Canada’s Rules and Regulations for Electric Bikes

With electric vehicles being on the rise, there should be regulations for the use of electric modes of transportation--such as Electric Bikes (E-Bikes). Canada has rules imposed across its provinces to govern manufacturing standards and safety requirements. Some of general requirements are as follows:

Power: 500W

Max Speed: 32 kph (20 mph)

Weight: Less than 120 kg

Wheel Diameter: Greater than 350 mm / 406 mm

Wheel Width: Greater than 35 mm

Braking Distance: Less than 9 m

Pedals: Required

Handlebar (for Steering): Required

Front Light: Required

Rear Light: Required

Age Restriction: Varies (Usually 16 years and older)

Helmet: Required

License: Not required across the country, but some places may require a learner’s permit 

Local governments have added or modified some regulations to ensure that the road use of e-bike riders fit the demand of their provinces. Here’s a quick guide to the varying requirements of each province.

 

Alberta

E-bikes are still considered bicycles and are classified as a “power bicycle” in Alberta and they follow most federal requirements with minor additions and adjustments.

Overview:

Requirements for riders:

• Wear a motorcycle helmet

• Be at least 12 years of age

• Abide by the traffic rules

These are NOT a requirement for owning and operating an e-bike:

• Have a license or insurance

The E-bike must possess:

• A designated bike seat for the passenger if in case the rider is to bring a passenger

• A fully operating pedals

• A maximum speed of 32 kph (20 mph)

• Maximum power of 500 W

 

British Columbia (BC)

E-bikes are classified as a “motor-assisted cycle” in BC. The province imposes additional requirements alongside the federal requirements:

Overview

Requirements for riders:

• Wear a motorcycle helmet

• Be at least 16 years of age

These are NOT a requirement for owning and operating an e-bike:

• Have a license 

• Have an insurance

The E-bike must possess:

• A fully operating pedals

• A maximum speed of 32 kph (20 mph)

• Maximum power of 500 W

• A “Power-Assisted Bicycle” label on the E-bike

• A maximum of only three wheels that are in contact with the ground

• Wheels that have a diameter greater than or equal to 350 mm and should include a rubber tire

• A bicycle’s motor that disengages when the rider does the following:

• Applies brake

• Refrain from pedaling

• Releases the accelerator

 

Manitoba

Manitoba classifies e-bikes as “power-assisted bicycles” and follows federal requirements such as power, speed, and age restrictions.

Overview

Requirements for riders:

• Wear a motorcycle helmet.

• Be at least 14 years of age.

• Be at least 16 years old with a C5 driver’s license (for E-bikes with motor capacity that does not exceed 50 cc or speed of 50 kph)

• Abide by the traffic rules applicable to regular bicycles.

• Stay off the sidewalks and be as close to the curb as possible.

These are NOT a requirement for owning and operating an e-bike:

• Have a Class 5 license (E-bike that is 50 cc or 50 kph) 

The E-bike must possess:

• A fully operating pedals

• A maximum speed of 32 kph (20 mph)

• Maximum power of 500 W

• A maximum of only three wheels that are in contact with the ground

• An on-and-off switch for the motor

• A white front light

• An amber or red rear reflector

• A bicycle’s motor that disengages when the rider does the following:

• Applies brake

• Refrain from pedaling

 

Newfoundland and Labrador

Overview

Requirements for riders:

• Wear a helmet

• Be at least 14 years of age with a permit 

These are NOT a requirement for owning and operating an e-bike:

• Have a permit (14-17 years old)

• Have a license for 18 years and older

The E-bike must possess:

• A fully operating pedals

• A maximum speed of 32 kph (20 mph)

• Maximum power of 500 W

• A white front light (Regardless of the time of the day)

• An amber or red rear light or reflector (Regardless of the time of the day)

Others:

• Riders may use an accelerator for propulsion

 

New Brunswick

New Brunswick classifies E-bikes as “electric motor-driven cycle” and has set standards for E-bikes to roam the road legally.

Overview

There are no:

• Age restrictions in place

• The standard weight limit for the E-bike itself

• Restrictions regarding the use of cargo/child trailers 

The E-bike must possess:

• A fully operating pedals

• A maximum speed of 32 kph (20 mph)

• Maximum power of 500 W

• A headlight and taillight that is visible from 150 m

• A seat with a distance of 27 in from the ground

• A permanent label of “Power-Assisted Bicycle” was provided by the manufacturer and is attached to the e-bike

• A 9-in wheel rim or larger

• A Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) compliance for limited--speed motorcycle

Others:

• Register your e-bike with the motor vehicle registration authority of New Brunswick

 

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia classifies E-bikes as “Power-Assisted Bicycles.” 

