Bienvenue à Québec City, the heart of French-speaking Canada! This picturesque city, with its rich history and stunning vistas, is a gem for tourists and locals alike. But what makes the experience even more exhilarating? Exploring it on an electric bike!
Our comprehensive guide to electric biking in Quebec City will help you navigate this beautiful city with ease and efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned e-biker or a beginner looking to dip your toes into this environmentally-friendly mode of transport, we've got you covered.
With information on the best trails, the local e-bike infrastructure, top rental and purchase locations, as well as the rules and regulations specific to Quebec City, this guide is your one-stop resource for all things e-bike.
Quebec City's Best Electric Bike Trails
Quebec City, with its mix of historic charm and natural beauty, offers several fantastic trails for e-bike enthusiasts. Here are some top recommendations:
Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain
Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain is a scenic path along the Saint Lawrence River. The trail stretches about 15 kilometers and offers beautiful views, picnic areas, and exhibits along the way.
Parc Lineaire de la Riviere Saint-Charles
Parc Lineaire de la Riviere Saint-Charles is a 32-kilometer trail that takes you through forests, urban areas, and along the Saint-Charles River. It's a well-maintained and scenic path, perfect for an e-bike ride.
Corridor du Littoral
This long-distance trail extends over 50 kilometers, from Parc de la Chute-Montmorency to Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures. It provides diverse sceneries, including the stunning Montmorency Falls.
Battlefields Park and Plains of Abraham
This historical site is not only significant for its history, but also for its stunning views and winding paths. The trail network within the park is well-developed and perfect for a leisurely e-bike ride.
Parc linéaire de la Rivière Saint-Charles et du Berger
This trail extends for 22 kilometers, offering riders a journey through diverse landscapes, including wetlands, woods, and urban areas.
Quebec City's Electric Bike Infrastructure
Quebec City has made significant investments in its cycling infrastructure over the past several years, and this includes considerations for electric bikes. The city is continuing to build more cycling lanes, paths, and other bike-friendly facilities, as well as implementing new bike-sharing programs, making it an increasingly attractive place for e-bike enthusiasts. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:
- Cycling Network: Quebec City boasts an extensive cycling network, with over 400 kilometers of trails, including dedicated bike lanes, multi-use paths, and shared roadways. This means that you can get just about anywhere in the city using a combination of these routes. These paths also connect to several of the region's popular bike trails.
- Bike Parking and Charging Stations: In certain areas, you'll find bike racks and lockers where you can safely leave your e-bike while you explore the surroundings. For longer trips, charging stations for electric bikes are available in some locations.
- Bike Sharing and Rental Services: Several companies in Quebec City offer bike rentals, and some of them include electric bikes in their fleets. This is an excellent option if you don't have your own e-bike or are just visiting the city.
- Signage and Maps: The city's cycling routes are well-marked, and maps are available to help you navigate the network. You can often find these at tourist information centers, bike rental shops, and online.
- Legislation: Electric bikes are subject to the same rules and regulations as traditional bicycles in Quebec. This includes where you can ride them and the safety equipment you need to have.
Quebec City's Electric Bike Tours
Renting an Electric Bike in Quebec City
Quebec City is home to a number of bike rental shops where you can easily get an electric bike to explore the city and its outskirts. Here are some top-rated options:
Cyclo Services
Cyclo Services is a bike shop in the heart of Quebec City offers a selection of high-quality electric bikes for rent. They also offer guided tours and maps for those wanting to explore on their own.
Quebec City's Best Electric Bike Shops
Whether you're looking for a new electric bike, needing a repair, or seeking professional advice, Quebec City has a variety of top-rated electric bike shops that can meet your needs. Here are some to consider:
Mathieu Performance
Mathieu Performance is one of Quebec's largest bike shops, Mathieu Performance offers a broad range of electric bikes and professional repair services.
Demers Bicycles
Demers Bicycles is a large cycling and ski retailer with mountain, hybrid, road, and fat tire electric bikes. Some of the top e-bike brands are available here including Specialized, Cannondale, and Orbea.
Magasin Echo Sports
Magasin Echo Sports is a cycling and skiing shop with extensive selection. They carry all types of e-bikes including commuter, cargo, fat tire, mountain, folding, and children's e-bikes. They also have one of the best maintenance and repair services for e-bikes in the city.
Lessard Bicycles
Lessard Bicycles is top e-bike store in Quebec City. In addition to their extensive inventory of e-bikes, they have every accessory and component you could want if you are looking to upgrade your riding experience.
Bosk Velo & Cafe
Bosk Velo & Cafe is a fantastic cycling shop with knowledgeable and helpful staff. They have a broad range of e-bikes for all users, from kids to seniors.
Quebec City's E-Bike Rules and Regulations
Quebec City, as in the rest of Quebec province, the regulations for electric bikes are quite specific. They are largely based on the Canadian federal definition of a "power-assisted bicycle." Here are some key rules you should be aware of:
- Type of E-bike: E-bikes must not have a motor rated more than 500W, and the electric motor can't be engaged by a throttle alone (i.e., you must be pedaling for the motor to kick in).
- Speed Limit: The motor should cease to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 32 km/h on level ground.
- Age Restrictions: E-bike riders must be 18 to ride without a license. With a Class 6D license riders 14 and up are able to ride an e-bike.
- Vehicle Registration and License: E-bikes do not need to be registered, and riders do not need a driver’s license. However, riders must respect the rules of the road as if they were regular bicyclists.
- Insurance: E-bike users are not required to hold insurance; however, it is always a good idea to check with your insurance provider regarding personal liability coverage.
Similar Guides: Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax, Toronto, Kitchener, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria
