ed when given the opportunity to test Yamaha’s Crosscore RC as an introduction to their e-bike product line-up. The company has been in the e-bike game for over 30 years launching the world’s first production electric bicycle back in 1993.

The current lineup three showcases three eMTB models including the YDX-MORO 05, the YDX- MORO 07, and the 30th Anniversary Special Edition YDX-MORO 07, along with the Wabash RT performance drop-bar gravel e-bike, and the lifestyle- and fitness-focused Crosscore RC e-bike.

The Crosscore RC comes in a stunning platinum bronze color with a streamlined, clean and sport-oriented look that makes this well-designed machine a stand-out for both city commuting and light off-roading.

The in-tube aluminum closed cross-section frame design, unique to Yamaha’s Power Assist Bicycles, neatly houses the battery, wiring, and brake cables. 

Powering the Crosscore RC is Yamaha’s PW Series S2 drive unit, which according to their website is 1.2 lbs lighter and 20% more compact than the previous model.

With 75Nm of torque this 250-watt drive unit includes a Yamaha Quad Sensor and delivers a smooth transition when going up steep inclines or when more power is needed off-road.

There are five pedal-assist modes to choose from including Standard, Eco, Eco+, High and Auto with a top assisted speed of 32 km/h.

The 500Wh 36V battery is discretely encased in the downtube and can be easily removed for charging indoors as well. According to Yamaha, the battery can recharge up to 80% in just an hour and fully recharge in about four hours - we can attest to how quick the charging is.

The range varies depending on the assist mode, terrain, and riding conditions delivering anywhere from 50-140km which allows for many different kinds of excursions. 

The Crosscore RC is equipped with a Shimano CUES 9-speed drivetrain, which offers smooth shifting. Whether I was climbing hills or navigating city traffic, the gears were quick and responsive, allowing for a hassle-free ride. 

The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes are equally impressive. The stopping power is very strong yet smooth, which gave me confidence when braking in both dry and wet conditions.

Another nice touch is the SR Suntour NEX-E25-C front suspension fork featuring 2.5 inches of cushion which handled most terrain comfortably, without compromising the bike’s handling.

The ride quality of the Crosscore RC is fantastic. I took it on paved trails, roads and light off-roading on some dirt and gravel trails near my home in Scarborough, and it performed beautifully. 

Whether on pavement or dirt, the bike handled turns and bumps with ease and the wide CST 27.5x2.0” tires also helped keep things smooth.

It was remarkable how incredibly quiet the motor was making it barely noticeable when riding. It’s also extremely smooth—so much so that you don’t even realize it’s working until you’re easily cruising past other cyclists. 

The motor’s torque ensures that acceleration is both seamless and powerful, while the automatic assist, which has been updated for improved shift timing, adjusts depending on the force applied to the pedals.

I also rode the Crosscore RC to my office in downtown Toronto from Scarborough, a commute that I usually avoid with my regular bike. However with the Crosscore RC, it was manageable—and fun! While still a bit of a workout, the pedal assist ensures that you’re not drenched in sweat when you arrive at the office. 

The handlebar-mounted LED display shows information that you would expect such as speed, battery, distance, including buttons to control various functions like the pedal-assist modes, walk-assist and the front light, which is quite bright and another great feature for visibility and safety.

The Crosscore RC is also a fairly lightweight e-bike at 23.5 kg (51.8 lbs) making it easier to lift compared to others in the marketplace - I could comfortably lift it with one hand. This feature is a great advantage if you’re someone who regularly brings their e-bike on public transit, or wants to transport it by car.

Overall, the Yamaha Crosscore RC is a versatile e-bike that excels in both city commuting and light off-road touring. Its premium features, sleek design, and smooth ride make it a strong contender on all fronts.

The SRP is $3,799 and for more information please visit here.

The introduction of fatbikes saw riders powering through sand and snow, allowing for more robust adventures year-round and in almost any condition.

The arrival of electric fatbikes virtually eliminated the challenge of overcoming the rolling resistance of larger fatbike tires, so we were stoked to test the new Quest Eclipse.

The Quest Eclipse is a sturdy e-fatbike that comes equipped with lots of extras and virtually everything needed to ride it year-round, making it a great commuting e-bike. The 6061 aluminum frame provides a solid backbone and durability while avoiding potential rust.

Powering the Eclipse is a 500W Bafang rear hub geared brushless motor that offers up to 80Nm of torque, along with a 32-pulse electronic sensor, plus nine power-assist levels that allow you to find your sweet spot on any terrain.