Overview

Requirements for riders:

• Wear a helmet (approved standard) with a chinstrap

• Drive within one-meter distance from the curb

The E-bike must possess:

• A fully operating pedals

• A maximum speed of 32 kph (20 mph)

• Maximum power of 500 W

• Two wheels or four wheels where one is at least 350 mm

Others:

• E-bike is not recognized as a motor vehicle and is not required to meet regulations provided by CMVSS.

• Permitted on all roads

 

Ontario

Ontario also classifies e-bikes as “power-assisted bicycles” with a working motor, pedals, a braking system, handlebars, and no more than three wheels.

Overview

These locations have e-bike rider restrictions:

• Controlled access highways

• 400 Series

• Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway

• Queen Elizabeth Way

• Queensway (Ottawa)

• Prohibited trails, bike paths, and lanes

• Sidewalks and Municipal Roads

Requirements for riders:

• Wear a helmet

• At least 16 years of age

• Abide by the rules imposed on cyclists

The E-bike must possess:

• A fully operating pedals

• A maximum speed of 32 kph (20 mph)

• Maximum power of 500 W

• A maximum weight (for e-bike with battery) of 120 kg

• Wheels with a width of 35 mm and diameter greater than or equal to 350 mm

• A braking system that is within 9 m (level asphalt) can bring the bike to rest at a speed of 30 kph. Apply brakes to each wheel.

 

Prince Edward Island (PEI)

E-bikes that use a motor for propulsion are classified as a “power-assisted bicycle” in Prince Edward Island.

Overview

Requirements for riders:

• Wear a helmet

• Be at least 16 years of age 

• Abide by the rules imposed on cyclists

These locations have e-bike rider restrictions:

• Prohibited highways

• Prohibited trails, bike paths, and lanes

• Sidewalks and Municipal Roads

The E-bike must possess:

• A fully operating pedals

• A maximum speed of 32 kph (20 mph)

• Maximum power of 500 W

• Handlebars for steering

• No more than three wheels are in contact with the ground with a minimum diameter of 406.4 mm.

• A maximum weight (for e-bike with battery) of 120 kg

• A permanent label of “Power-Assisted Bicycle” was provided and attached by the manufacturer on the e-bike.

• A headlight and taillight that is visible and securely mounted

• Bell or horn (Fully functional)

• An on-and-off mechanism for the motor separate from the accelerator allows the rider to activate and deactivate until three (3) kph.

These are NOT a requirement for owning and operating an e-bike:

• Have a license or insurance

 

Quebec

Quebec also classifies E-bikes as “Power-Assisted Bicycles.” 

Overview

Requirements for riders:

• Wear a helmet

• Be at least 14 years of age

• Have a scooter or moped (Class 6D) license to ride a Power-Assisted Bike if younger than 18.

The E-bike must possess:

• A fully operating pedals

• A maximum speed of 32 kph (20 mph)

• Maximum power of 500 W

• A permanently attached compliance label provided by the manufacturer

Others:

• E-bike is not recognized as a motor vehicle and is not required to meet regulations provided by CMVSS.

 

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan divides the PABs into two (2) classifications:

• Power Cycles

• Electric Assist Bicycles

Power Cycles:

Requirements for riders:

• Wear a helmet

• Abide by the rules imposed on cyclists

These are NOT a requirement for owning and operating an e-bike:

• Have at least a learner’s Class 7 license (Classes 1-5 can also operate) 

The E-bike (Power Cycles) must possess:

• A maximum speed of 32 kph (20 mph)

• Maximum power of 500 W

• A sticker attached to the bike indicates compliance

Others:

• Meet CMVSS requirements for PABs

Electric Assist Bicycles

Requirements for riders:

• Wear a helmet

• Be at least 14 years of age

These are NOT a requirement for owning and operating an e-bike:

• Have a license 

The E-bike (Power Cycles) must possess:

• A maximum speed of 32 kph (20 mph)

• Maximum power of 500 W

 

SUMMARY

Now that you are equipped with the information, visit CLOUD eBikes to begin your e-bike journey! You may also visit our store and we deliver everywhere in Canada. We hope to serve you soon.