Frequently Asked QUESTIONS QUANTUM EBIKES

In Quebec, an electric bike is described by the SAAQ as follows:

“A Bicycle must be equipped with the following characteristics to be considered an electric bicycle:

– Have an electric motor (not gasoline), that doesn’t exceed 500 watts and has a rechargeable battery.

– When the driver doesn’t use the electric motor, the electric bicycle must allow pedalling like a conventional bicycle.

– Have handlebars and pedals.

– Have 2 or 3 wheels that are in contact with the ground.”

https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/modes-transportation/electric-bike

In Quebec, no license or registration is required for those 18 and over in order to drive an electric bike, although the class 6D driving license is compulsory for people between 14 and 17 years old. The minimum age to drive an e-bike is 14 years old.

For more information, see the SAAQ website regarding electric bike registration:

https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/modes-transportation/electric-bike

According to the Quebec Highway Safety Code, it is mandatory to wear a helmet when riding an electric bike.

For class 1 electric bikes, yes. Electric assistance is activated by the sensor (torque or cadence) once the user makes a turn or puts force on the pedals.

Yes. You have the option of not activating the assistance and riding your e-bike like a traditional bike. There are several assistance modes, including the unassisted mode. You can activate the assistance of your electric bike at any time and at the desired level, by touching the control.

Yes, since e-bikes are considered bicycles. However, you must respect the speed limit of the cycle path.

This answer has many equations and variables, so there is no quoted distance for any bike. In short, the answer is approx. 40 km to 120 km of distance on a single battery charge.

Batteries come in different sizes, which can be thought of different strengths or how much energy they can hold. Motors also come in different strengths, and the larger (more powerful) motor requires more energy.

Electric assist bicycles usually have the choice of different levels of assistance, and the greater the assistance, the more energy is used. Other variables include rider weight, terrain and elevation, number of stops and starts, and smoothness of rider pedalling. By using a higher level of assistance, one may expect a shorter range of 40-50 km out of one battery charge, while on a lower level of assistance and minimal elevation, gains can yield up to 120 km of riding range.

According to the Quebec Highway Safety Code, the maximum speed allowed is 32 km/h. The system stops working when it reaches this speed. The cyclist, on the other hand, can reach a faster speed by pedalling or descending a slope, but the motor cannot be manufactured to go faster than the 32 km/h required by law.

An electric bike weighs between 20 and 30 kg (44 and 66 lb) depending on the model.

At Quantum, the lightest e-bike is the Quantum Broadway, which is a 20.4 kg foldable e-bike.

It is recommended that you park your e-bike indoors as soon as possible. If you must leave it outside, use a good padlock and make sure the frame, front wheel, and rear wheel are securely fastened. Remove the battery if possible. Quantum recommends Kryptolock and Abus padlocks.

Yes, you can certainly use your electric bike in the rain since its battery is protected by a waterproof case. However, it is recommended to wipe the connectors thoroughly before connecting the bike to the charger.

It’s not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended, especially if you’re driving around town. Studded tires will give your e-bike better grip on ice and in curves.

No, however, some bikes have the option of regenerative braking, which charges the battery of your electric bike when braking. At Quantum, the Stromer model includes this option.

No, although it is more pleasant to start outings with a fully charged battery.

No, lithium-ion batteries don’t have a memory effect, which means that they can be recharged at any time, regardless of their level of charge.

On average, a full charge for a 400 Wh e-bike battery is around 6 hrs with a 2 amp charger, and 4 hrs with a 4 amp charger.

Yes, the battery of electric bikes can be removed.

No, electric bike battery chargers connect to 110 V outlets, which are those found on the walls of North American homes.

European chargers are not compatible with plugs from North American homes.

On the bike, although the battery is exposed to the sun and heat, natural ventilation occurs while riding. The battery is designed for that! However, do not leave the battery in a car or in a glazed place in direct sunlight where the heat is intense.

An electric bicycle battery will not work for safety if the temperature of the cells is higher than 60°C.

There is no risk when the e-bike is riding with the electrical system on, as the battery is self-heating by circulating electricity through the cells. However, if the electrical system is off, the battery mustn’t be exposed to the cold. If the battery is left in temperatures of -10 °C or lower with the electrical system off, it may be damaged and lose efficiency.

It is therefore advisable not to leave the battery outside in the cold during the winter. The ideal temperature for storing the battery is between 0 °C and 20 °C.

Electric bikes use lithium-ion batteries. This type of battery is made to last an average of 500 charge cycles. If the battery is well maintained, it can last longer. Battery usage is measured in charge cycles.

For example, if the battery has been discharged to 50% capacity and is fully charged, this counts as half a cycle.

Two types of sensors can activate electric assistance on an electric bicycle: the cadence sensor which determines when the user pedals and the torque sensor which determines how hard the user pedals.

For example, at Quantum, the Broadway model uses a cadence sensor which activates the electric motor when the user moves the pedals, giving an electric assistance very similar to that when using an accelerator (throtle).

Other models like the Stromer use a torque sensor, which gives electric assistance by activating the motor when there is pressure on the pedal.

Finally, there are models, such as those equipped with a Bosch system, which use a combination of the two sensors to provide a smoother and more comfortable assistance.

If you have minimal knowledge of bicycle mechanics, it is possible to carry out its maintenance without any problem. However, be aware that the qualified personnel at your e-bike retailer will be able to offer you complete maintenance.

Yes, it is recommended that you visit your retailer or an authorized retailer after the bike has traveled between 800 and 1,200 km to ensure that your e-bike is in good working order. It is important to do a check annually or depending on usage.

Discover our e-bike tours suggestions and discover…

• Gatineau: Gatineau, a cyclist’s paradise
• Ottawa: Conquer Ottawa with your electric bike
• Laval: The Immensity of Laval by Bike
• The Laurentians: The P’tit Train du Nord by Bike