E-bikes becoming an alternative to driving for some consumers

With gas prices hitting their highest mark ever in Saskatchewan, people are looking for different ways to get around this summer.

Freddy Vandelinden from Dutch Cycle in Regina said E-bikes — bicycles that can be pedalled but which also have an electric motor — are becoming popular with consumers.

“It’s funny when I suggest an E-bike and some younger people say, ‘Well, I don’t need an E-bike. I’m not out of shape,’ but they are a lot of fun,” Vandelinden said on the Greg Morgan Morning Show. “I have never had someone go out for a test drive on an E-bike and not come back with a huge smile on their face.”

Gas prices hit $2.07 per litre in Regina on Monday. People are looking for alternatives to driving for the summer months and Vandelinden thinks E-bikes could be a solution for this summer season and many more to follow.

“The E-bikes start at about $2,000 but what you will find is (with) the nature of riding, it will save you a lot of money and time,” he said.

“I have a truck like every other Saskatchewan guy does and it takes $250 to fill it right now. So when you start thinking of a tank every three weeks or so conservatively, the money definitely adds up quickly.”

In Saskatchewan, E-Bikes are treated like regular bicycles and must obey city bylaws. Riders have to be at least 14 years old to operate an E-bike and do not require a licence. However, riders must wear a helmet.

E-bikes have increased in popularity in the past few years, but they’ve taken off this year because of high gas prices.

“We just can’t seem to keep them in stock, for as long as they come, they disappear,” said Vandelinden. “But previous to this year, it has been slowly building momentum but not like we had heard in other cities. But I think that the pressure is on for sure.”

Maintenance for an E-bike is just like for a car — always ongoing. But because of global supply chain shortages, it may be harder to get in the parts if an E-bike breaks down.

Vandelinden suggests buying the best quality to avoid unexpected automotive failures.

“The best thing that I can say is go with something from one of the best manufacturers,” he said. “A lot of bikes out there are coming from China that aren’t supported or don’t have backup in North America even. When something goes down, it’s almost unfixable to a point.”

With the popularity of E-bikes, it has been tough to keep up with demand due to supply chain shortages.

“The demand is still high; the pressure has not backed off,” said Vandelinden. “As the (price of) gas keeps ticking up, repair is picking up a lot more as well, I think.

“With finally some better temperatures, people are looking to run shorter trips without gasoline and save a few dollars. The flow of product has still been a challenge because of shipping delays and basic logistics that way.”

With such high demand, Vandelinden knows why people are shelling out for an E-bike.

“It is like re-exploring biking (or) like riding without a headwind ever again,” said Vandelinden.