Guide to e-bike rules and regulations in Canada

E-bikes are everywhere now, and their popularity continues to grow as more people are looking to save money, beat traffic, reduce their environmental footprint, and stay in shape.

E-bikes (electric bicycles) are basically bicycles with a motor attached. The motor is usually activated by pedalling the bike, although some bikes have a throttle to activate the motor.

Key advantages of e-bikes over vehicles

• Zero-emission transportation, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.

• They are easier to park. Since they are small and narrow, you can park e-bikes with bicycles or anywhere they are out of the way of pedestrians and vehicles.

• They are a great way to get in shape and are less intimidating or tiring than riding a conventional bicycle because you can always rely on the motor to support you.

• They are much more affordable to purchase.

• E-bike batteries keep improving.

• You can avoid traffic congestion by taking your e-bike on designated urban paths and trails.

• Maintenance costs are lower than maintaining a vehicle.

If you are considering buying an e-bike, it's important to understand the rules and regulations for e-bikes. These rules are in place to keep e-bike enthusiasts, pedestrians and other cyclists safe. Failure to comply with regulations can result in tickets and/or fines.

Types of e-bikes

In Canada, an e-bike is defined as a two- or three-wheeled bicycle with a battery-powered motor and pedals. E-bikes are also known as power-assisted bicycles or assist bicycles.

Classification of e-bikes

Class 1 electric bike

Class 1 e-bikes have motor power up when you pedal. The power output is automatically cut off when you reach a speed of 32 km/hr. This limits the speed rise, making the bike safe and ideal for bike paths and recreational riding.

Class 2 electric bike

Class 2 e-bikes are designed so that the motor kicks with both pedalling and a throttle. Some people like the throttle option to give their legs more of a break. Whichever way you choose to engage the motor, the maximum speed of 32 km/hr remains the same.

Class 3 electric bike

These are pretty much just like the class 1 bikes but with a more powerful motor that can reach up to 45 km/hr. Because of their higher maximum speed, they are banned from most bike paths.

Federal regulations for e-bikes in Canada

In the year 2000, Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (MVSR) classified Power Assisted Bicycles (PABs) as their own category, which doesn’t require a licence to use.

PABs must have two or three wheels, handlebars, working pedals, and an electric motor with a maximum power of 500W. The motor can help the bike reach up to 32 km/h on flat ground. PABs also need a label from the manufacturer confirming they meet legal standards at the time they were made.

PABs can be imported and exported in Canada without the same rules that apply to cars or mopeds. However, local governments can decide where PABs are allowed.

Some adventurous e-bikers may be tempted to modify original e-bikes to make them faster and more powerful. Exceeding legal speed and power limits can result in fines or ticketing.

Provincial and territorial regulations

Provincial and territorial governments govern the laws for e-bikes. These laws vary according to age requirements, helmet law licensing, registration and insurance.

So far, e-bikes are permitted in nine different provinces. We’ve summarised the varying laws for each province.

Alberta

• Max motor power: 500W

• Speed limit: 32 km/h

• An e-bike must have pedals.

• No license, insurance, or registration is needed.

• A helmet is required.

• Operators: 12+ years old

British Columbia

• Max motor power: 500W

• Speed limit: 32 km/h

• Pedals are required.

• No license, insurance, or registration is needed

• A helmet is required.

• Operators: 16+ years old

Ontario

• Max motor power: 500W

• Speed limit: 32 km/h

• Weight limit: 120 kg

• Pedals are required.

• No license or insurance is needed.

• A helmet is required.

• Local restrictions may apply.

• Operators: 16+ years old

Manitoba

• Max motor power: 500W

• Speed limit: 32 km/h

• Pedals and disengagement mechanisms are both required.

• A helmet is required.

• Operators: 14+ years old

New Brunswick

• Max motor power: 500W

• Speed limit: 32 km/h

• Pedals are required.

• Label compliance is necessary.

• A helmet is required.

• No minimum age.

Newfoundland

• Max motor power: 500W

• Speed limit: 32 km/h

• Pedals are required.

• A helmet is mandatory.

Nova Scotia

• Max motor power: 500W

• Speed limit: 32 km/h

• Pedals are required.

• A helmet is mandatory.

Prince Edward Island

• Treated as mopeds.

• Inspection is required.

Quebec

• Max motor power: 500W

• Speed limit: 32 km/h.

• Pedals are required.

• A moped license is required.

• Operators:  14–18 years old

Where can you ride your e-bike?

E-bikes are versatile and can be ridden in many places where cars and mopeds aren’t allowed. The laws can vary by location, so it's good to do a little bit of research before hopping on your e-bike.

Legal riding areas for your e-bike

• Roads—where bicycles are permitted. E-bikes are prohibited on some municipal roads and all sidewalks.

• Most highways—certain provincial controlled access highways do not permit e-bikes.

• Trails—some trails permit e-bikes. Multi-use trails are more likely to allow them.

• E-bikes are prohibited on some municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths, bike trails and bike lanes.

• Multi-use paths—allowance for e-bikes varies by location

• Bike lanes are safe zones.

How to be a safe and responsible e-biker

Safety guidelines and road etiquette for e-bikes

1. Always wear a helmet—make sure it is properly fitted to your head and that the strap is tight enough

2. Wear visible clothing, especially at night. Avoid dark colours and invest in a reflective vest for added safety.

3. Attach reflectors or reflective tape to your e-bike as well.

4. Adhere to traffic laws—make sure you know the correct way to signal while riding a bike.

5. Keep your e-bike well-maintained. This includes brakes, lights and the battery.

Make sure to stay updated on e-bike rules and regulations in your area. Since these regulations are relatively new, they are still sometimes being adjusted and updated. Most importantly, have fun while respecting rules and promoting and modelling safety and best practices to others.