Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the things riders ask us most — from first builds to daily commutes
⚡ Ebike Basics
New to electric bikes? Start here
What is an ebike, exactly?
An ebike is a bicycle with an electric motor that assists your pedalling or provides full throttle power. The motor is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery. You still pedal — the motor just makes it easier, faster, or both.
What's the difference between a hub motor and a mid-drive?
A hub motor sits in the centre of your front or rear wheel — it's simpler, cheaper, and great for flat terrain and commuting. A mid-drive mounts at the cranks and works through your gears — better for hills, off-road, and riders who want a more natural feel. Most conversions use hub motors. Most factory ebikes use mid-drives.
Can I convert my regular bike into an ebike?
Almost always yes. A conversion kit typically includes a motorized wheel (hub motor), a controller, a throttle or pedal assist sensor, and wiring. Add a battery and you're riding. The main thing to check is that your frame has standard spacing and can handle the extra weight. We can help you figure that out before you buy.
How fast do ebikes go?
In Canada, a legal ebike is limited to 32 km/h (20 mph) with a motor no larger than 500W. Many aftermarket setups can go faster, but anything over the legal limit is technically classified as a motor vehicle and may require registration, insurance, and a licence depending on your province.
How much does it cost to build an ebike?
A basic rear hub conversion with a decent battery runs $800–$1,500 depending on motor power and battery capacity. A mid-drive build with a name-brand motor and a quality pack can run $2,000–$4,000. A pre-built ebike from a major brand starts around $2,000 and goes up from there. Building your own almost always gets you more performance per dollar.
Do I need to know how to work on bikes?
Basic mechanical comfort helps — you'll be tightening bolts, routing cables, and maybe truing a wheel. The electrical side is mostly plug-and-play with modern kits. If you can follow instructions and own a set of Allen keys, you can do it. If you're not sure, a local bike shop can do the install for a couple hundred dollars.
🔋 Batteries & Charging
The part everyone has questions about
How far can I go on a single charge?
Depends on the battery size, motor power, terrain, rider weight, and how much you pedal. A typical 48V 14Ah pack gives you 40–70 km of mixed riding. Bigger packs (20Ah+) can push past 100 km. Throttle-only riding drains faster than pedal assist. Hills eat range. Wind eats range. Cold eats range.
How long does it take to charge?
Most packs charge from empty to full in 4–6 hours with the included charger. Fast chargers can cut that to 2–3 hours but generate more heat and may reduce long-term battery life if used exclusively. For daily commuting, most people just plug in overnight.
How long do batteries last?
A quality lithium pack will give you 500–1,000 full charge cycles before capacity starts to noticeably drop. At one charge per day, that's 2–3 years of daily use before you're down to about 80% of original range. After that the pack still works — it just doesn't go as far. Cheap packs from no-name brands degrade much faster.
Can I use any battery with any motor?
No. The battery voltage has to match the controller and motor. A 48V motor needs a 48V battery. Mixing voltages will either fry the controller or underpower the motor. Connectors also vary — XT60, Anderson, and barrel plugs are common but not interchangeable without adapters. Check compatibility before buying, or ask us.
How should I store my battery in winter?
Store it indoors at room temperature, between 40–80% charge. Don't leave it fully charged or fully dead for months — both damage the cells. Don't store it in an unheated garage or shed where it'll freeze. Check it once a month and top it up if it's dropped below 30%. Lithium cells don't like the cold, but they hate being neglected even more.
Are ebike batteries safe?
Quality packs from reputable manufacturers with proper BMS (battery management systems) are safe. The horror stories you see in the news almost always involve cheap, unbranded packs with no BMS, no cell balancing, and no thermal protection. We don't sell those. Every pack we carry has a BMS, uses name-brand cells, and ships in compliant packaging.
⚖️ Laws & Safety
What you need to know before you ride
Are ebikes legal in Canada?
Yes. Under federal law, a power-assisted bicycle must have a motor of 500W or less and a top assisted speed of 32 km/h. It doesn't require registration, insurance, or a driver's licence. Provincial rules add their own details — some require helmets, some set age minimums. Check your province's specific regulations.
Do I need a licence or insurance?
Not for a legal ebike (500W, 32 km/h max). If your build exceeds those limits, it may be classified as a motor vehicle in your province, which could require registration, insurance, and a licence. We sell the parts — how you configure them is your responsibility. Know your local rules before you build.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
It depends on your province. BC, Alberta, and Nova Scotia require helmets for ebike riders of all ages. Ontario and Quebec require them for riders under 18. Other provinces vary. Regardless of the law, we strongly recommend wearing one every ride. A good helmet costs sixty dollars. A head injury costs everything.
Can I ride my ebike on bike paths and trails?
Legal ebikes (500W, 32 km/h) are generally allowed on bike paths and multi-use trails in most Canadian municipalities. Higher-powered builds may be restricted to roads. Some parks and conservation areas ban all motorized vehicles including ebikes. Check local signage and bylaws before riding somewhere new.
What about riding in the rain?
Most ebike components are water-resistant enough for rain riding. The motor and controller are usually sealed. The battery is the most sensitive part — make sure the connector is seated and not exposed to direct spray. Avoid submerging anything. After a wet ride, dry off the contacts and store the bike somewhere dry. Don't pressure-wash your ebike.
What maintenance does an ebike need?
Everything a regular bike needs — tire pressure, chain lube, brake pads, cable tension — plus a few electrical checks. Keep your battery contacts clean, inspect wiring for chafe, and make sure your motor bolts stay tight. Hub motors are basically maintenance-free. Mid-drives need occasional chain and chainring attention since they put more stress on the drivetrain.
🛒 Orders & Support
The quick stuff
How do I track my order?
You'll get a tracking email as soon as your order ships. You can also check your order history any time. If tracking hasn't updated in a few days, email us and we'll look into it.
Do you offer free shipping?
Free shipping on parts orders over $135 within Canada. Full bicycles are excluded. International shipping is calculated at checkout. Details are in our Shipping Policy.
What's your return policy?
You have 30 days from delivery to return unused, uninstalled items in original packaging. Damaged or defective items are replaced or refunded at no cost to you. Full details in our Return Policy.
Can you help me plan a build?
Yes. Tell us your bike model, what you want to use it for (commuting, trails, cargo), and your budget. We'll recommend a motor, battery, and controller setup that fits. Email [email protected] or chat with Sarah in the bottom right corner.
Still Have Questions?
We'd rather you ask than guess — especially on a first build.
