eBike & the city

When it comes to commuting efficiency across cities, it's hard to beat the convenience and functionality of electric bikes (ebikes). With their innovative electric motor assist, ebikes effortlessly glide through crowded streets, making urban commuting a breeze. Ebikes excel in stop-and-go situations, as their electric assistance allows riders to effortlessly accelerate from traffic lights and stop signs. This efficient acceleration not only saves time but also reduces energy consumption, making ebikes an eco-friendly transportation option. Additionally, their compact design makes it easy to navigate through narrow alleyways and find hassle-free parking in crowded areas. With their distinct advantage of combining pedal power with electric assist, ebikes prove to be an efficient and sustainable mode of transportation in the bustling urban environment.

How does it translate in a city such as Ottawa? This return trip took 37 minutes during rush hours.

Riding The Ruffian powered by a Bosch Performance CX; trip data was recorded on a Bosch Nyon on-board computer.

How does it compare to using a car?

The one-way trip by car took 22 minutes this morning, after leaving home at 08h00. Add another 6 min for parking underground. My cost/month (fuel and city parking only): $437.80 which represents nearly 50% of the total monthly ownership costs when you include:

  • Finance or interest expenses

  • Car insurance

  • License and registration fees

  • Sales taxes on the purchase

  • Depreciation

Commuting time using my eBike is practically always the same, no matter the time of day. When I factor the sheer pleasure of riding my ebike into the equation, the choice is obvious.

If your daily commute is within 10-15km (6-10 miles), just give it a trial for a single week and simply do the math!