Buy a quality e-bike with help from your employer
The upfront cost of an e-bike can feel intimidating. While e-bikes are far more affordable than owning a car, the initial price tag can be a real barrier – especially for young adults just starting out – or anyone living pay-cheque to pay-cheque. Though e-bikes can save thousands annually compared to the $15,000+ yearly cost of owning a car, many people still find buying one to be a big financial stretch.
Sure, you can find cheap e-bikes starting at around $1,000, and they may work fine at first, but if it lacks durability, and sourcing parts and finding someone to service it proves very difficult or impossible - this is false-economy. As I wrote more about our guide “So You’re Ready to Buy an E-Bike,” going too cheap can often cost more in the long run, or worse – stop working – and spoil someone's good intentions to start using an e-bike to get around.
Reckless Bikes Shipyards - Find them beside Nook Restaurant, on the North Side of the Shipyards rain-protected open-space.
A smarter way to afford a great e-bike
To help more people access high-quality e-bikes, Reckless Shipyards eBikes has developed a unique financing plan that combines:
Starting at a $100/month payment, and
A loan guarantee from your employer
Here’s how it works
Your employer guarantees a $3,000+ loan.
You pay $100+/month over 36 months. (shorter terms available)
You get a high-end e-bike.
At the end of the 3-year term, you can renew, return, or buy out the bike.
What’s included
$3,000+ toward a premium e-bike (brands like Gazelle, Stromer, Gocycle, and more)
Regular maintenance during your lease term
Theft insurance
“The $100 per month is a much lower bar for people to overcome. All an employer has to do is guarantee the loan, and we take care of the rest.”
— Tony Sun, owner of Reckless Shipyards Bikes
How employers can join the program
Employers just need to contact Tony Sun directly by email at tony@ReckelssShipyards.ca, and employees could be riding new quality e-bikes within days. Learn more about the leasing program.
Why employers should get on board
Free up parking – E-bikes reduce the need for costly parking spaces, especially valuable in places like North Vancouver.
Predictable commutes – No more getting stuck in traffic or on a delayed bus. Even a ride from Burnaby (BCIT area) is only about 30 minutes – best of all, no bridge traffic with its unpredictable delays.
No sweat – E-bikes offer assistance so riders arrive fresh, less need for showers or change rooms.
Healthier, happier employees – Biking is linked to better mental and physical health, fewer sick days, and improved productivity. Smiles instead of miles on an e-bike!
Wider talent pool – By offering an individual a solution to the bridge traffic bottleneck, that person will be more likely to choose to work on the North Shore
What employers need to provide
Secure, good bike parking
8–12 bikes can fit in one car spot
Choose U-shaped racks that fit various bike types
Locate racks in an area with good foot traffic, or where employees can see the racks
Covered parking is a plus, especially for rainy days
For more tips, check out this resource on End of Trip Facilities.
Charging is optional
Charging stations aren't essential—most e-bike batteries go 50+ km per charge.
A standard outlet is a bonus. Charging an e-bike costs just a few cents—about the same energy as a 100W lightbulb.
What about rain?
Don’t worry about rainy days - rainy days don’t have to mean people not biking. Different people will feel more or less confident riding in wet weather, and here are two points:
Every time an employee rides a bike and doesn’t have to deal with traffic - that’s still a win for them, them, and the employer for all the reasons - including health, traffic, parking, and joy!
Some people come to like riding in the rain. I didn't think I would ride in the rain, but have come to not mind it – I kind of like it – I think of it like skiing through the city… Here’s an article with a waterproof gear list if you want to try wetter weather riding.
Ready to ride?
What are you waiting for? Talk to your employer about this program, and start opting out of traffic. Share this link with them, and start experiencing The joy of e-Biking on the North Shore.
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