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Electric Bike Buyer's Guide

So what's the deal with electric bikes?

Electric bikes are taking the world by storm, and they've become very popular here in Toronto. We get lots of questions about ebikes so we put together a guide to answer most of the common ones. 

In this guide, we'll cover basic info about electric bikes, the different types, the top brands, and why you should consider one for riding in and around Toronto. Plus, we have a whole FAQ section below.

Read on to get started

what is an electric bike

What is an electric bike? 

Electric bikes are just like regular bicycles but with the addition of a pedal-assist motor and battery that give you a power boost when you ride. There are many different types , but think of them as a way to supercharge your riding experience.

why ride an electric bike?

Why ride an electric bike?

Ebikes can help you ride faster and farther with less effort than a regular bike. Whether you want to commute to work, cruise around town, or get in a workout on hilly roads and trails, electric bikes are a total game changer that will make you want to ride more and more.

how do electric bikes work?

How do electric bikes work?

Electric bikes work by using your own pedaling power to activate a motor which draws electricity from an on-board battery. At Sweet Pete's we sell pedal-assist electric bikes, which means you need to pedal to recieve the benefits from the motor.

What are the different types of electric bikes?

electric commuter bikes

Electric Commuter Bikes

This is our most popular category of ebikes. Commuters and recreational riders love how electric commuter bikes make cruising the streets and bike paths of Toronto fast and fun.

Shop Electric Commuter Bikes

Or, read our Electric Commuter Bike Guide.

electric road bikes

Electric Road Bikes

Electric road bikes are even more performance oriented. These lightweight ebikes with fast tires and drop bars are perfect for the road cycling enthusiast who wants a little help on big climbs and longer distances.

Shop Electric Road Bikes

Or, read our Electric Road Bike Guide.

electric mountain bikes

Electric Mountain Bikes

Electric mountain bikes are a blast on dirt trails. The eMTBs we sell are already super capable off-road machines, and the pedal-assist motor makes big rides and tough terrain outside the city even more enjoyable.

Shop Electric Mountain Bikes

Or, read our Electric Mountain Bike Guide.

What are the best electric bikes brands?

We only sell the brands we love here at Sweet Pete's. While there are lots of companies to choose from, here are some of the brands that we and our customers love most.

Our Favorite Electric Bike Models

Here are some of our favorite electric bikes right now. These models are super popular with our customers and our staff love them too.

Shop all our electric bikes

Want to see all the electric bikes for sale we have at Sweet Pete's?Head over to our catalog and find the perfect ebike for your style of riding!

Sweet Pete's has the best electric bikes in Toronto

We even won Best Electric Bike Retailer in 2021 from Toronto's NOW Magazine

Sweet Pete' won Toronto's Best E-Bike Retailer for 2021

Where can you ride electric bikes in Toronto?

We're lucky to have lots of great bike paths and trails to ride electric bikes on here in Toronto. Check out where you can ride and have fun around the city.

Toronto Waterfront Trail

Perfect for electric commuter bikes, the Toronto Waterfront Trail is part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail which passes though the coasts of Lake Ontario, Erie, and Huron. 

Toronto Classic Loop

The Toronto Classic Loop is great for electric road bikes. It's a 76 km route around the city that combines roads and bike paths.

Don Valley Trails

If you have an electric mountain bike you should check out the Don Valley Trail system, which has trails for all skill levels and is very close to downtown Toronto!

Want to learn more about electric bikes?

We'll keep adding resources here to help you learn more about the fastest growing category in the bicycle industry, so be sure to check back. And make sure to check out the frequently asked questions below.

Bike Rack For Electric Bikes

Do you need a special bike rack for electric bikes? The answer is yes, especially if you'd like to make your life a whole lot easier.

The fact is, electric bikes can be heavy. Certain models can easily exceed the weight limits of some non ebike specific bike racks, and they can be a serious pain to lift up, especially for older riders.

We get this question all the time from customers who have either already purchased an ebike or who are thinking about buying one. And it's a very valid question. 

What kind of bike rack is needed for an ebike? Here are two great options:

Yakima OnRamp Electric Bike Rack

The Yakima OnRamp electric bike rack lets you roll your bike right up onto the rack so you don't have to pick it up. The unique design makes it easy to carry bikes of all different shapes and tire sizes, and you can carry two bikes up to 66 lbs each!

Saris Door County Electric Bike Rack

The Saris Door County electric bike rack allows you to lower the platform via an electric motor, which makes it very easy to roll heavy ebikes onto the rack. It folds up when not in use, and it can carry two 60 lb bikes.

Electric Bike FAQs

Are electric bikes legal in Toronto?

Yes! Not only are ebikes leagal in Toronto, they are often encouraged, as more people on bikes mean less traffic and happier commuters.

Can I ride electric bike on road?

Yes! The electric bikes that we sell at Sweet Pete's can be ridden on the roads and bike paths here in Toronto.

How far can I go on one charge?

The exact range of all of these E-bikes is influenced by factors like terrain, rider weight, weather and what power assist level you select but on average the E-bikes we stock feature a range of 60 to 135 km per charge.

How long does it take to charge the battery?

The batteries on the bikes we stock take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours to reach full charge.

How much do these bikes weight?

With different sizes and makes of batteries, motors and frames, the weights can vary. Bikes like the Trek Lift+ weigh from roughly 20.32 kg (44.8 lbs) all the way to 25.4 kg (56 lbs) for the Electra Townie Go. The Giant Quick-E+ weighs 23.4 kg (51.2 lbs) and the Trek Powerfly 5 weighs approximately 22kg (48.5 lbs). The BionX system will add about 8.8 kg (19.4 lbs) to the weight of the bicycle.

What kind of warranty do these bikes come with?

Trek's Ride+ bikes as well as Giant's E-bikes and BionX all feature a 2 year warranty (or 600 charges, whichever comes first) on motor, controller, & battery pack for the original owner only. Both the Trek and Giant E-bikes come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and rigid fork.

How fast can I go on these bikes?

The E-bikes we sell have a limited speed of 32 kph ( 19.9 mph).

How old do I need to be to operate an e-bike?

All operators and passengers must be at least 16 years of age.

Do you need a license to drive an E bike in Ontario?

Electric bikes are classified as bicycles, therefore no license, registration or insurance is required. For further information on what is and isn't allowed in regards to E-bikes in Ontario please click here

Are Electric Bikes Reliable?

They sure are! We sell high quality electric Bikes from some of the top ebike brands and our amazing service team is here to take care of you if you have any hiccups along the way.