Toronto lands new Pedego shop along popular cycling route

There is something about cycling in Toronto. In a  moment, one could be pedalling down a separated bike lane on a busy street walled with glass towers, the next crossing a river on a rickety bridge into a funky neighbourhood and then blasting off into Lake Ontario on a narrow spit of land. It’s this nexus of urban living in which a new Pedego electric bike shop has just opened. 

Leslieville is easily one of the most eclectic and fast-growing neighbourhoods in the city. Just across the Don River on the east side of town, the area is filled with cyclists many of whom pedal downtown to work every day, while others take advantage of the nearby Martin Goodman Trail and Leslie Street Spit for incredible recreational cycling opportunities. Once on the MG, the trail extends as far as Niagara Falls to the west and Rouge Park to the east.

The shop is owned and managed by Benn Spiegel. Pedego is one of the best-known electric bike brands on the planet with stores around the world. Yes, it’s the 12-year-old brand represented by the very young-at-heart Canadian icon William Shatner, who happens to love his Pedego.

Pedego Toronto set up shop in the area at 17 Carlaw Ave. because of its potential as a cycling hub and its neighbourhood feel. It’s also across the Lakeshore from a development that is set to transform the entire city. One in which there will be many amenities for cyclists. 

It’s a brand that offers a wide-ranging product line with 18 models including everything from electric-assist beach cruisers and step-throughs to burly mountain bikes and fat bikes capable and crushing any trail. Currently, Pedego Toronto has 55 bikes in stock and people can also order a bike to their exact specifications.

The shop also features a full line of Pedego-branded accessories from baskets to trunk bags. 

Spiegel first encountered Pedego electric bikes while vacationing, and when he realized the Toronto area market was available he jumped on the opportunity.

“We couldn’t get enough of them, and bought a couple of Pedego electric bikes when we were on vacation we love them that much,” he says. “And now I have the opportunity to introduce these amazing bikes here in the Toronto area.”

At the new shop, customers are free to demo any bike, a service which isn’t offered in as many places as it should be, especially when considering the amount of money being spent on electric bikes. There is also a full service bay at Pedego Toronto to offer complete service on all Pedego electric bikes as well as traditional acoustic bicycles. 

Most of the electric bike models store the batteries, made by Samsung, easily and conveniently in a rear rack where there is also an integrated rear lighting system as well as wonderful rear hub motors that provide multiple levels of pedal-assisted power up to 32 kph. 

The handlebar-mounted display is clear and easy-to-use. 

Another clever feature on some models such as the ever-popular Boomerang, which is a step-through model, is the adjustable handlebar, which allows for a customized and comfortable riding position. 

The Boomerang features a 500-watt motor and 52-volt battery with a range that extends to a whopping 100 kilometres before it needs charging. 

The same powerful motor and battery can be found in another popular model, the City Commuter, which is perfect for urban cycling and comes in a step-through or classic frame. 

The City Commuter is set up for urban cycling thanks to the sizable balloon tires that can handle the varied terrain in the city as well as disc brakes and seven speeds. 

Most Pedego models have a cadence sensor that turns the motor on when you are pedaling and off when you stop. On Pedego bikes, the cadence sensor has a set expectation of plateauing at a set speed depending on which pedal assist setting you are on. What makes this brand unique on the market is that it is equipped with pedal-assisted riding but also comes with a throttle and in this way can be propelled without pedalling. It all depends on use and comfort. 

The market for Pedego electric bikes is wide-ranging as they fit many different needs. Some are for commuters who want to use active transportation to get to work but don’t want to shop up to the office as a sweaty mess. Others are more interested in a leisurely recreational pursuit and a way to get out and explore in a new and fun way. 

And fun is definitely what Pedego is pushing. 

Spiegel says he wanted to open the shop because the brand is all about having fun and what could be more enjoyable than an electric bike business?

“Their catchphrase is ‘hello fun’ and that’s really all I’m looking for, to be happy, and like electric biking, which is great for families because you can keep up regardless of ability and fitness, this business is a great family thing for me to do,” Spiegel says. 

Pedego Toronto is open Tuesday through Sunday.