Welcome to our weekly newsletter! This week, we’re diving into some exciting environmental trends. I’m Emily, and last week, I trained to use new e-bikes at work. I want to share stories about the rising popularity of e-bikes.
Did you know e-bikes can be a game-changer for many? Gaynette Friesen from Peterborough, Ontario, switched from a regular bike to an Aventon e-bike to tackle the hilly ride to her job at Fleming College. She calls it a “game changer,” making her commute enjoyable and efficient.
The e-bike market is booming in Canada. Entry-level models start around $1,000, while high-end options can reach up to $5,000. A study by Alex Bigazzi, a civil engineering professor at the University of British Columbia, shows that e-bikes made up 16.4% of traffic on Vancouver’s multi-use paths in 2023, a significant increase from just 4.5% in 2019. This growth can be partly attributed to provincial and municipal incentives that encourage e-bike adoption.
Interestingly, from 2019 to 2022, Canadian e-bike imports skyrocketed from $131 million to $530 million. Recent data suggests that while imports have seen a slight decline due to inflation and changing consumer behaviors, e-bikes remain a popular choice among commuters.
In cities like Toronto, e-bikes are changing the landscape of bike-sharing programs. They have been responsible for more than twice as many daily trips compared to regular bikes in 2025. Users report enjoying the time and money saved by using e-bikes, not to mention the convenience of not arriving at work all sweaty.
A survey revealed that 40% of e-bike trips replace car journeys, especially in small communities lacking good transit options. This trend not only reduces pollution but also eases congestion—helping cities save on transportation infrastructure costs. Bigazzi believes the future of e-bikes looks promising, despite challenges like weather and safety concerns in traffic.
In Iqaluit, an intriguing initiative is addressing e-waste. Joseph Kanayuk-Driscoll refurbishes old laptops for students instead of letting them end up in landfills. His program has seen donations surge, with the number of refurbished laptops jumping from around 100 to over 1,000 annually. According to a 2023 University of Waterloo study, Canadian e-waste has tripled since 2000. This highlights the urgency of responsible recycling and repurposing of electronic devices.
In this era of climate awareness, e-bikes and e-waste programs are just two examples of how small changes can have big impacts. It’s encouraging to see individuals and communities making greener choices together.
