Electric Bicycle Canada Laws

The bicycle can be pedelecs or accelerator control e bikes this is what is define as electric bicycle and the safety requirements.

Electric bicycle canada laws. These vehicles are also known as power assisted bicycles electric scooters e bikes and e scooters and the laws for them are very similar to a traditional bicycle. The canada authorities has passed legislation for electric bicycle in 2001. Since some of the provinces have slightly different regulations surrounding electric bikes we have divided the information to make it easily accessible. Current laws around electric bikes were first enacted by the federal government in 2000 under canada s motor vehicle safety regulations and classifies ebikes as power assisted bicycles this is an important distinction because electric bikes can sometimes be confused with scooters and electric motorcycles.

The e bike must be equipped with steering handlebars working pedals and a permanent manufacturer label. Electric bicycles must not have an electric motor that is more powerful than 500 watts and not be able to travel faster than 32 km h. Both must have engines with 500 watt power or less and must not be able exceed 32 km h 20 mph i e electric motor cuts out at this speed or cycle is unable to go this fast on a level surface. They also must have fully operable pedals which means the engine must disengage when the operator stops pedaling.

In canada power assisted bicycles are classified under federal law and each province can make minor changes such as age requirements and each municipality can make changes as to where they are permitted to be used. One or more electric motor with power of less then 500w. While you do not need a driver s license or vehicle permit to operate an e bike in ontario you must be at least 16 years old wear an approved helmet and keep your e bike in good working condition. E bikes are currently defined as a two or three wheeled bicycles which operate with pedals and a battery powered motor.

However they are allowed to have an accelerator controller. The power cycle has to meet the canadian motor vehicle safety standards cmvss for a power assisted bicycle. They require no license plates or insurance to own or operate. Two or three wheels.