The system is controlled by a handlebar-mounted computer, and the display unit also sports a USB charging port that allows a mobile phone to be charged directly from the e-bike.

Walk assist is also included as a great practical function when needed, and a thumb throttle offers an immediate boost to your speed when situations arise.

Paired with a 48-volt removable and lockable battery that has a range of 85km, there’s ample opportunity for almost any kind of adventure. The battery has a 4–6-hour charging time using the 120-volt smart charger.

Notably the entire electric system, including the components, motor, wiring, battery and charger, is UL 2849-certified, the highest safety standard on the market. In addition, the battery is UL 2271-certified, and the charger also carries a cUL mark, issued by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), meaning conformity to CSA guidelines.

The Eclipse is equipped with a Shimano Altus 7-speed transmission, along with Tektro cable-actuated disc brakes that have power cut-off sensors for added safety.

The Kenda Krusade 26”x4.0” tires allow the bike to roll over or through almost anything, and the stock fenders help keep you dry in wet conditions.

The front light is powered by the battery so you’re never in the dark. Another nice feature is that the rear light is illuminated when the brake lever is pulled, thereby acting as a brake light for an additional safety feature.

The rear-mounted rack is directly attached to the frame allowing for a large capacity, and the Eclipse also comes with the welcome addition of a kickstand. Not to be overlooked, a bell completes the commuting package.

The Eclipse provides a noticeably upright riding position which gives you a clear overview of the road ahead and will be appreciated by riders who may have back issues.

The Bafang motor quickly gets you going and up to the 32kph maximum speed. The Eclipse rides smoothly, but keep in mind that this e-fatbike is over 60lbs and less nimble. With the motor engaged it’s a breeze to ride, but without the motor it’s a much tougher go — just ensure that your battery is charged adequately for each journey.

There are nine power-assist levels, and there isn’t a huge step between them. The first three levels are recommended for snow, sand and tough terrain. Levels 4-6 are for regular riding, and levels 7-9 can be engaged for climbing and high-speed rides.

The speed levels are controlled by “plus” and “minus” buttons on the side of the computer which are handy. As they’re flush to each other it may take a bit of getting used to, especially while wearing gloves.

The throttle is also an effective way to get around on the Eclipse if you need a breather or a burst of speed.

Overall, the ride felt comfortably supported by the padded Velo saddle, adjustable high-riser handlebars, and gel-padded handlebar grips.

The fat tires also absorbed any roughness of the road, making this e-fatbike easy to handle.

The best part is that all of these features, including support, come at an affordable price, making the Quest Eclipse e-fatbike a strong contender for those looking for a reliable commuter or a ride to hit the road and enjoy the wind in your hair.

The Quest Eclipse is available at Costco and the SRP is $1,499. For more information, please visit here.  

Tern’s new Orox adventure e-cargo bike is a robust extension of the company’s DNA that offers high-quality e-cargo bikes and folding bikes designed for urban commuting and transportation.

The marketing slogan for the Orox is “Go Anywhere, Go Anytime, Bring Anything” and it certainly looked ready to deliver on that promise when we picked it up at Scooteretti in the heart of Ottawa’s ByWard Market district.

The Orox comes in the S12 model (reviewed) and its flagship, R14 model, both beefy looking e-cargo bikes. Available in medium and large frame sizes it accommodates riders from 5’1” to 6’5” in height.

Scooteretti did a great job setting up the Satin Pine-colored Orox S12 e-cargo bike and walking me through the features as well as providing a Tern Captain’s Chair Gen 2, with a Sidekick handle and a Tern Cargo Hold 52 waterproof pannier. The Orox is also available in a Highland gold colour scheme.

I couldn’t wait to review it. 

This ride is impressive looking, but keep in mind that it’s a big bike at approximately 80lbs (36 kg), and a good 12” or so longer than a regular mountain bike. We were able to fit it onto a Thule T2 Pro hitch rear rack and with some extra straps I was on my way.

The Orox is equipped with a powerful Bosch Performance Line CX drive system offering 85Nm of torque that’s supported by a 725Wh battery with a range up to 146 km. A second battery can be attached to double the range up to a massive 292km.  The battery does not quick-charge, so you can expect a full charge from empty to take 6+ hours.

A splash and dust-proof Kiox 300 color display provides info such as speed, distance etc. along with an LED remote for intuitive control of the four assist modes including Eco, Tour, eMTB, and Turbo.

The Kiox also manages the Ignis Hi/Lo Beam headlight with a maximum of 700 lumens.  The light is controlled via headlight buttons integrated in the Magura MT5 brake levers.

