Choosing a Sustainable and Repairable Electric Bike

Buying an electric-assist bicycle (e-bike) is a significant investment in your daily mobility. To ensure that your bike is high-performing, safe, and eco-friendly, it’s essential to make an informed choice by prioritizing the durability and repairability of its components. This guide walks you through the technical and practical criteria—from the battery to the motor, including budget and maintenance—to help you find an e-bike that will serve you well for many years to come.

Battery

• Battery Capacity
  Standard e-bikes typically range from 400 to 700 watt-hours. It’s like a gas tank: the bigger it is, the farther you can go, but for most people who commute in the city, 400 to 500 watt-hours is more than enough. For longer distances or if you live in a hilly area, you can aim for 625 to 700 watt-hours.
• Range
  Range can vary depending on weather conditions (e.g., wind) and the weight on the bike. You should calculate between 50% and 70% of the range advertised by the manufacturer to determine the actual range.
• Battery Certification
  To ensure you’re purchasing a high-quality, safe battery and charger, we recommend looking for one of these certifications: UL, ULC, or CSA.

• Battery Brand
  A certified battery from a reputable brand is safe. Here are some examples of brands to consider: Bosch, Shimano, Yamaha, Panasonic, BrosE.

Engine

There are two main types of motors.

• The Pedal-assist Motor
  This is the most efficient because it takes advantage of the bike’s gears. When you shift gears to climb a hill, the motor operates at peak efficiency and the weight is centered, making the bike more stable.

  

• The Motor in the Wheel (usually in the rear wheel)
  It's cheaper to manufacture, which simplifies the bike, but the ride feels less natural—especially when starting out—and the weight is at the rear of the bike, which affects the balance, especially with a loaded rack.

  

Sensors

• The Cadence Sensor
  Detects whether you’re pedaling or not. When you pedal, you get assistance. When you stop, the assistance stops. It’s less noticeable, but the sensation is jerky.

• The Torque Sensor
  Measures pedaling force. The harder you pedal, the more the motor assists. It’s smooth, natural, and in line with the effort you’re putting in. This type of sensor also uses less battery power. It’s the recommended sensor.

  

Brakes

• Hydraulic Disc Brakes
  Hydraulic disc brakes are recommended, and the Shimano, Tektro, and Magura brands are preferred.

  

• Mechanical Disc Brakes
  Mechanical disc brakes are less expensive but require more adjustments.
• Rim Brakes
  Rim brakes are not recommended.

Drivetrain

For chains, cassettes, and chainrings, here are some examples of brands that are among the best on the market: SHIMANO, SRAM, KMC.

Tires

• Width
  For urban commuting, aim for a width of at least 1.75 to 2 inches. This provides greater comfort and stability. A narrow tire—1.5 inches or less—is faster but less forgiving on potholes.

• Puncture Resistance
  Tires with a built-in puncture-resistant layer can be a good choice for an e-bike, since the wheel is heavier to remove in the event of a flat. Tires from brands such as Schwalbe Marathon, Continental Contact Plus, and Maxxis Refuse are top picks.

  

• Tire Pressure
  The ideal pressure range is indicated on the sidewall of the tire, and it is recommended that you stay within this range. If the pressure is too low, there is a risk of a flat tire. If it is too high, the ride is uncomfortable and traction is reduced.

Accessories

Accessories are what transform and personalize an e-bike into an everyday bike. Here are a few essential accessories:

• Fenders
  On rainy days, without fenders, there’s a high risk of arriving at work soaked and dirty. Expect to spend about $50.
• Rear Rack
  A rack with a minimum load capacity of 25 kilos is recommended, and you’ll need to bolt it securely to the frame.
• Built-in Lights
  On most high-quality e-bikes, the lights are powered by the main battery. This is a very useful feature—much better than battery-powered lights that you forget to recharge.

• Kickstand
  On a regular bike, it’s a minor detail. On a 25-kilo e-bike, it’s essential. Ideally, choose a double kickstand or a sturdy center kickstand, especially if you’re using a rack.

  

• Child Trailer
  For families, a child trailer is a great option. Expect to spend between $700 and $1,500, and check to see if your e-bike has a compatible mounting system.

  

• Cargo Trailer
  For transporting equipment or groceries, a trailer can be added. We recommend brands such as Burley, Travoy, Carla Cargo, or models made in Quebec.
• Cargo Bike
  If you’re transporting more than one child every day, it might be a good idea to opt for a cargo bike from the start. An extension model like the Tern GSB or Yuba, or a front-cargo bike like the Urban Arrow, will be more practical than a trailer if you use it regularly.

Budget

• Less than $1,500
  It’s better to wait or look for a used e-bike. At this price point, with new bikes, there’s a high risk of unpleasant surprises: batteries that aren’t always certified, unknown brands, and parts that may be impossible to find for future repairs.
• Between $1,500 and $2,500
  With this budget, you can find e-bikes from well-known brands, equipped with disc brakes, a certified battery, and an entry-level motor. This is the entry-level price point for an e-bike that will last.
• Between $2,500 and $4,000
  This is the ideal budget for a good e-bike with a mid-drive motor from a recognized brand and hydraulic brakes. This is recommended for people who use their e-bike regularly.
• Between $4,000 and $7,000
  This budget allows you to buy a high-end e-bike with a more powerful motor, a larger battery, and sometimes interactive displays, suspension, and belt drives. This is also the price range for family cargo e-bikes and electric-assist mountain bikes, or simply electric mountain bikes.

Warranty

A good warranty is a sign of the manufacturer's confidence in the durability of its bikes. The warranties offered should include at least the following:

• A lifetime or extended warranty on the frame
• A two-year warranty on the motor
• A two-year warranty on the battery (or a minimum of 500 to 800 charge cycles)
• A transferable warranty in the event of resale.

Specialty Store

To ensure you have an e-bike that is durable and repairable, it's important to buy your e-bike from a local store nearby that has a repair shop where maintenance can be performed on-site.

Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance of your e-bike is also crucial to ensuring its longevity.

Daily

• Check tire pressure
• Check the condition of the brakes.

Periodic

• Lubricate the chain (every 200–300 km)
• Comprehensive tune-up twice a year at a workshop specializing in e-bikes
• If the battery has been subjected to an impact, it’s important to have it inspected.

Annual

• Mechanical maintenance (excluding the battery): expect to spend between $200 and $400.
  
   

Winter Storage 

• Charge the battery to between 30% and 60% and store it indoors (15–20 degrees Celsius) in a dry place with a stable temperature.
• Recharge the battery about once a month to ensure it remains between 30% and 60% charge while not in use.

This guide was produced in collaboration with Cyclochrome as part of the Vélovolt campaign led by Équiterre, with financial support from the Government of Quebec through the Action-Climat Québec program, coordinated by the Fonds d'action québécois pour le développement durable and stemming from the 2030 Green Economy Plan. Équiterre also receives financial support from Hydro-Québec.