eBike Legislation - Canada

 

NOTE:

As of February 1 2021, Transport Canada has repealed its definition of a Power Assisted Bicyle (PAB) and has passed the burden of defining classification of eBikes directly onto the provinces.

eGear Solutions will continue to update this page as new provincial rules are defined and implemented.

Question:

Are eBikes legal in Canada?

Short Answer:

Absolutely with some rules and regulations (varies by province).

eBikes are legislated in Canada and follow some pretty simple rules.  Here are the "universal" rules governing eBikes (exception is Prince Edward Island - they have their own regulations):

  • Transport Canada designation for "eBike" - “assist bicycles” or “power-assist bicycles”
  • Limited to 500w motor output
  • Limited to 32km/hr on level ground on battery power (modifying your motor for faster speeds is illegal)
  • Must have handlebars
  • Must have operable pedals
  • Engine must disengage when rider stops pedalling
  • Throttle/Switch controls are permitted so long as they can be switched off
  • Federal/Provincial labels must be affixed to each eBike indicating compliance with Canadian regulations.
  • Wear a CSA approved bicycle helmet

Exceptions, Rules, Regulations by Province

British Columbia

  • As universal above
  • Operator minimum age: 16 years of age

Alberta

  • As universal above
  • Operator minimum age: 12 years of age.
  • All operators are required to wear a motorcycle helmet
  • A passenger is permitted only if the e-bike is equipped with a seat designated for that passenger.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has two definitions:

  • As universal above
  • Operator minimum age: 14 years of age
  • Electric Assist Cycle
    • 2 or 3-wheeled bicycle that uses pedals and a motor at the same time only.
  • Power Cycle
    • Uses either pedals and motor or motor only.
    • Must meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) for a power-assisted bicycle.
    • Requires at least a learner's driving license (class 7)

Manitoba

  • As universal above
  • Operator minimum age: 14 years of age
  • Must not be designed to have more than three wheels touching the ground
  • Motor must stop providing motive power if the bike exceeds 32 km/h for any reason
  • If it's engaged by a throttle, the motor immediately stops providing the vehicle with motive power when the driver activates a brake
  • If engaged by the driver applying muscle power to the pedals, the motor immediately stops providing the vehicle with motive power when the driver stops applying muscle power.
  • If the vehicle has a throttle, is separate from the throttle, or a mechanism that prevents the motor from engaging until the vehicle is traveling at 3 km/h or more

Ontario

  • As universal above
  • Operator minimum age: 14 years of age
  • Maximum weight of 120 kilograms
  • Maximum braking distance of nine meters
  • Municipalities are also specifically permitted by the legislation to restrict where e-bikes may be used on their streets, bike lanes and trails, as well as restricting certain types of e-bike

Quebec

  • As universal above
  • Operator minimum age: 14 years of age
  • Must have a moped or scooter license if under 18 years of age
  • 2 or 3 wheels touching the ground

New Brunswick

  • As universal above
  • Operator minimum age: None
  • Requires wheel rims larger than 9 inches
  • Requires a headlight for night.
  • Requires a seat at least 27 inches off the ground.

Nova Scotia

  • As universal above

Prince Edward Island

  • Operator minimum age: 14 years of age
  • e-Bikes are classified as limited speed motorcycles and are treated as mopeds
  • Must pass provincial inspection
  • Must be registered
  • Operator must be licensed

Newfoundland and Labrador

  • As universal above
  • Operator minimum age: 14 years of age
  • Operators between ages of 14-17 require authorized permit to operate a scooter, e-Bike, or moped.
  • must be equipped with a red rear light
  • must be equipped with a reflector
  • must be equipped with a front white headlight

Northern Territories - Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut

  • As universal above