Using the app allows you to electronically lock and unlock the bike (it even makes a fancy beep), change the character of each of the four assist modes, and even change the wheel circumference.

It’s worth mentioning that the entire Bosch e-bike system—including the battery, charger, drive unit, and display is tested and certified to UL 2849, the most extensive and rigorous safety standard to date for e-bike electrical systems.

The Bosch drive system is paired with Shimano’s Deore XT derailleur and 12-speed 10-51t cassette and 32t front chainring.

The Orox rolls on 27.5” x 4” Schwalbe Johnny Watts tires which are versatile, all-terrain tires designed for a mix of urban and off-road use. They performed excellently and were up to the challenge regardless of conditions. The tires are wrapped with full fenders front and back and a beefy mudflap up front ensures the rider stays as dry and clean as possible.

I was curious to see how the brakes performed, considering the weight and size of the Orox and was pleasantly surprised by the Magura MT5, 4-piston hydraulic disc with 203 mm rotors.  They modulated to precision and felt confident stopping whether riding solo or with a passenger/cargo in the back.

My first ride was the next day taking my 9-year-old daughter to school. She loved the ride, and her friends were very intrigued by the Orox. This bike gets a lot of attention. 

At the end of the day, I picked her up and we decided to take the long way home, a 15-km loop with a stop for a treat at the local Bubble Tea shop. The stock Atlas Kickstand XL Cargo is great for keeping the bike upright with lots of cargo and/or a kid drinking her bubble tea in the captain’s chair. Extensions to the kickstand legs are available for increased stability. Clearly I was on the hook for more school runs with the Orox. 

Over the next few weeks, I did several different rides from light offroad trails to some of my favourite gravel rides. The Tern Orox is a very capable e-cargo bike for just about every type of riding and you don’t really feel how big it is.

One issue I did run into occasionally on offroad trails resulted from the Orox’s longer wheelbase as the kickstand sits a bit low, and may hit when cresting medium to big rocks and bumps.

For most of my riding I used the Tour and eMTB assist levels, and selected Turbo for longer, steeper hills, or to just give myself a bit of a break. 

The Kiox also displays a dynamic range estimate for each assist level which calibrates itself over time depending on the rider’s fitness and strength which I found to be very useful on longer rides.

Though I never managed a 100km adventure, my daughter and I enjoyed a fabulous 60 km excursion on the day that we returned the bike to Scooteretti. The journey took just over two hours and the battery still had 20% of power to spare.

The Bosch Performance Line CX Mid-Drive motor is one of the smoothest and most natural motors I have reviewed to date, and the system can be paired with Bosch’s mobile Flow app where additional features and controls are available. 

The Orox comes with a multitude of 4mm hex bolts on the frame and fork to secure every imaginable accessory, and the list of offerings is also extensive. 

This e-cargo bike with its huge carrying capacity of 462 lb (210 kg) on pavement and 397 lb (180 kg) off-road offers a multitude opportunities for both personal and commercial use cases. 

It's no surprise that the Tern Orox won Eurobike 2024 Gold in the “E-bikes” category. The hefty price tag and sheer size and weight mean that it’s not for everyone, but if adventure on two wheels is on your bucket list, this e-cargo bike lives up to its slogan and then some.

The SRP is $9,650 and for more information please visit here.

Launched in 2020, the Carqon Classic turned heads with its premium look and robust protective front box including a door. Winning multiple international design awards the company unveiled its stylish fully packed Cruise model in 2021 for families on the go.

We were excited to test the Cruise via Carqon’s Canadian distributor, Allo Velo Inc., with shops in Montreal and Vancouver.

All Carqon models are equipped with a Bosch Performance CX Gen 4 Cargo line motor featuring 85Nm of torque ensuring you’re ready to smoothly arrive at your destination even when fully loaded.

The Bosch 500w PowerPack (or 400Wh) offers a range of 50 to 70km and with the dual battery option you can double your mileage capacity to a range of 120 to 140 kilometers. This makes for an appealing and long-lasting competitor for your car in the driveway.

The Enviolo N380 stepless gear hub, which is directly linked to the silent, low-maintenance Gates Carbon Belt drive, delivers smooth shifting. The Cruise also offers a more economical option and more direct control with Shimano’s Deore XT 10-speed derailleur and a stainless-steel KMC chain.

The Cruise’s front box offers impressive loading capacity to easily transport two children including space for school or shopping bags. A cleverly installed step allows easy mounting and children can be comfortably seated and safely harnessed thanks to two three-point seat belts.

