Buying an E-Bike Online in Canada: Shipping, Assembly, Returns and Warranty

Plain e-bike shipping box delivered on the porch of a brick house in autumn

Before you buy an e-bike online in Canada, check five things: shipping cost and time, the assembly left to do, the return window and fees, who handles warranty claims, and whether the motor rating fits where you'll ride. At Fast Ebikes, shipping is free Canada-wide, orders are processed in 1–3 business days and delivered in 2–7 business days, and unused items can be returned within 15 days of delivery with a 15% restocking fee.

Policies quoted as of October 2026; the full policies are linked below. Road rules checked October 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Fast Ebikes policies at a glance

What to check Why it matters Fast Ebikes
Shipping cost A bike is a large, heavy parcel Free, Canada-wide
Processing time When your order leaves 1–3 business days after the order is confirmed
Delivery time When it arrives 2–7 business days, depending on location
Where we ship Not every address can take a bike-sized parcel Addresses Canpar, UPS or FedEx deliver to; no P.O. boxes or remote communities
Return window Time to change your mind 15 days from delivery; unused and unopened, in original condition and packaging
Restocking fee The cost of changing your mind 15%, except when the return is our error
Return shipping A bike is costly to send back Paid by you, unless we shipped the wrong item or it is materially not as described
Where you can ride it Road rules cap motor power Bikes rated above 500 W are sold for private-property use only
Warranty Who fixes defects Each bike's manufacturer warranty; see our warranty page

Shipping: what to ask, and how we answer

Ask any store three questions: what shipping costs to your postal code, how long processing and delivery take, and whether it ships to your type of address. Here is how our shipping policy answers them:

  • Shipping is free across Canada. If your address needs FedEx, we tell you any additional charge before shipping, nothing extra is charged without your express agreement, and you can cancel for a full refund instead.
  • Orders are processed within 1–3 business days after confirmation, and delivery takes 2–7 business days depending on your location. Parts and accessories can take up to 4 weeks.
  • You get an email with a tracking number once the order is processed, and we may contact you to confirm order details before shipping.
  • If your order isn't delivered within 30 days of the delivery date we gave you, you may cancel for a full refund, unless you choose to accept late delivery.
  • We don't ship to P.O. boxes or remote communities. If you live in a remote community, contact us before ordering.

Delivery day: inspect before you assemble

  1. Check the box before you open it, and photograph any damage, including the shipping label and every side.
  2. Unpack carefully and keep all the packaging, since returns need the original packaging.
  3. Check the parts against the list in the manual.
  4. Report problems quickly, with photos and your order number.

Assembly: what's usually left to do

Boxed e-bikes usually need some final assembly. Common steps:

  • Fit the handlebar or stem and set it straight.
  • Install the front wheel and check the axle or quick-release.
  • Thread in the pedals. The left pedal has a reverse thread, so it tightens counterclockwise.
  • Set the seat height, then fit lights, fenders or a kickstand if they are packed separately.
  • Check the brakes, tire pressure and bolt tightness, then charge the battery as the manual directs.

If you aren't comfortable with tools, book a safety check at a local bike shop. Warranties commonly exclude damage from incorrect assembly, so follow the manual. Our how buying works page walks through the order process from checkout to delivery.

Returns: read the conditions

A return window only helps if you know its conditions. Under our refund policy:

  • Unused, unopened items can be returned within 15 days of delivery, in original condition and packaging, with all included parts.
  • Eligible returns carry a 15% restocking fee and any applicable shipping charges, except when the return is our error.
  • You pay return shipping, including the label. If we shipped the wrong item or it is materially not as described, we pay return shipping and no restocking fee applies.
  • Some items are final sale, including discontinued and clearance items; the policy lists them all.

Keep the box and packing material until you are sure you are keeping the bike.

Warranty: who fixes what

Every e-bike we sell carries its manufacturer's warranty against verified manufacturing defects, and terms vary by brand. Before you buy any e-bike, check:

  • What's covered, and for how long: terms can differ for the frame, motor, battery and electronics.
  • What's excluded: wear items such as tires, tubes, brake pads and chains are commonly excluded, and so is damage from crashes, misuse or modifications.
  • Parts vs labour: some warranties cover parts only.
  • How claims work: who you contact first, and what photos or videos they need.

Our warranty page explains coverage and claims for bikes bought from Fast Ebikes. Provincial consumer protection laws can also give you rights as a buyer.

Certification, tax and the rules of the road

  • Electrical safety: Health Canada suggests checking that an e-bike complies with ANSI/CAN/UL 2849, the safety standard for e-bike electrical systems. GO Transit accepts e-bikes on its trains only if the battery carries a manufacturer-installed UL 2849 or EN 15194 mark.
  • Motor rating: for road use in Ontario, Quebec, B.C. and Alberta, an e-bike's motor is capped at 500 W and must stop helping at 32 km/h. Our guide to e-bike laws by province has the details.
  • B.C. sales tax: qualifying e-bikes are PST-exempt in B.C. under PST Bulletin 204 (revised June 2026). They need pedals or hand cranks, wheels of 350 mm or more, 500 W continuous or less, no motor help above 32 km/h, no combustion engine and no moped or scooter styling.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to buy an e-bike online in Canada?

It can be. Read the seller's shipping, return and warranty terms before you pay, check the bike's electrical certification, and make sure its motor rating fits where you will ride.

How long does e-bike shipping take in Canada?

It varies by store. At Fast Ebikes, orders are processed within 1–3 business days after confirmation and delivered in 2–7 business days depending on location, with free shipping across Canada.

Can I return an e-bike I bought online?

Check the store's return policy before you buy. At Fast Ebikes, unused and unopened items can be returned within 15 days of delivery in original condition and packaging, with a 15% restocking fee that is waived when the return is our error. You pay return shipping unless we made the mistake.

Do online e-bikes come assembled?

Usually not fully. Expect to fit the handlebar, front wheel, pedals and seat, then check the brakes and tire pressure. A bike shop can do a safety check if you prefer.

Do I pay PST on an e-bike in B.C.?

Not on a qualifying e-bike: pedals or hand cranks, wheels of 350 mm or more, 500 W continuous or less, no motor help above 32 km/h on level ground, no combustion engine, and no moped or scooter styling. Other e-bikes are taxable.

Sources

Next step: browse our full e-bike lineup, shipped free across Canada.