Montreal Entrepreneurs Power Up Cycling with Electric Conversions
In the Montreal region, a growing number of cyclists are discovering the freedom of electric-assisted riding thanks to local company Ugo Cycle. This innovative business specializes in converting traditional bicycles into electric models, catering particularly to older adults who wish to continue cycling and commuters seeking sweat-free transportation to work.
From Personal Inspiration to Business Venture
The company's origins trace back to founder Hugo Deligny's transformative year-long journey through South America with his young family. During this adventure, Deligny witnessed firsthand how electric bikes could create egalitarian cycling experiences, allowing people of different ages and fitness levels to ride together at comfortable paces.
"After six years, we can convert almost any bike," says Malik Elaroussi, Ugo Cycle's technical director, highlighting the company's growing expertise in this specialized field.
Upon returning to Montreal, Deligny found the available electric bike options disappointing—either poorly constructed at lower price points or prohibitively expensive at over $4,000 for quality models. When an engineer friend introduced him to conversion kits, Deligny, an avid cyclist and amateur bike mechanic, decided to install one himself since professional installation services were unavailable.
Building a Conversion Empire
What began as a living-room operation in 2019 has evolved into a thriving business with two locations—the original St-Hubert workshop and a newer Mascouche shop opened in March 2025 to serve demand north of Montreal. To date, Ugo Cycle has converted approximately 3,800 bicycles to electric power.
"Quebecers are crazy for cycling," Elaroussi observes. "It's like a national sport."
The company's clientele has expanded from primarily retirees seeking to maintain their cycling lifestyle to include significant numbers of daily commuters. The conversion process involves installing a mid-drive motor between the pedals, powered by a 500-watt battery mounted on the frame. This system adds only about 5.5 kilograms to the bicycle's weight while providing pedal assistance up to 32 kilometres per hour.
Technical Specifications and Customer Experiences
A basic conversion package, including motor, battery, screen, installation, and tuneup, ranges from $1,300 to $1,650. Battery life varies between 70 and 150 kilometres depending on usage intensity. The company has successfully converted diverse bicycle types including tandems, adult tricycles, and touring bikes, though carbon-fibre models present challenges due to specialized frame designs.
Customer testimonials reveal remarkable stories of renewed cycling freedom. One couple in their early 70s who annually biked from Montreal to Miami—a 3,000-kilometre journey over 30 days—found new life in their tradition after Ugo Cycle converted their road bikes. Another 89-year-old customer dreamed of cycling to Vancouver following his conversion, though family concerns ultimately tempered his ambitions.
Market Position and Future Growth
Despite operating in what Elaroussi describes as a "fledgling market," Ugo Cycle has established itself as a leader in electric bike conversions within the Montreal region. Only one other local shop, Répare & Roule on St-Denis Street, advertises similar services at approximately $1,800 for mid-range conversions.
The company has expanded to seven employees and established certified resellers throughout Quebec and one in New Brunswick. Beyond conversions, Ugo Cycle now sells custom-built electric bicycles priced between $2,000 and $4,000, with electric cargo bikes representing their newest offering—particularly popular among parents transporting children and groceries.
Enhancing Quality of Life Through Technology
For customers like 72-year-old Danielle Desrosiers and her husband, the conversion has meant rediscovering their passion for cycling. After stopping in their 60s due to physical challenges, particularly when facing hills and wind, they now enjoy riding hilly Laurentian trails and Montreal's riverside bike paths.
"It improves your life," Desrosiers explains. "We can do a lot more without having to push too hard."
Elaroussi emphasizes that the company's mission extends beyond ecological mobility and commercial success. "With an electric bike, people can stay together and do what they love," he notes, highlighting how the technology helps maintain social connections and active lifestyles that might otherwise diminish with age or changing circumstances.
As Montreal continues to embrace sustainable transportation options, Ugo Cycle stands at the intersection of technological innovation and quality-of-life enhancement, proving that sometimes the best way forward involves giving traditional bicycles a modern electric boost.
