Electronics
Safe E-bike electronics must be UL and CSA approved, like any other household electronic appliance. Although it is unlikely, charging systems, electronics, and batteries can combust during charging. Many homeowners and renters insurance companies deny damage claims caused by electronics and batteries that have not passed UL and/or CSA certifications. Products that do not meet these standards are far more likely to combust during charging, and there has been several cases where off-brand systems have burst in to flames during charging or use.
Battery
Battery quality is vital for the long-term operation E-bikes. Bosch warranties their batteries for 500 complete charge cycles or two years before the capacity diminishes. Shimano and Rocky Mountain have similar warranties. Many kit or budget brands will only handle 100-200 full cycles before experiencing a drop in capacity, and some even use acid-based batteries weighing substantially more than other options. This bikes commonly weigh in the 70- to 80-pound range (versus 50 to 60 pounds) and are often found a big box stores like Costo or Wal-Mart.
Classes
There are three classes of E-bikes. The classes are as follows:
Class 1: Pedal assist only, no throttle, up to a maximum assist of 32 kph.
Class 2: Pedal power optional, with a throttle, up to a maximum assist of 32 kph.
Class 3: Pedal assist and/or throttle, up to a maximum assist of 45 kph.
Class 1 E-bikes are fully legal in BC, and face similar restrictions to a standard bicycle.
Class 3 E-bikes are illegal in BC.
Class 2 e-bikes are currently a grey area within the province. ICBC regulations allow some configurations of Class 2 E-bikes but a recent court decision complicated matters by upholding a fine levied against a rider with a Class 2 E-bike for not having the correct licensing or insurance for a motor vehicle. Article
As such, the only class that should be considered safe from future regulations and enforcement is Class 1. Additionally, only Class 1 E-bikes are allowed in Provincial Parks, Protected areas, Conservancies, and Recreation Areas in the province that do not allow motorized vehicle use, read the government E-Bike policy. Class 1 E-bikes are not considered motor vehicles and are therefore permitted where motorized vehicles are not.
Service
Although typical E-bikes share most of their components with their normal bike counterparts, their electronics are unique. We can service any brand of bike, and the electronics on any brand of E-Bike that we sell (Shimano, Bosch, or Rocky Mountain). Many online only or off-brand E-bikes have electronics that cannot be serviced or have no trained technicians in the country to service them. Moreover, brands that do not have local support can have long lead times while waiting for service or replacement parts to come into the country. Shimano, Bosch, and Rocky Mountain all have suppliers within the Greater Vancouver Area and are therefore easy for us to get