Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face  while you explore the city on two wheels… but with less effort. E-bikes have exploded in popularity over the last few years since they make cycling easy and accessible. There are lots of places to try e-biking in Vancouver by renting an e-bike or taking an e-bike tour.

Until further notice, in line with the public health order, non-essential travel into, within, and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents, let’s do our part by continuing to stay small and support local with your immediate household, in accordance with the latest guidelines.

What are E-Bikes?

If you aren’t familiar, e-bikes are regular bicycles that have been fitted with an electric motor and a battery. You still have to pedal, but the motor makes it way easier. That means that you will expend less energy on an e-bike compared to a conventional bike. You can also go a bit faster, but you will still get some exercise.

E-Biking Tips

• Under British Columbia law, you must wear a helmet when you ride any bike and you must be over 16 to ride an e-bike.
• Ride on the road or a designated bike path and follow all traffic laws. Bikes (including e-bikes) aren’t allowed on the sidewalk.
• If you plan to ride on trails, do some research first. Some parks do not allow e-bikes.
• Watch your speed. Shared pathways like the Stanley Park seawall have a speed limit of 15 km/hour.
• Be careful mounting and dismounting. Don’t forget to use your kickstand. E-bikes are heavier than regular bikes, so they can tip over easily.
• Keep an eye on your battery. You don’t want to run out of juice!

Where to Rent an E-Bike in Vancouver

Several Vancouver rental shops offer e-bikes as part of their fleet. Rent an e-bike from Cycle BC just off Main Street, then ride it along the False Creek seawall. If you want to ride the Stanley Park or Coal Harbour seawalls, Cycle City and Yes Cycles both rent e-bikes downtown.

If you want to e-bike on the North Shore, stay tuned for the launch of North Vancouver’s pilot e-bike share program this summer. E-bike share members will be able to pick up and drop off e-bikes at designated e-bike share stations all over North Vancouver.

E-bikes are also great for mountain biking – they make the uphill climb so much easier. Many Vancouver-area mountain bike shops rent e-mountain bikes including Endless Biking, Dunbar Cycles, and Reckless Shipyards.

Vancouver E-Bike Tours

One of the best ways to experience the city and try out an e-bike at the same time is to take a tour.

Cycle City’s Epic Electric tour takes in Stanley Park, Yaletown, and Olympic Village, and more. You can also upgrade to an e-bike on their other tours including their fun Night Bike Tour.

Downtown-based Yes Cycles offers a few different e-bike tours. Bike over the Lions Gate Bridge and enjoy Ambleside Park and the Lonsdale Quay on their Vancouver North Shore E-Bike tour. Or take your e-bike onto the ferry and explore local food in Gibsons on the BC Food Adventure on the Sunshine Coast (after travel restrictions ease of course).

By Taryn Eyton
Source Inside Vancouver