Latest news with #electricBikes
Car and Driver
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Best Cargo E-Bikes of 2025, Tested
Thanks to ever-improving electric motors and increasingly affordable battery power, e-bikes have exploded in popularity over the past few years. Having already tested electric scooters, we decided it was time to dip our toes into another corner of two-wheeled transportation. Instead of chasing speed this time, we kicked off our e-bike coverage with the utilitarian workhorses of the category: cargo e-bikes. After all, what better way to offset car usage than with the two-wheeled equivalent of a minivan? Over the past few months, we've logged countless hours and miles to find out which models look sharp, ride well, and offer the most real-world utility. Spoiler: There's no one-size-fits-all winner. But our roundup breaks down the standouts so you can find the cargo e-bike that best fits your needs. Things to Consider When Buying a Cargo E-Bike Motor Power Most cargo e-bikes come with motors rated between 250 and 750 watts. The higher the wattage, the easier it is to climb hills and accelerate when carrying heavy loads. More power can mean more weight and faster battery drain, so balance your needs with your riding style. Hub-Drive vs. Mid-Drive Hub motors are mounted in the center of the rear wheel and provide a simple, often more affordable setup. Mid-drive motors, by comparison, are located at the crank (where the pedals are). They generally have a more traditional-bicycle experience and feel more natural under load. Unfortunately, that normally comes at a cost, with mid-drive motors often costing a decent bit more than their hub-driven counterparts. Class 1, 2, or 3: Class 1 e-bikes offer pedal-assist up to 20 mph and are legal on most bike paths. Class 2 models add an accelerator control to let you ride without pedaling, also limited to 20 mph. Class 3 bikes bump pedal-assist speed to 28 mph, making them quicker on streets but sometimes restricted on multi-use trails. Cadence vs. Torque Sensors: A cadence sensor activates the motor when you start pedaling and provides an equal level of power (at any given pedal-assist mode) regardless of how fast you're actually pedaling. Torque-sensing motors, on the other hand, measure how hard you're pedaling and adjust power output accordingly. This offers a more intuitive response that can feel more natural compared to cadence-sensing systems. Although purists may disagree, we don't think one is necessarily better than the other—they simply have different feels and one might fit your needs and preferences better than the other. Weight Capacity Cargo e-bikes are built to carry stuff, but exactly how much varies widely from one bike to another. Many bikes support 300 to 400 pounds, while heavy-duty models can handle upwards of 500. Always check the total payload capacity (including rider and gear) to ensure you're riding safely. Range Based on our experience, expect around 30 to 60 miles on a single battery charge, depending on weight, terrain, and assist level. If you're planning long trips or regular heavy-duty use, look for models that support a second battery to double your range. Pedal-Assist Modes (PAS Modes) Most e-bikes offer three to five levels of pedal assist. These modes, sometimes shortened to PAS, let you choose how much help you get from the motor when pedaling or using the accelerator. More modes mean better fine-tuning of control over battery use and riding effort, while maintaining flexibility when trying to extend your range or battle that final hill before you get home. Comfort and Ergonomics Comfort is key when you're hauling people or packages. An adjustable and properly padded saddle, adjustable handlebars, and other components can make a big difference, especially on longer rides. Another thing you'll want to keep in mind is your height. Some bikes, such as those with step-through frames, might be better if you're on the shorter end of the spectrum, while taller people might want to prioritize bikes with taller handlebars and seating positions. Assembly and Maintenance Some e-bikes arrive nearly ready to ride out of the box. Others require tools, patience, and some elbow grease. Mid-drive motors offer great performance but put more strain on chains and drivetrains, increasing long-term maintenance. Consider local bike-shop support or mobile services if you're not a DIY type. Interface E-bike interfaces range from minimalist LEDs to full-color screens that show speed, range, and assist levels. Accelerator controls are another consideration you'll want to take into account. You'll almost only ever come across thumb lever or wrist-twist types, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution here. Some riders on our team preferred the thumb-lever design, while others preferred a twisting accelerator. Best Cargo E-Bikes, Tested
CTV News
04-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Bixi bike-sharing platform expands to Sherbrooke, more launches planned later this year
Montreal's popular bike-sharing service BIXI launched in Sherbrooke, Que. on Friday. BIXI is the region's first bike-sharing platform, launching with 255 bikes, with the vast majority of them (80 per cent) being electric. Stations were launched at key locations, including transportation hubs, educational institutions like the Université de Sherbrooke, as well as parks and other commercial areas. 'This service enhances our sustainable transportation options and makes our downtown even more attractive by facilitating access to businesses, contributing to the local economy,' said Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin in a news release. BIXI Montr-al-BIXI launches bike-sharing service in Sherbrooke From left: Sylvia Morin, Chair of the Board of Directors at BIXI Montréal; Laure Letarte-Lavoie, City Councillor and Évelyne Beaudoin, Mayor of Sherbrooke. (Source: CNW Group/BIXI Montréal) 'With electric bikes, even our hilly terrain becomes more welcoming! And this is just the beginning, with our cycling network constantly improving to make Sherbrooke even more welcoming for cyclists, both local and from elsewhere.' The Quebec government provided $1.1 million in funding for the launch through the Financial Assistance Program for the Development of Self-Service Bike Sharing. BIXI expanding to more cities this year The Sherbrooke launch comes ahead of a BIXI expansion to more cities in Quebec later this year, including Saint-Eustache and Deux-Montagnes on Montreal's North Shore. The bike-sharing service will also launch in Saint-Lambert on the South Shore. The 2025 expansion will bring the total number of partner cities to 13, the number of bikes in service to 12,600, and the number of stations to more than 1,000. BIXI currently operates in Montreal, Westmount, Mount-Royal, Montreal East, Longueuil, Laval, Boucherville, Terrebonne, and Sainte-Julie. During the Montreal public transit strike last month, users set a new record after making more than 80,000 trips per day during seven of the nine strike days. On June 11, the bike-sharing company recorded more than 95,000 trips. Each of those seven days surpassed the busiest day in 2024, when more than 79,000 trips were a record at the time.
