Put the Petal to the Metal

It looks like a bike, you ride it like a bike — but it’s not... Well, sort of.

Confusing? Before you can even register a “huh?” this bike-but-not-really-a-bike zooms past you.

It’s called an ebike, or electric bike, and I see them whizzing all over the city. They resemble conventional bicycles but also motor scooters. Since Oct. 3, 2009, ebikes are permanently allowed on roads and highways, where they must follow the same rules of the road as set out in the Highway Traffic Act that currently applies to cyclists.

Even though it’s still fitted with pedals, the bicycle runs on a motor fitted in the bottom bracket. You can pedal along in tandem with the motor or as little as you want, but the point is, it will launch you to your destination in ease and comfort. It uses a lithium-ion battery that lasts about 30,000 miles (48,280 km) and can be charged in any 220/110 wall outlet.

This is a really great idea especially if you live in hillier neighbourhoods and because our bones and energy levels weren’t what they used to be. It’s also a great alternative to profusely sweating on a laid-back bike trail or neighbourhood ride with family and friends.

You can easily make your own ebike by adding on all the components like a motor, but Optibike already has really nifty-looking ones for everyone. The Optibike 850Xli is fast and light, conquering hills in a breeze. With features such as carbon fibre handlebars and wheels and oversized hydraulic disk brakes, it may just be the fastest electric bike ever made. Other slick and efficient models Optibike has are the USV Commuter and a women’s specific bike called Helia.

— Sarah DiVito