of cycling.
Save Money on Fuel, Parking, and Car Maintenance
Choosing an e-bike over a car can save you a lot of money. While the initial cost of an e-bike is higher than a regular bicycle, the long-term savings are significant:
- Fuel savings: Charging an e-bike is incredibly inexpensive compared to filling up a gas tank, making your transportation nearly free over time.
- No parking fees: E-bikes eliminate the hassle and cost of parking. You won’t waste time or fuel circling the block for a space. Plus, bikes often have better and closer parking options than cars, making them even more convenient.
- Minimal maintenance: Unlike cars, which require frequent oil changes, repairs, and costly upkeep, e-bikes are low-maintenance. For reference, CAA’s annual maintenance cost is estimated at around 10 thousand a year. Whereas, regular checks on brakes and tires are often all you need to keep your bike in top shape.
- No insurance or registration fees: With an e-bike, you can skip expensive insurance and registration costs entirely.
If you think about it, for most of the trips we take—under 10 km—a car isn’t even necessary. An e-bike can handle those journeys with ease, saving you money every time you ride.
Make Longer, More Challenging Rides More Accessible
Pedal-assist bikes are great for short trips, but they also make longer, more challenging rides easier. With a built-in motor to assist, you can take on tougher routes and longer distances without the usual physical strain.
- Conquer hills effortlessly: Pedal-assist gives you the extra power to easily tackle hills.
- Maintaining speed with less effort: You can maintain speeds up to 32km/hour without exhausting yourself, making those longer trips feel like a breeze.
- For example, if you have a 10 km commute to work in London, Ontario, it would take you approximately 19 minutes to arrive if you maintain a speed of 32 km/hour. However, considering the morning rush hour and the traffic patterns in London, especially on busy routes like Wellington Road or Oxford Street, you might find it challenging to maintain that speed, making your car commute longer than expected.
- Stay fresh on arrival: Whether commuting to work or heading out for a weekend adventure, pedal-assist bikes help you arrive at your destination without sweat. So as Andrew says “Dress for the destination, not the ride!”
No matter where you’re going, an e-bike, the right tool for the job, can make it all more manageable.
Reduce Traffic Congestion and Improve Air Quality
By choosing a pedal-assist bike, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re also helping your community and the environment. Every time you choose an e-bike over a car, you reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality by lowering carbon emissions. Plus, fewer cars on the road means less pollution and a healthier, cleaner environment for everyone.
How to Choose the Right E-Bike for You
Choosing an e-bike is an exciting process, but with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. To find the perfect bike, it’s important to think about how you’ll use it, the type of motor you prefer, the battery range that suits your lifestyle, and, of course, your budget. With plenty of high-quality e-bikes available for under $5,000, you can find a model that meets your long-term financial and practical needs.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your E-Bike
- Intended Use: Will you be commuting to work, hauling cargo, or exploring trails? Different e-bikes are optimized for different uses.
- Motor Type: Mid-drive motors, like the ones we sell at London Bicycle Café, provide better performance and control, while hub motors offer less control.
- Battery Range: Consider your typical ride distance. A range of about 30 to 80 km per charge is enough for most daily trips, but if you plan to go further, you may want a bike with a higher range.
- Budget: Quality e-bikes start at around $3,000 CAD, and many options are available for under $5,000. This makes it easier to find an e-bike that offers the features you need without breaking the bank.
How London Bicycle Café Can Help You Find the Right Bike for You
At London Bicycle Café, we specialize in e-bikes that deliver superior performance and reliability. Our e-bikes are powered by mid-drive motors made by Bosch, a global leader in electric bike technology. Unlike hub motors, mid-drive motors are positioned near the pedals, which not only makes the bike look like a classic bicycle but also allows for a smoother, more natural riding experience.
- Bosch Smart System: The brain of the operation, seamlessly connecting all components to provide a smooth, powerful, and customizable riding experience.
- Motor Modes: Offers precise control to adjust the level of assistance based on your riding preferences, giving you the flexibility for different riding experiences.
Another benefit of our e-bikes is the reliability of their lithium-ion batteries. Built to last and designed for everyday use, these batteries can handle regular commuting, recreational rides, and everything in between. Most e-bikes offer a range of 80 to 150 km per charge, making them suitable for all of your daily trips. Plus, our e-bikes meet all Ontario road regulations, so you can ride with confidence, knowing you’re compliant with local speed and weight limits.
At London Bicycle Café, we carry two of the best e-bike brands in the business: Gazelle and Tern. Both brands are known for their comfort, quality, and versatility, but they each offer something unique:
| Gazelle | Tern |
| These bikes are designed for upright, Dutch-style riding. They offer a comfort-able and relaxed experience, perfect for city commuting or leisurely rides. | Known for their one-size-fits-all approach, Tern bikes feature adjustable seats and handlebars, making them ideal for families or anyone who prefers a versatile bike that multiple people can ride. |
Still not sure which one is right for you? That’s where we come in. When you visit London Bicycle Café, you get to talk to experts who specialize in all things bike related. We’ll help you understand the differences between each model and guide you toward the best choice based on your lifestyle and preferences. Plus, we offer customization options to make sure your bike is perfectly suited to your needs. Our goal is to make e-bike shopping a fun, stress-free experience.
Book a Test Ride Today!
Ready to experience the benefits of pedal-assist bikes for yourself? The best way to find out which e-bike is right for you is to try one. Come down to London Bicycle Café and book a test ride. Our friendly team will be happy to walk you through all the features and get you comfortable on the bike that best suits your needs. Join our community and discover how an e-bike can transform your everyday trips. We look forward to seeing you soon!