E-Bikes FAQ

With the ever increasing popularity of alternative forms of transportation, the electric bicycle has seen a significant growth in consumer base. As our roads begin to see more e-bikes, the more convoluted the rules, regulations, and laws behind e-bikes get. To better protect yourself and those around you, it is important that you, the rider, spend some time getting to know what your rights are and what your limitations are.

1. What is an e-bike?
2. What is an e-scooter?
3. What do I need to operate an e-bike/e-scooter?
4. Where are e-bikes allowed?
5. Can I carry a passenger?

1. What is an e-bike?

An e-bike, also known as a power-assisted bicycle, is essentially a bicycle with a motor. It is a bicycle that:

• has a maximum weight of 120kg (including both weight of the bike and the battery);
• has wheels with a diameter of at least 350mm and width of at least 35mm;
• must be equipped with at minimum 2 independent braking systems one for each tire;
• the brakes must be able to stop an ebike traveling at speed (30km/h) within 9 meters of application;
• all electrical terminals must be completely insulated and covered;
• battery and motor must be securely fastened to the ebike;
• has steering handlebars and is equipped with pedals;
• the pedals must be equipped at all times without exception;
• is designed to travel with no more than 3 wheels with contact to the ground;
• is capable of being operated with muscular power;
• has one or more electric motors no greater than 500w;
• the motor provides assistance when engaged by muscular power and ceases when muscular power ceases;
• if operable via a throttle, the motor ceases when brakes are applied
• is incapable of providing further assistance above 32km/h on level ground
• bears a label permanently affixed by the manufacturer stating that the vehicle is a power-assisted bicycle;
• has not been modified to produce more than 500w and to travel faster than 32km/h

There are various styles of e-bikes, from conventional bicycles to scooter types. Regardless of style, an e-bike is only classified as an e-bike so long as it meets the definition of an e-bike as listed above. Being classified as a bicycle, most of the road rules and regulations pertaining to bicycles also apply to an e-bike.

2.  What is an e-scooter?

•  An e-scooter is the same as an e-bike, it is simply just a name that people have chosen for it. People have coined the term "e-scooter" for the bigger e-bikes due to the fact that the bigger e-scooters look very similar to a gas powered Scooter. The differences that are noticeable would be that the e-bike/e-scooter are equipped with pedals. (unless the customer has removed them). There is no exhaust on an e-scooter, There should be a noticeable e-bike License plate on the rear of the e-bike/e-scooter, supplied by the company you bought the e-bike/e-scooter from. Of course the most obvious difference in comparison to a gas powered Scooter is that the e-bike/e-scooter will be quiet, with Zero Emission which equals no smell, and we ride in the bicycle lane. 
• The e-scooter is a Money Saving, Eco-Friendly mode of transportation.
• An e-scooter is operated electrically by a mechanical throttle on the handlebar.
• An e-scooter can also be pedaled while using the throttle. Or it can be pedaled on it's own. * Due to the larger size of an e-scooter, pedaling is usually difficult and unpractical compared to an e-bike.
• An e-scooter also does not require a License, Insurance or Vehicle Registration.
• e-scooter riders follows Canadian bicycle road laws. Check each Municipality for new laws being made in your area.
• The bigger sized e-scooters that look more like gas Scooter can maintain long periods of distance due to the large battery capacity.
• Typically e-scooters will have an increased battery range of 50-80kms in distance. The lithium model e-scooters would be more around the range of 50-100kms in distance. (Depending on weight, weather, hills, night driving etc.)
• The top speed of any e-bike/e-scooter by Canadian law is 32 kms per hour. They legally all can go faster down a hill without using throttle, the same as a bicycle.

3. What do I need to operate an ebike?

E-bikes/e-scooters are classified as bicycles as long as they fit the federal requirements listed above. Legally, there are only 2 requirements that one must fulfill in order to operate an e-bike/e-scooter:

• all operators and passengers must be 16 years of age or older
• all operators must wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times

As long as the operator fits the requirements listed above, the following apply to all operators of e-bikes/e-scooters:

• no driver's license is required
• no written test is required
• no vehicle registration or plate is required
• no motor vehicle liability insurance is required

4. Where are e-bikes/e-scooters allowed?

As long as your e-bike fits the definition of an e-bike as stated above, it is in the same classification as a conventional bicycle. This means that you are allowed to ride your e-bike anywhere were a conventional bicycle is allowed, but with limitations. This means that e-bikes can be used on: roads, bike paths, bike trails, and bike lanes. However, you may only ride on "bike only" lanes and paths so long as the motor is not engaged at any point.

Check with your local municipality to find out if e-scooters are permitted on trail systems. Generally speaking, these are meant for road-use only, and follow the same rules of the road as bicycles; ie. ride with the traffic and keep to the right.

 You must share the road with others (e.g., cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) E-bikes/e-scooters:

• must obey all traffic laws
• have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers

5. Can I carry a passenger?

Passengers are not permitted on a bicycle that has been designed for one person. Some e-bikes (generally e-scooter types) are designed to carry passengers, but you may want to check with your local municipality to clarify whether carrying a passenger is allowed in your area. Passengers must be at least 16 years old.

For more detailed information regarding e-bike/e-scooter laws in Ontario, please refer to The Ministry of Transportation FAQ.