How to choose an electric bike
Start with where and how you ride, and pick the type of e-bike that fits. Then compare the motor, battery and fit numbers on each bike's page, and read the shipping, returns and warranty terms before you order. The steps below cover the basics; each links to a guide with the details.
1. Pick a type for your ride
| Type | Who it suits | Shop |
|---|
| Fat tire | Riders on snow, slush, sand, gravel and loose ground: wide, low-pressure tires spread your weight | Fat tire e-bikes |
| Folding | Riders short on storage space, or who take transit or carry the bike in a car trunk | Folding e-bikes |
| Commuter and city | Everyday trips to work, school and errands | Commuter and city e-bikes |
| Step-through | Riders who want a low frame that is easy to get on and off, including many shorter riders | Step-through e-bikes |
| Moped-style | Riders who want a long padded seat and an upright, moped-like look | Moped-style e-bikes |
| Electric trike | Riders who would rather not balance at stops: three wheels stay upright on their own | Electric trikes |
| Cargo | Carrying groceries, gear and, on bikes built for one, a passenger | Cargo e-bikes |
| Mountain | Trails and rough terrain: suspension and knobby tires | Electric mountain bikes |
| Full suspension | Rough trails, washboard gravel and broken pavement, where the rear wheel takes regular hits | Full-suspension e-bikes |
Not sure between two sizes? Our guide to folding vs full-size e-bikes compares them side by side.
2. Motor: where it sits and what the watts mean
A hub motor turns the wheel directly and suits city riding on flat or rolling routes; a mid-drive drives through the gears, so it climbs steep hills and carries loads better. Our hub motor vs mid-drive guide compares them. The watt figure is the motor's rated power, and more watts buy less extra speed than you might expect, as how fast e-bikes go explains. The pedal sensor changes the feel too: see torque sensor vs cadence sensor.
3. Battery and range
Range is roughly the battery's watt-hours divided by the watt-hours your riding uses per kilometre. Speed, hills, weight, throttle use and cold all use more, so plan on less range in a Canadian winter. The e-bike battery range guide has a table by battery size, and long-range e-bikes lists bikes whose brand states 100 km or more.
4. Fit, load and weight
Check the brand's rider height range, stand-over height and lowest saddle height (e-bikes for short riders), and pick a max load that covers you, your gear and cargo with room to spare (e-bikes for heavy riders). Weights vary a lot between types, so check the listed weight before you plan on stairs or a car rack.
5. Buying online
Shipping is free across Canada: we process orders in 1–3 business days, and delivery takes 2–7 business days depending on where you live. Bikes ship partially assembled. Unused, unopened bikes can be returned within 15 days of delivery, with a 15% restocking fee, and every e-bike carries its manufacturer's warranty. Buying an e-bike online in Canada walks through each step, and the full terms are in our shipping policy, refund policy and warranty page.