The box is made of EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) ensuring a light and comfortable interior, while the outer shell is finished with Dibond, a protective composite to protect against possible impacts. A high collar and safety rail add additional protection.

An optional rear luggage rack can be installed if more cargo space is needed as well as an adapter to install a Maxi-Cosi baby carrier. A protective weather tent is also available. The space is well designed and items can be installed and removed very easily. The maximum weight capacity including driver and load is 225 kg.

The geometry of the bike offers an immediate comfortable feel and positioning. In the rear is a 27.5'' wheel while the cargo box rests on a sturdy 20'' wheel, both fitted with Schwalbe SuperMoto-X tires.

Another nice touch is the Suntour SF20-MOBIE front suspension fork which helped to smooth out any rough terrain for a more comfortable ride.

Tektro Dorato 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes deliver ample stopping power, while integrated front/rear lights, a frame lock for quick stops, and a double kick-stand complete the package. A nice handy feature is that the rear wheel lock and the battery lock share the same key.

The Carqon Cruise handled itself well in all conditions to deliver a pleasant, stable and comfortable ride. The only upgrade we considered is a more robust front light.

Like most e-cargo bikes the size and weight are factors to consider in tighter spaces and for smaller riders. Parking is also less of an issue than with a car or van while running errands, but keep in mind the need for ample space for storage.

The Carqon Cruise is a sturdy and spacious high-end e-cargo bike that is well thought out and equipped with premium features that make it a great option for families. A host of accessories are also available to allow it to achieve its full potential.

This e-cargo bike is ready to give your car, or second vehicle, a run for its money. The SRP is $9,999 and for more information please visit here.

(Montréal, Que.) Based in Laval, just a few kilometres from the island of Montréal, is the newly founded Canadian e-cargo bike manufacturer Cargone. 

The company is the brainchild of Sébastien Jutras, an engineer by trade and a father of four. After testing several e-cargo bike models, he decided to throw his hat in the ring and design his own version of the “best e-cargo bike” to replace the family car, or second vehicle.

Following several years of research and iterations, the Cargone Solution Dual Longtail was born. Unique in many ways, we were excited to have the opportunity to test this e-cargo bike earlier this fall. 

It’s not only designed here, but it’s also constructed, welded, painted and assembled right in Laval, using Quebec aluminum tubing. In fact, particular care is taken to offer a product that is manufactured as local as possible.

You’ll immediately notice Cargone’s patent-pending retractable rear box "tail" dubbed Albatros by the company, after the renowned albatross that has the longest wingspan of any bird. The innovative Albatros folds and unfolds easily via quick-release to 80cm (32”) wide, and it includes a rear opening for easy access for kids.

The Albatros system can safely carry multiple configurations such as two kids or one adult passenger, including the family dog — up to 200kg total, with an overall total weight limit of 440lbs, including the driver. 

Protective pads protect your bike’s finish at every potential friction point, and the Albatros provides handholds on each side for passengers. Fasteners even allow you to attach other items, such as a children's bike. 

The Cargone Solution Dual Longtail also features built-in footrests on both sides. All seats (Polisport Guppy and Bubbly Maxi) and pads, including a front rack are optional accessories.

The Albatros rear box is also optional and fits over the Cargone rigid ABS protection skirt, ensuring that the rear wheel well is completely isolated from passengers. The protection skirt must not be removed to ensure that passenger’s legs and feet cannot touch the wheel, spokes or any debris coming from the rear wheel. However for repairs or maintenance the protection skirt can easily be removed.

Powering the Cargone Solution Dual Longtail is a Bosch Cargo Line Gen 4 motor with a class-leading 85Nm of torque and 400% of pedalling support. This pairs with a 625Wh Bosch Powertube battery with the option of a 500Wh dual battery. Both batteries are fully concealed and are lockable with the newest Abus XPlus cylinders.

A Bosch Kiox display unit delivers all relevant data, and for a one-time activation fee, you can access a motor lock that makes your e-bike virtually useless to thieves.

The Cargone comes equipped with a microSHIFT Advent 9-Speed transmission that sports a single chainring to keep you rolling smoothly on Schwalbe 20” tires with their Pick-up model in the front and a Moto-Xs tire in the rear.

Another great feature is that this e-cargo bike offers one-size-fits-all compatibility for riders from 147cm to 196cm. The unique stem design works in reverse to other adjustable stems and enables you to set a proper lower/shorter or higher/longer fit.

