As part of the mobilizing projectOn the road!of Propulsion Québec, several trades will be presented to you to make you aware of promising career opportunities within a growing industry. The electric and intelligent transport sector is a field with a future in Québec! Let’s learn a little more about the job of an electric bike mechanic. To do so, we went to meet the people from BIXI Montréal and CycloChrome!
To work in this trade, you must first and foremost be a bicycle enthusiast! Whether or not you are already an expert in bicycle mechanics, everything can be learned since the CycloChrome team can train you internally so that you become an ACE at repairing and maintaining electric bikes. CycloChrome performs maintenance and repairs on the electric bikes of the BIXI Montréal fleet, which includes 7,270 standard bikes and 1,000 electric bikes.
Testimonial
“What I've always liked about this job is being able to put people on bikes and keep them there. Cycling contributes to the well-being of so many people! I find that the electric bike is the logical next step for friendly active transportation. I love the troubleshooting that comes with repairs; it's sometimes a quiz, but that's what makes solving the problem even more satisfying. It gives me the chance to get my hands a little dirty but also to use my head, and at the end of the day I can see the tangible result of my work.”
An increasingly in-demand mode of transport in major urban centers like Montréal, the electric bike will be an integral part of tomorrow’s mobility as it becomes more accessible. That said, like any vehicle, electric bikes break down, require increased maintenance, and good electric bike mechanics need to be available to keep the fleet at its usual turnover rate. That’s where the CycloChrome team steps in, in collaboration with BIXI Montréal. Furthermore, the Québec government recently announced its intention to expand the offer of public bike-sharing throughout the province.
A career that matches your values
The job of an electric bike mechanic will satisfy all bike enthusiasts and city lovers who regularly use this practical and eco-friendly mode of transport. This career opportunity will surely align with your eco-responsible values and you will be an integral part of the change. There is nothing more rewarding than holding a job that contributes to the development of tomorrow’s mobility and to environmental protection, by offering a sustainable and ecological solution.
If you have training in electronics, mechanics, or electricity, CycloChrome can train you and allow you to grow within a rapidly expanding industry, in addition to offering advancement opportunities regardless of your level of education and experience. Many other jobs are also available to you, such as technical support technician for street terminals. This person repairs the terminal’s electronic equipment and ensures they are properly powered by maintaining and charging the batteries. Since 2019, there have also been drivers who install and remove the batteries from the electric bike fleet.
Summary description of the job
All the usual tasks associated with bicycle maintenance apply:
- Assessment of the bicycle’s condition, cleaning and lubrication of components;
- Adjustment of brakes and gears;
- Bearing maintenance;
- Wheel alignment;
- Etc.
Added to this list is checking the proper functioning of the electric assistance system and its lights. When the system is not working correctly, troubleshooting must be carried out by following a logic based on the interdependence relationships of the components. A wide variety of electric assistance systems are on the market, so it is essential to understand their typical operation so that the mechanic’s expertise transcends differences between brands.
Training required to work in this profession
Related vocational training is an asset. Many vocational programs convey the basic essential knowledge for mechanical workshop work, such as aDEP in Electricity, inElectromechanics of Automated Systemsor in Industrial Maintenance Technology. Knowing how to use a variety of manual and power tools, having basic knowledge of electricity, and understanding the logic of troubleshooting multi-component systems are all key skills for being an electric bike mechanic. The upcoming establishment of training programs focused on electric bikes by actors like CycloChrome will greatly facilitate the acquisition of this diverse knowledge.
About BIXI Montréal
BIXI Montréal is a non-profit organization created by the City of Montréal to manage the bike-sharing system in the metropolis. In the fall of 2020, the network included 7,270 standard bikes and 1,000 electric bikes on Montréal territory, as well as in Westmount, Montréal-Est, Mount Royal, Longueuil and Laval. Much more than a simple mode of transport, BIXI is today a fabulous shortcut that allows people to move freely around the city whenever they wish, to go where inspiration and/or duty take them.
About CycloChrome
A social economy school-business offering specialized training in bicycle repair (accredited by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education). CycloChrome promotes the development of bicycle mechanic skills among young people, while preparing them to enter the job market and supporting them so they can complete their high school diploma (DES).
Learn more about the training programs presented in this article:
- DEP in Electricity >>>
- DEP Electromechanics of Automated Systems >>>
- DEC in Industrial Electronics Technology >>>
This partner content was produced as part of the On the Road! project – The career destination for electric and intelligent transportation.
