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Electric Commuter Bike Guide

Electric bikes are the perfect way to cruise around Toronto

Whether you’re looking to get a little more fresh air and exercise during the week or you want to change up your transportation routine, an electric bike is a great way to improve your lifestyle. Read on to learn about electric bikes and why they’re perfect for commuting and cruising around.

Top reasons to ride an electric bike to work or for fun

Get where you’re going faster

Who wouldn’t like to ride a little faster? 

For commuters, the time you save with an electric bike really levels the playing field and makes you much more likely to choose two wheels over four. 

For recreational riders, having a helpful boost is a ton of fun. 

It’ll let you ride longer distances in less time, as well as keep up with riders you wouldn’t be able to catch otherwise.

Ride with less effort

The electric-assist motor will keep you from working too hard and will prevent some of the sweat and fatigue that comes along with pedaling. 

Hills and longer distances will no longer be a problem, and you’ll be fresh when you arrive at your destination. 

With ebikes, you can work as much or as little as you’d like, since almost all models have multiple speed settings to choose from.

Expand your limits and lifestyle

When you enjoy riding, you’ll do it more often. 

Having an electric bike has been a game changer for so many people who might not have gotten back into the habit of riding otherwise. 

Ebikes are a great way to get back on two wheels if it’s been a while, but even if you already ride a lot, you can expand your horizons by being able to do more with less effort. 

We’ve never heard anyone complain that they’re riding their bike too much, and with electric bikes you can help build healthy habits that will improve your lifestyle.

What to look for when buying an electric bike for commuting or cruising

If you’re a commuter or a recreational rider, here are some features to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a new electric bike.

Top assisted speed: how much do you really need?

At Sweet Pete's we sell Class 1 electric bikes that provide pedal-assisted speeds up to 32km/h.

While you might be inclined to think more is better, the vast majority of ebike riders rarely pedal 32 km/h or faster. 

Unless you’re a serious commuter who needs to travel as quickly as possible, Class 1 electic bikes are usually perfect.

Range: how long does the battery last?

If you’re riding for pleasure around your neighborhood or your rides tend to be less than 30 kilometers, just about every electric bike we sell will have more than enough juice in the battery to provide assistance throughout your whole ride, as long as you’ve remembered to charge it. 

Even a half charge is often enough for most recreational rides, but if you’re a dedicated commuter or someone who rides longer distances, you might want to seek out an ebike with a higher watt-hour battery.

Removable battery

Having a removable battery makes charging much easier since you won’t have to worry about getting your bike close to an outlet. 

electric bikes with removable batteries are very convenient

Plus, if you’re a commuter, you’ll enjoy the added security as well as the ability to take your battery into the building so you can make sure you’re fully charged for the ride home.

Comfortable design

Whether you’re on your daily ride to the office or out for some fresh air on the weekends, you’ll probably want to be as comfortable as possible so you can enjoy the ride. 

Higher handlebars keep your back upright, and wider seats make longer rides more comfy. Step thru frames make it easy to hop on and off no matter what you’re wearing.

Integrated headlights and taillights

One of the best features of electric commuter bikes is the integrated lights that run off the battery. 

Electric bikes with integrated headlights and taillights are perfect for commuting and adding visibility

If the ebike you choose comes with these great features, you’ll never need to worry about charging lights again. Riding late or early won’t be a problem, and you’ll always be extra visible to cars.

Cargo Racks

Not to be overlooked, cargo racks are incredibly handy for carrying the things you want to take with you on a ride. They’ll save you from having to wear a backpack and they open opportunities to grab groceries and run other errands, which helps keep you riding and out of the car.

Suspension forks

Suspension forks aren’t just for mountain bikes. If you ride on bumpy roads, or just want to have some extra shock-absorbing smoothness, you’ll appreciate that some of these electric commuter and hybrid bikes come with a suspension fork.

Fenders

Fenders are great for riders who don’t want their clothes to get dirty. They’re arguably a must-have for commuters and anyone who is likely to ride in the shoulder seasons, but even casual riders will appreciate their functionality and stylish look.

Shop electric bikes for commuting and recreation

Check out all our electric bikes for commuting and cruising right here. We stand by every model as a quality product that you’ll absolutely love.

Shop our best electric bike brands

At Sweet Pete's in Toronto we sell some of the best electric bike brands in the business, and here are a few of our customers’ favorites:

Shop Trek electric bikes for commuting and recreation
Shop Giant electric bikes for commuting and recreation
Shop Kona electric bikes for commuting and recreation

Looking for other types of electric bikes?

While most people think of these commuter and recreational style ebikes when they think of electric bikes, there are a few other styles that you might also consider if you like to push yourself even further.

Electric Road Bikes

Electric road bikes are lightweight drop bar bikes that are designed for fast road rides. 

While the models we’ve described above are more for efficient transportation, these ebikes are more for getting in a great workout with a little help with the hills and headwinds. 

Check them out below.

Electric Mountain Bikes

Electric mountain bikes are designed for off-road and trail riding. 

They all feature a suspension fork and beefier, knobby tires for great traction and control and the pedal-assist motor helps riders conquer hills and ride longer trails. 

If you’re thinking about trying an eMTB, check out the great models we carry below.