A new recreational winter vehicle has finally made its way to the snowscapes of Canada: MoonBikes. MoonBikes resemble motorbikes in size and configuration, but instead of two wheels, these agile vehicles glide over snow on a front ski propelled by a single track at the rear. Think of them as more of a cross between a dirt bike and a snowmobile.
Unlike snowmobiles, however, MoonBikes are 100 per cent electric. They’re battery-powered and provide a silent and environmentally friendly alternative to gas-powered snowmobiles. Though smaller in size, these machines are still quite powerful, reaching speeds of up to 42 km/h with a three-kilowatt motor. “It’s not slow!” writes one online reviewer based in Michigan. “Riding it down tight tracks and logging roads, my snowmobile buddies couldn’t keep up.”
The MoonBike was first conceived of in 2015 by French aeronautical engineer Nicolas Muron. He was looking for an alternative way to get around the French Alps—something that wasn’t a car or snowmobile—that was still light and powerful enough to provide a smooth ride on snow. Then it came to him: an e-bike for snow. Years later the MoonBike was born, and now, MoonBike rentals are available at over 50 ski resorts across Europe and North America, including Italy, Switzerland, France, Austria, and the United States.
In Canada, these fun winter devices are currently available for rent at only one location: Rural Rivers Quality Outdoor Rentals in Sturgeon County, Alta., about a 35-minute drive from Edmonton. “A lot of people were renting out snowmobiles, but we really wanted to do something different,” says owner Zack Doroshenko. “I liked that the MoonBikes were extremely low maintenance, environmentally friendly, and quiet.”
Since obtaining the snow bikes at the end of 2023, Doroshenko has received plenty of positive feedback from renters. “The reception has been good. People really enjoy it, and riding them is tons of fun.” And as the only Canadian rental location, Doroshenko says Rural Rivers is proud to offer something unique to winter lovers. “I think MoonBikes are really opening the door to a whole other side of enjoying winter.”
The bikes have three ride options: eco, standard, and sport, with sport offering faster acceleration. In terms of weight, they’re about three times lighter than a snowmobile, clocking in at 192 pounds (including the battery). How does the MoonBike fare in frigid weather? Its heated battery box can withstand temperatures low as -25°C, ensuring the bike stays operational in harsh winter climates.
As for how it feels to operate one of these machines, Doroshenko likens it to riding a bike. “It involves throwing around your body weight a lot more when making turns, similar to a bike or motorcycle in a way,” he says. “But of course it’s on snow, so it’s pretty unique in that sense.”
It might sound challenging, but Doroshenko says navigating the MoonBike gets easier with each ride. “It’s a learning curve at first. It just depends on your level of skill,” he says. “But, in general, they’re very user-friendly once you get the hang of it.”
Rural Rivers rents out four MoonBikes for self-guided tours at $99 for 90 minutes, or $65 for 60 minutes, plus a 10-minute orientation.
The business operates on Doroshenko’s Metis Strip family lands, which have been in his family for generations. Now, the land is home to over four kilometers of trails for MoonBike renters to explore. “The terrain is a mix of open space and forest, and it goes along the Sturgeon River, so you get a bit of everything,” says Doroshenko. “We’re also right on the edge of the Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park, so there’s a lot of wildlife out here. You might see moose or deer.”
Riding through the trails on the MoonBikes offers a beautiful—and silent—escape into nature, says Doroshenko. “You’re able to be out in the wilderness without being on something as disruptive as a snowmobile,” he says. “They’re quiet, so it’s very immersive. Plus, there’s no exhaust.”
Look out, snowmobiles!
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