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Electric Bikes are here!

What millions around the world have known for years is finally gaining traction North America. Major bike brands are onboard and here's why we think you should be too. Everyone we send out on a test ride comes back with a huge smile. It’s just plain fun. Isn’t that why we all started riding bikes? 


But isn't it cheating?

We hear this a lot. We wondered it ourselves...and here's what we decided. If you're racing...yes an electric bike would be cheating. However, if you aren't

If you want to have a blast, ride more, ride farther, ride more challenging terrain, ride with a faster partner, or ride instead of drive to work, you might want to cheat on your old bike a take an ebike test ride. 

Feeling intimidated by the tech? 

Think of it like buying a car. You’re aware of the engine...you may even know it’s size and horsepower, but your purchase decision is ultimately driven by so many other factors. Will it suit your storage and passenger needs? Does it handle the way you want it to? What kind of warranty does it come with? Do you like the colour, the sound system? The process of buying an ebike is no different. That being said here are some terms that will help you understand how an ebike works and what you should be looking for.

Pedal Assist

The electric bicycles that we stock are designed to support your pedalling, not replace it. You choose a power level—from low assistance to high—and the bike gives you power in proportion to your pedalling. This allows you to ride farther, faster, and with greater ease and enjoyment. Think of it as a helpful boost just when you need it. It's more like riding a traditional bike than many think.

Torque Sensor

The best electric bikes form a seamless hybrid between your pedalling and the motor. This is achieved with a torque sensor. It measures how hard you are pressing on the pedals, and then tells the motor how much assist to deliver. When combined with speed and cadence sensors, the motor controller gets a complete picture of how you are riding and gives just the right amount of assist at just the right time.

Wattage

Generally speaking, more wattage equals more power or range but this doesn't neccesarily improve the ride experience. Just like with any bike consider things frame geometry, wheels, tires, drivetrain and componentry. Experience touch points like saddle and grips, are also important factors to consider - perhaps even more important.

Still Not Sure?

Here are some things to think about.

Ebike rides count as exercise: The ebikes we sell are pedal-assist, still giving you a workout, improving your cardiovascular health, fitness, and aerobic capacity. But don’t take our word for it. Check out this New York Times article based on a University of Colorado Boulder study.

Use your ebike as transportation. Let’s agree that car traffic and downtown parking suck. If you live far from your job, or just don’t want to show up for work all sweaty, you may think ditching the car to go by bike isn’t possible. It is. Use the highest assist mode to get to work. Arrive fresh and focused (physical activity helps make you more productive). Scale back the level of assist on the way home and get your work out in. Boom. Now that’s smart and efficient. You may even get a promotion.

Ebikes often make great introductions into cycling. Have friends or family members you know would love and benefit from cycling but

are intimidated by your carbon road bike and padded stretchy shorts? Bring them in for an ebike test ride. Warning: you may have to work to keep up.

Hit the trails with an electric mountain bike. Enjoy the best parts of trail riding by getting a little help. If a busy family or work-life keep you from training as much as you’d like, but you still want to ride the trails like you did back in the day, this is for you. Purists are skeptical, until their first loop. Then it’s like, “Let’s go again!”

Moms and Dads on bikes - Loaded up with kids and gear a bike trailer can easily hit 100lbs, requiring additional effort for traditional bikes. With an ebike, you can run errands, be outside, and get some exercise in. What a powerful message to your littles about the benefits of exercise, your commitment to sustainability and having fun! NOTE: Not all ebikes are compatible with trailers. If this is your goal make sure you discuss with staff.

Happy Customers are the Best!

"Spent the last 6 months reviewing Ebikes and talking to multiple mechanics and salespeople before I met Jeff Martin who had a good answer for every question. This led to my purchase of a Bosch Mid-Drive bike. It is fantastic, I will be recommending Alter Ego Sports to all of my cycling friends. Many thanks."  Jim S.

Stop In and Test Ride Today!

You can read everything there is on the internet about electric bikes or talk to 100 sales people but the only real way to know if an bike is right for you is to ride one.