Skip to content

Best Pedal Assist/Electric Bikes for 2026

Best Pedal Assist/Electric Bikes for 2026

Ride the Future: The Best Electric Bikes for Peterborough in 2026

From gravel trails to paved commutes, e-bikes are transforming how we explore the Kawarthas

There's never been a better time to hop on an electric bike in Peterborough. Whether you're cruising the paved paths along the Trent-Severn Waterway, exploring the gravel roads north of town, or tackling laps at the Millbrook Trails, a pedal-assist e-bike opens up a whole new world of adventure.

For 2026, the standout trend is versatility. Hybrid e-bikes continue to be our bestsellers—and for good reason. They're equally at home on pavement as they are on the crushed limestone of the Trans Canada Trail, making them the perfect choice for Peterborough riders who want one bike that does it all.

Here's your guide to the best electric bikes of 2026, hand-picked for the way we ride here in the Kawarthas.


The Versatile Hybrids: One Bike for Everything

These are the do-it-all champions. Comfortable enough for a relaxed ride to the farmer's market, yet nimble and quick on pavement, they'll handle the Jackson Park trails just as easily as your morning commute.

The Feature-Packed Performer

Norco Scene VLT
If you want the latest in e-bike innovation, the Norco Scene delivers. It features a crank-based motor for smooth, natural power delivery that feels like you've got superhuman legs. The standout feature? A dropper seatpost, which lets you lower the saddle at a stoplight for easy foot planting, then raise it back to the perfect pedalling height on the fly. The removable battery makes charging convenient, whether you're in a basement apartment or a downtown house.
$3,699

The Smart Upgrade

Trek Verve+ 2
Stepping up from the entry-level model, the Verve+ 2 is where you get the legendary Bosch crank-based motor. This system is renowned for its reliability, responsiveness, and quiet operation. Add in internally routed cables for a clean, sleek look and an integrated battery that's seamlessly built into the frame, and you have a sophisticated, high-performance hybrid that's ready for years of Peterborough adventures.
$3,499

The Best Value

Trek Verve+ 1
Don't let the "value" label fool you—this is a seriously capable machine. The Verve+ 1 uses a reliable rear hub motor that provides plenty of assistance for hills and headwinds. It comes with a slightly smaller battery than its big brother, keeping the weight down and the value up. It's the perfect entry point into high-quality e-bike ownership, proving you don't need to break the bank to transform your daily commute or weekend cruise.
$2,899


For the Trail Blazers: Full Suspension Adventure

The Best Value Full-Suspension Mountain Bike

Cannondale Moterra 4 29
When the trails call, the Moterra 4 answers. This is the bike for riders who want to tackle multiple laps at the Millbrook Trails without being completely gassed by the end. The 29-inch wheels roll over roots and rocks with ease, and the full suspension soaks up everything the local single-track can throw at you. For this level of capable, trail-taming technology, it's the best value full-suspension e-MTB on the market.
$6,750


For the Road Less Travelled: The Gravel-Ready Road Bike

The Best-Selling Road E-Bike

Trek Domane+ ALR 6 AXS
Road biking in Peterborough means encountering some of the best gravel roads in Ontario. The Domane+ is the perfect solution. It's a fast, responsive road bike at its core, but it features wide tire clearance, meaning you can easily swap in gravel tires to explore every concession road and gravel laneway around Peterborough County. With its seamless pedal assist and wireless AXS shifting, it's no wonder this is our best-selling road e-bike.
$6,299


Whether you're new to e-bikes or a seasoned rider looking to upgrade, the 2026 models offer more choice and capability than ever. Visit us at Wild Rock to take a test ride and find the perfect bike for your Peterborough adventures.

Next article Best Rain Jackets for Women