DID YOU KNOW?
In Ontario, e-bikes are classified as “power-assisted bicycles” under the Highway Traffic Act, but they are defined as “motor vehicles” in the Criminal Code of Canada. In this week’s column, I’ll be sharing some invaluable information on e-bikes, courtesy of the MTO (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario).
ABOUT E-BIKES
E-bikes (electric bicycles) are a power-assisted bicycle with an electric motor that has:
- A handlebar for steering.
- Working pedals.
- Two or three wheels.
- An electric motor.
- Braking systems.
Additionally, e-bikes must meet certain requirements to be legally operated on roads in Ontario; this includes weight and speed limits.
When riding an e-bike, you must:
- Be 16-years-old or older.
- Wear an approved bicycle or a motorcycle helmet.
- Keep your e-bike in good working order.
- Follow the same rules of the road as other cyclists.
WHERE CAN YOU RIDE AN E-BIKE IN ONTARIO?
You can ride an e-bike on most roads and highways where conventional bicycles are permitted, with some exceptions.
You cannot ride an e-bike on:
- Certain provincial controlled access highways, such as the 400 series, the Queen-Elizabeth Way, the Queensway in Ottawa or the Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway.
- Municipal roads, including sidewalks, where bicycles are banned under municipal bylaws.
- Municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths, bike trails or bike lanes where e-bikes are prohibited.
E-BIKE REQUIREMENTS
To operate an e-bike in Ontario, the e-bike must have:
- A maximum assistance speed of 32 km/h (kilometres per hour).
- A maximum weight of 120 kg (includes the weight of the bike and battery).
- An electric motor and not exceeding 500 watts.
- No modification to the motor to allow it to exceed power output greater than 500 watts and an assisted speed greater than 32 km/h (kilometres per hour).
- Battery and electric motor securely fastened to the bicycle frame to prevent them from moving while the e-bike is operating.
- All electrical terminals are properly insulated.
- Minimum wheel width of 35 mm and minimum diameter of 350 mm.
- Two independent braking systems that applies force to each wheel and is capable of bringing the e-bike, while being operated at a speed of 30 km/h (kilometres per hour), to a full stop within 9 metres, on a level asphalt surface, from the point of which the brakes were applied.
NOTE: Removing the pedals makes the e-bike a motor vehicle, which requires a license, insurance and registration to operate. It is also illegal to modify an e-bike’s electric motor to make it more powerful or to increase the assisted speed of the bike.
THE DARK SIDE OF E-BIKES
The growing popularity of electric bikes in Canada has led to an alarming trend: a significant increase in severe injuries. Hospitals are treating a higher number of e-bike riders with more serious injuries, many of which are preventable. As e-bikes become a common mode of transportation, it’s more important than ever for riders to prioritize safety; this includes taking necessary precautions, like wearing a helmet, and being familiar with all rules and regulations for safe riding.
Remember, taking the time to learn and practice injury prevention costs you nothing. Failing to do so, could lead to the unthinkable … the loss of your life and the lives of those you hold dear.
Safety—it starts with you.
