Manfred Gingl, a former president and chief executive officer of auto-parts giant Magna International, has shifted gears in recent years. A collector of cars, the Austrian-born executive and close confidant to Magna founder Frank Stronach also has a personal interest in and love for bicycles. In 2007 he decided to extend that interest to e-bikes and related electric propulsion technologies. He acquired what was considered the best e-propulsion system for bicycles in the world and this gave birth to Aurora, Ontario-based BionX International, which has become a market leader in just three years.

The BionX system – which can be purchased as a bicycle retrofit product or pre-installed on many of the top cycle brands – offers a seamless electric-assist riding experience and could very well get more North Americans peddling and exercising again. The electric propulsion system only kicks in when the rider requires it, such as when tackling steep hills or headwinds. The rider still peddles, and exercises, but the experience is more enjoyable – an attractive option for aging boomers previously turned off of cycling.

Last month, BionX launched its first marine product, an electric-assist pedal watercraft called the SeaScape. It is the company’s first move outside of the e-bike market, but Gingl promises it won’t be the last. Corporate Knights had a chance to sit down with Gingl for a chat about the future of e-bikes and electric mobility.

CK: Electric bicycles are a booming market in Europe and Asia. Why have they not taken off the same way in North America?