Cargone’s patent-pending pre-set seat system, combined with the 200mm dropper post with four pre-sets and theft protection, lets you adjust the seat height for all family members — all without tools.

Out on the road, this e-cargo bike is very easy to handle thanks to the 20-inch wheels which makes for a low centre of gravity.

The Cargo Line motor quickly and smoothly propels you up to 32kph, and the Suntour Mobie A32-Cargo front suspension fork with lock-out, made especially for cargo bikes, helps keep things smooth. The Magura MT5 4-piston brakes deliver reliable stopping power as well. 

Additional standard equipment includes the powerful Roxim lighting that’s always on with a 13-watt light-up front offering hi/low beams, along with rear lighting that shines even brighter when you touch the brakes. Reflective accents add 360° visibility.

A wide and robust steel kickstand delivers extra stability, and an Abus Café front wheel lock offers a quick solution to secure your e-cargo bike for short stops. Cargone also offers optional theft-proof fasteners for all components exposed to theft. 

Following our test period, it was hard to return the Cargone. My 5-year-old daughter and I truly enjoyed riding it around Montréal.

The Canadian-made Cargone Solution Dual Longtail is an e-cargo bike model that’s well-adapted to the mobility challenges of everyday life in the city. It seems that the company's mission, to replace family vehicles, has been accomplished.

The SRP is $8,300 (as tested), and for more information please visit here.

If you’ve ever hoisted a bike onto a rack on the roof of a car, you will immediately understand the inspiration behind the development of the Uplift rack by Quebec-based MOS.

As cars get bigger and bikes get heavier with the popularity of e-bikes, the option to carry your equipment on the roof can become more challenging. But what if your roof rack could lend a hand?

The MOS Uplift story began in 2015 in Quebec City at an event called Start-Up Weekend. The challenge for the assembled would-be entrepreneurs: create a working model of an innovative product and draft a business plan. The concept of a roof rack that could be lowered over the side of the vehicle to facilitate loading gear was a popular one, and a team formed from these humble beginnings.

Refining the idea over the next few years, the company sold the first 60 MOS Racks in 2019. Based on feedback from initial customers, the designers refined the manufacturing process to make it more practical and sustainable.

Renamed the MOS Uplift, the revamped design is stronger, elegant, and easy to use. The hydraulic mechanism allows your bike or other gear to be supported and lowered 24in/61cm over the side of the car while keeping it safely away from the vehicle, thereby making it easier to load and unload your gear.

Following the arrival of our test unit, it was assembled and installed in well under an hour. Note that installation requires that your vehicle is equipped with rooftop crossbars, and it’s recommended to have a second person’s help lifting the rack onto the car.

The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and there are videos available on the company’s website and on YouTube. Alternatively, the rack can be installed at a retailer.

The Uplift can be used on its own or with cradles for kayaks and canoes, or with the addition of bike racks or a cargo box. It took us moments to install a Thule ProRide single bike rail, and the Uplift is wide enough to fit a double rail or two slim single rails.

To bring the rack down to chest height for loading, simply rotate the latches 90 degrees counter-clockwise, then pull the rack away from the car and down to the level of the door handles. We noticed significant resistance to the downward motion when the rack is empty, but when a bike or other cargo is loaded, the extra weight allows the rack to be lowered much more easily.

A standard bicycle is simple to lift onto the rack, but for heavier bikes, such as e-bikes, two people can easily manage. Once the bike is fastened, the hydraulic lift arms make easy work of raising the rack and bike up and into place on top of the car. The latches snap closed automatically to ensure that the bike is held securely.

A driving test confirmed that the rack holds tightly, with no rattle or sway. Upon arrival at the start of the ride, it’s easy to lower the rack, remove the bike, and begin your excursion.

Most vehicles can accommodate two Uplift units, one on each side. The rack is compatible with a wide range of bike rails, watercraft cradles and roof boxes, which need to be purchased separately.

The Uplift is rated for a load of 85lbs/38kg, including the attachments and sports gear.

Be aware that the MOS Uplift adds approximately 24 in/61cm of height above the roof bars, and it requires a clearance of 6in/10cm from the car when lowered. The new design facilitates quick removal of the rack for low-height garages; the nuts can be loosened without tools, and the assembled rack can be easily lifted off the roof for storage — a second person’s assistance is helpful.

The MOS Uplift is intuitive to use and makes it easier to explore new terrain, either solo or with friends.

The Uplift retails for $1,099.95 in Canada and a lock is optional. To find retailers, check compatibility and learn more, visit here.