7 Things We Wish We'd Known About Commuting On An E-Bike

Canyon has released a new e-bike! We look at the Canyon Grizl:ON, potentially the bike to answer all your commuting hopes and dreams. Si and our special guest, Matt, test out the e-Bike on their regular commute to work. Will their commute be transformed by this electric bicycle?

00:00 Intro
00:59 How long do e-bike batteries last for?
02:54 How much does weight matter on an e-bike?
04:23 Do e-bikes make riding easier and safer?
06:07 Why are e-bikes so expensive?
06:45 How expensive is it to maintain an e-bike?
09:34 Is an e-bike faster?
09:53 Our commute to work
12:03 Has your opinion changed on e-bikes?

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📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sirotti Images

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[gcn]

🤔 What features would your ultimate commuter bike have?
Let us know 👇

[randycarey-walden]

22, 000 miles on my e-bike as a daily commuter (10 miles each way) in five years. Bought a second battery two years ago. Sold my car. $160 US annually for maintenance. $300 every third year for new tires, etc.

[KarlXByrne]

As a disabled person getting an E-Bike has made a huge difference to my life. Having nearly died at the end of the year I made a promise to get one, and have gone from not going out all week to can't wait to get out for a few hours around Dublin City and the Bay area. One of the best things I ever got.

[simoniannelli]

For me, the best improvement in commuting by bike has been getting panniers and mudguards. Not having a backpack that weighs you down and causes back pain is great :)

[vestaalvesta]

GROCERY SHOPPING! Used to be a torture on my previous hybrid. Also, you are not sweaty while getting to work, wasting precious time showering before a big meeting. Lastly, you bike in good health and bad, no more off days after strength training, when trying to sit on a chair seems like a scene from a cartoon. 😂

[KingCollagen]

I so agree with everything in this video. I'm the fortunate owner of 2 ebikes and at 79 they've brought the joy of cycling back to me ❤. Living in Bristol, I recognise all the places in the vid and love riding them. You're right Si about St Michael's Hill - so steep. I get out of breath just walking up it 😪

[rabh]

Cool video, e bikes are just the best especially for us older folks😉 I treated myself to a Giant Road E+1 Pro for my 60th birthday 6 years ago and have now covered almost 31000 miles! Best bike I ever purchased and it makes me smile everytime I ride it😁Last year I climbed over 378, 000ft, I would never have come anywhere near that on a standard bike!

[rustyold]

I'm 69 from the land down under and can't get enough of Ebikes. I have a Focus Paralane gravel ebike. It's awesome.

I've also got a Focus dual suspension EMTB.

I ride the gravel bike 3 mornings a week with a group of old blokes and the EMTB the other 4 days. Average a total of 250 km a week in total.

I was never an athlete kind of guy but I absolutely love riding my Ebikes and the fitness benifits have been life changing. Has worked great for me.

[seattlegrrlie]

I got an Aventon Adventure second hand last year. Upright, sturdy, cargo bike. I save about $5 in gas every time, but the big difference is time. Bad traffic in my American truck is 45-60min. The ebike is about 30min. Also fun!

[darrenhitchcox]

I am an experienced cyclist and I have an ebike. I ride it in motor off at times to use the battery when I need it or drag me home mode. They are a awesome enabler and I can ride with lads 20 years younger than me and keep up. Did a 100 mile ride on mine last year and got another planned later this year.

[stableianForacle]

I’ve just ridden 10, 000 miles and 1 million feet in altitude on my e-bike in just under 3 years. Only ride for fun on mountains hills etc. I’m over 60 years old so I love the help up mountains.

[peteinwisconsin]

Pete in Wisconsin USA here. After more than 20 years of commuting by bicycle, I think you guys are nuts for riding without gloves or without eye protection.
E-bikes are a great addition to my transportation options. With one, there are no hills and no headwinds. It is easy to bring home the "tonnage" on mine. My e-bike was my only transportation when my car failed three years ago (all of June-September of 2021).

[alikabok-essx]

I used to scorn ebikes when they first came out. Ugly machines, I called them. My prejudice and snobbish attitude got the better of me.
Then I suffered a heart attack 8 years ago. As Si so insightfully observed. "ebikes are transformative. After the heart attack, I thought my biking days are over. But ebikes gave my cycling passion an extra lease in life. Now, I thank the people who initially created ebikes and I am extremely grateful for those bike engineers who continue to improve ebikes. God Bless them.

[kingOfTheMountain]

Apparently, the major issue is still security; in the case of using a lock on this type of high-end commute bike and leaving it somewhere, there is a significant chance of not finding your bike where you left it.

I have a simple bike, which I don't worry too much about when leaving it chained somewhere, but I would like to have a battery and motor for an easier journey.

[steveosullivan]

I turned 65, I live in the hills of Eugene Oregon. Getting the e bike took a bit of doing, but I love riding it. Security is my main issue, but the thrill of riding is worth it. Perfect for the small runs I have to do and just the freedom to ride. I do love the outdoors, and this is my ticket. Love it!

[kevinhoffmann]

Matt laughing at Si going up the hills is pure joy and that is what any ride should be.

[blapip]

Ebike changed my life. It got me employment that's further away from where I live without being stuck in traffic and spending money on gas. I don't have to worry about parking and just bring my bike into our office. Light exercise daily too made my mood better. Only thing I hated was when it rained but since getting proper rain gear that goes over my clothes, I don't get soaked at all so I don't care about the rain anymore. I cycle about 2+ hours a day and it's been soooo great for the mental health.

[DeputyChiefWhip]

Dutch person here. Just get any ebike that has lights, a comfy seat, a rear wheel clamp lock, a chain lock. and a bell. Make sure it has enough range to get you from a to b! Get on it and ride it 💪

[moctarfofana]

I had always wanted to try cycle commuting with my regular bike but the concerns about sweating and not having shower facilities at work, kept me away. However with the growth in e-bike usage, I finally purchased one last August and I regret not having done it earlier. I can ride in dress shirt and pants and arrive without a single bead of sweat anywhere and for the winter I have pannier attached and transport my work clothes, computer, and other items in that. It's also saving me money since I don't have to buy a monthly pass for slow and unreliable public transit.

[willian.direction]

Done 18K km on my Turbo Levo now in 2.5 years. Mostly gravels riding and a few trails. 71 yrs old now. The battery is normally charged a couple hours prior to riding and I take it to the bike shop twice a year to get motor and circuit boards checked out. Avoid riding it in the rain and lightly hose it off no pressure washing. Always put a new chain on at each service and keep chain clean and lubed.