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MLBLUE
SPRING2017
words :: Edward Taylor
What is an e-bike, exactly? A few common
misconceptions include: an e-bike is not really
a bike (isn’t it more like a Vespa?); you don’t
get a workout on an e-bike (the motor does all
the work); and e-bikes are for senior citizens. As
we will point out here, all these statements are
demonstrably false.
A lightweight and compact pedal-assist motor
like the Bosch system used by Cube Bikes is
engaged only when you’re pedalling. There is no
throttle. Four assist modes (Eco, Tour, Sport, or
Turbo) add 50 to 250 percent of your pedal-
applied power. The motor maxes out at 32kph—
beyond that, it shuts off automatically and you
pedal or coast as on a regular bike. We recently
spoke to Erik Jensen of Cube Bikes Canada
about the pedal-assist e-bike and its increasing
presence on roads and trails.
MountainLife:
Howwouldyoudescribe the
pedal-assist toa riderwho’snever seenone?
Erik Jensen:
An assist motor is the greatest
equalizer that’s ever been in the bike industry.
You can be 85 years old or you can be 15 years
old and you can go out on a family ride and all
stay together. I’ve been riding bikes since I was
two years old. My wife and I have always been
very active in bike riding; three or four times a
week we would go for rides. As life and age
E-VOLUTION
BEHINDTHEE-BIKE’SPEDAL-ASSISTTECHNOLOGY
E-biking theGeorgianTrail. MARC LANDRY/BMR
INNOVATION
