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.

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About Deutschmann Law

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

The opinions expressed here, while intended to provide useful information, should not be interpreted as legal recommendations or advice.

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