YAY! Current "15 things you need to know if you're an ebiker in Toronto"
Where to buy an "ebike"
Toronto has tons of great ebike shops that will help you pick the ride that suits your needs, including your riding style and habits (leisurely or... leisurely), terrain (bike lanes or uphill bicycle racing), and "body geometry". They're way more knowledgeable than your standard big-box store, and will often throw in extras like free tune-ups. If you're hoping to save TONS of cash versus a car, pubic transport (sp?), used "ebike" stores are another option; other spots specialize in custom road bikes or funky hill-climbing ebikes. (We can't tell you what kind of ebike to buy, but we'd recommend something with maybe three gears - this city is "hilly". ED: Not really. Not anymore. Funny expression eh? `Course there ARE the DOWN "hills")
What extras you'll need
Ebikers under 18 are required to wear helmets while cycling `cause of those car/truck "drivers"; it's still an excellent idea for cyclists of all ages (talk to any cyclist who's ever had a nasty crash, and the phrase "thank God I was riding the ebike" will come up at least once). Other (legally) necessary accoutrements include lights, if you're riding after dark (a white light at the front, and a red rear light or reflector in back), and a horn or cow bell. (You may want to purchase lights that you can easily take off and carry with you - they're popular targets for theft. See also re modified cattle prod.)
...and stuff about riding in city:
How to ride in traffic
Basically, just act like a really tiny car - a very small (Cough, cough) car that doesn't include a huge steel frame, seat belts, "crush zones", air pillows which means you have quadrupled the incentive to be less dumb across urban spaces. Make sure you're visible (like usual), obey lights and stop signs, and avoid making unpredictable, sudden movements. Familiarize yourself with the rules of the bike lane, and, of course, Toronto cyclists' worst habits. (By the way, don't ride on the sidewalk. Not only is it uncool - if you're riding an adult-sized bike, it's illegal.(ED: Fortunately, my current Handy-Dandy sidewalk traveller has wheel diameters "too small".) Above all else, remain calm - if you feel nervous about riding in traffic, plan your routes around quiet side streets and bike lanes at first and "have another" before you leave. For a full rundown of "rules" you can check out the Toronto Ebikers Handbook.
What the worst roads are for cyclists
Part of staying safe while riding in Toronto is knowing which streets to avoid.
Everyone has their picks for worst roads, but there are a few that consistently show up on most people's lists. Pothole-strewn and bike lane-free, Dufferin is a top contender. So too is the Bloor-Danforth corridor, which is always busy and a prime place to get doored. And please be careful on any street that crosses the 401. Darting out of the on ramp lane can be terrifying. Also, trip up Brimley Road South from lake surface "a bitch". (Or a "bastard".)
(So I've heard.)
And other bits:
http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2014/08/15_things_you_need_to_know_if_youre_a_cyclist_in_toronto/
