By Christine Kilfoil
William Leishman, owner of Scooteretti, located at 85 Murray Street in the ByWard Market, thinks everyone should “experience the e-smile”. William says: “I have never had someone try out our e-bikes and not love it”. In 2010 William launched Scooteretti, a company that manufactures and sells high-quality electric vehicles and accessories. The business originally opened on Dalhousie Street, and moved to their newer and larger Murray Street location in 2015.
Photos by Christine Kilfoil
Electric bikes are a growing global trend that have taken hold in Canada. In Ottawa, e-bikes are now a common form of transportation, and fully accepted on our roads. William explains that the power-assisted bicycle is both economical and eco-friendly. The bike runs on a battery-powered motor that assists the rider. It is equipped with an easy-to-use computer device that can be programmed to increase or decrease the power assist. The device allows the rider to obtain the benefits of exercise, but to turn to the power assist when needed . “For those who think they cannot bike over to Gatineau Park because it is too far for them, the power-assisted bike means the hills of Gatineau Park are easily within reach”, says William.
Scooteretti electric bikes are a great alternative to driving. The bike appeals to both the 55-plus rider looking for a power assist as well as the 20-something rider looking to go further and faster. The e-bike appeals to urban commuters, one of William’s biggest markets right now. For anyone who has experienced Ottawa rush-hour gridlock, e-bikes are attractive to anyone looking for a faster and more efficient way to get from home to work and back. It is also cheaper than a car, and has the added benefit of personal fitness for the rider. It is also easier on the environment.
The electric cargo bike is another popular alternative for parents with children. William says the long- tail bikes can carry up to two child seats and be upgraded as the children get older. He jokes that ” they can eventually be adapted for the kids to carry the parents on the back”. As William points out: “Why spend 30 minutes or more in traffic dropping kids off at school when you can safely be in and out in minutes on an e-bike”. William notes that an e-bike is a great alternative to a second car.
No license or insurance is required to start riding, and if you can ride a bike, you can ride an e-bike. William says the bikes have a minimum lifespan of 10 to 15 years and can go 100 kilometres between charges. The maximum speed of an e-bike is 32 kilometres under electric assist.
Canadian winters are not a barrier to the e-bike, which is designed to allow the rider to use it 12 months of the year. There is a wide range of clothing and accessories that permit comfortable and safe winter biking. “And there are improvements in city infrastructure that permit winter biking now”, says William. He also notes that e-bikes are very popular in Finland and the other Scandinavian countries, no strangers to harsh winters.
William is a strong advocate for the e-bike and eager to share his expertise and that of his staff with new and existing e-bikers. His shop is large and well stocked with a range of bikes for all tastes, and there is on-line component to the business as well. There are cruiser bikes, folding bikes, city and hybrid bikes, electric mountain bikes and fat bikes as well as accessories, including bike bags, baskets, trailers, racks and helmets to meet the needs of the e-biker.
So if you haven’t already done so, drop by 85 Murray Street and experience the e-smile.