Volume 18 Issue 1 » 93
Photo courtesy of Damon Motors
EXTRAS
Mobility on Two Wheels
by Mike Ginsca
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The price of fuel is skyrocketing as quickly as a SpaceX rocket . Everywhere you look on the west coast of Canada , regular gasoline has been hovering around a $ 1.90 / L average in late 2022 , up from a 2021 average of $ 1.62 / L . This has led to a massive surge in hybrid and electric vehicle sales . There might be a wait for some EVs and hybrids due to high demand , and so , some consumers have started looking for alternatives in the form of two wheels .
This can be seen in the surge of electric bicycle and electric motorcycle sales in recent years . Like their four-wheel counterparts , they are also eligible for Government rebates , making them a good option for those who travel short distances in the city . Manufacturers of electric bicycles and motorcycles have also increased their output to keep up with soaring demands , so we are also seeing more options and product selection being introduced to the market . Generally , e-bikes range in price from as little as $ 800 to as much as $ 18,000 . In BC , if you scrap a qualifying car or truck , you can get a $ 750 rebate when purchasing a new e-bike , so long as the price of the e-bike is at least $ 1,200 before taxes .
By government legislation , e-bikes can assist in providing power up to 32 km / h , after which it is you that is providing the power through pedaling . The electric riding range varies from as little as 40 kilometres all the way up to 140 kilometres on a single charge . Of course , this electric riding range is dependent on your weight , wind resistance , the terrain and how much you pedal with the electric assist . But , even with a 40-kilometre range , it ’ s more than enough to get around a bustling city like Vancouver or Toronto . Most e-bikes also have detachable batteries , so you can remove the battery when you reach your destination , recharge it while you ’ re working , and ride back home while using only electricity to get you along .