Electric Bikes and the Law

July 20, 2008, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are being allowed for use on Ontario roads.  E-bikes are pedaled like a bicycle or can be powered with an electric motor up to a maximum speed of 32 kilometers per hour.  Prior to October, 2007, E-bikes were not permitted on Ontario roads.

Under the pilot program, which began in October 2006, E-bikes are permitted on roads where bicycles are currently allowed.  They are not allowed on 400-series highways, the Queen Elizabeth Way or the Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway and other provincial highways where bicycles are not permitted.  Riders must be 16 years of age, or older, and are required to wear a bicycle helmet while riding.

An E-bike is a vehicle that has steering handlebars and is equipped with pedals.  It is primarily propelled by muscular power and travels on 2 or 3 wheels.  The E-bike has an electric motor with a maximum power of 500 watts and a maximum speed of 32 km/h.  The E-bike also has to have a sticker, in both official languages, confirming that it is a power assisted bicycle that meets federal Motor Vehicle Safety regulations.

E-bike owners are not required to have a licence, registration or insurance.  E-bikes require the same safety equipment as bicycles including proper lights, brakes and bell.

E-bikes are subject to the same municipal by-laws that apply to bicycles.  For example, E-bikes would not be able to travel on sidewalks and roads where bicycles are prohibited by by-law.  However, E-bikes may travel on bike paths and park trails where by-laws permit bicycles.

The traffic laws that apply to bicycles and bicyclists would apply to E-bikes and their riders.  The fine for riding an E-bike without a helmet, or underage, is ranges from $250.00 to $2,500.00.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.