5 Gift Ideas for E-Bike Riders

For an e-bike rider, the best gifts protect the bike, make getting around easier or extend the season: a good lock, panniers, lights, fenders or a rental day to try another format. Here are five gift ideas that are sure to please.

It's a question we hear a lot at the shop as the holidays approach. An e-bike is an investment, and you want to give something that really suits it, without getting the model or the mount wrong. Here are our ideas, with what to check before you buy.

Before you choose: start with the bike

An accessory has to fit the bike. Note the brand, model and year, and take a photo of the frame if you can. An e-bike is also heavier than a regular bike: for a rear rack, check the maximum load stated by the manufacturer.

If you're unsure, call us or stop by the shop with the photo. The team will confirm compatibility before you buy. Coming from Montreal or Laval? Make a day of it in the Laurentians. And if you'd rather order online, shipping is free on orders over $150 (bikes excluded).

A quality lock

An e-bike is worth several thousand dollars, and it's a target for thieves. A good lock costs a fraction of that and makes all the difference when leaving the bike outside a store. Look for a sturdy model with a high security rating, and remember to secure the frame and a wheel together. It's a practical gift that's anything but ordinary: it gets used every time you stop. Browse our selection of bike locks to compare models.

The Giant Surelock Tough 1 lock ($54.99), long enough to secure the frame and a wheel together.

Panniers or a rear rack

With pedal assist, it's easier to carry groceries, a picnic or work gear. Side panniers, a handlebar bag or a rear rack turn an e-bike into a true everyday vehicle. Make sure the rack fits the bike's frame and the intended load. See our rear racks and our bags for the options in stock.

The Oxford Aqua V 20 waterproof pannier ($140) clips on and off the rack in one move.

A set of lights

In Quebec, the sun sets before 5 p.m. in December, and e-bikes ride fast, often on daily commutes. Good front and rear lights keep the rider visible from late afternoon on and extend the riding season. Our bike lights collection includes several formats, from small rechargeable lights to more powerful headlights.

The Giant Recon+ HL 4500 headlight ($349.99) for riding with confidence when it gets dark early.

Fenders

Wet roads in April and October spare no one. Fenders keep your back and legs clean, which matters when you use your e-bike to get to work or run errands. It's a simple gift that can be installed in store if the person prefers, and it gets used all fall and all spring. Check out our fenders to find the right model for the tire width.

A rental day to try it out or relive the experience

For someone who's hesitant to go electric, or who wants to try another format, nothing beats a real ride. At RST, an electric bike rental costs $70 for the day, starting right next to the P'tit Train du Nord. Rentals run during the riding season: the perfect thing to give now for the spring. Our article on renting vs buying a bike explains how to decide afterwards.

Our full-day electric bike rental ($70), starting from the P'tit Train du Nord.

What if the person is a beginner or storing their bike for winter?

If the person is just starting to ride, our guide on what to give a beginner cyclist has more ideas, from helmets to gloves. And at this time of year, a helpful tip: our article on how to store an e-bike battery for winter explains how to prepare the bike for the break.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gift should I give an e-bike rider?

A good lock, lights, panniers or fenders are safe bets. For an experience, a rental day lets them try another type of e-bike.

What is the most useful accessory for an e-bike?

A quality lock and good lights are the two most useful: one protects a valuable bike, the other keeps the rider visible on faster commutes.

Do regular bike accessories work on an e-bike?

Often yes, but you need to check compatibility with the frame and the maximum load, especially for a rear rack. Bring the bike's model to the shop and the team will check it with you.

Can you give an e-bike rental as a gift?

Yes. Get in touch with the shop to arrange the booking. Rentals run during the riding season, so it's a gift to use in the spring.

In conclusion

A lock, panniers, lights, fenders or a rental day: these five ideas have one thing in common, they get used. And since the right accessory depends on the bike, that's the step not to skip.

Our team at RST Vélosports knows e-bikes well and provides after-sales follow-up, in the workshop and at the counter. Visit us in store in the Laurentians, browse our bike accessories or check out our e-bikes if you have a bigger gift in mind.