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Overview of Electric Bike Regulations in Canada

Currently, eBikes are accepted for use in all 10 provinces in Canada. While each province has some unique regulations, in general, if you follow these below regulations, you should be within Canada’s electric bike regulations. Make sure you know these basics before you hit the road.

  • Output: The maximum output for electric bikes in Canada is 500 watts. Watt (or w) means how much energy capacity your bike’s battery and usually indicates the range of your eBike.
  • Speed: You may feel the need for speed but know the limits. Canada caps eBikes to a maximum speed of 32 km/h from the motor over level ground.
  • Licence: In many provinces, you do not need a licence to operate an eBike in Canada. Since 2000, Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations have specified eBikes otherwise known as assist bicycles or power-assisted bicycles as a separate category from combustion engine vehicles which require a licence to operate. Canada currently defines eBikes as two- or three-wheeled bicycles which operate with pedals and a battery-powered motor. The main takeaways here are your electric bike must have pedal assist and be battery powered.

Ontario e-bike regulations:

E-bikes in Ontario must have:

  • A pedal-driven bicycle of conventional exposed fork-and-frame bicycle design and appearance that does not resemble a motor scooter or motorcycle.
  • Steering handlebars
  • Is capable at all times of being propelled on level ground solely by using muscular power to operate the pedals without the motor
  • An continuous rated output power electric motor not exceeding 500 Watts
  • A maximum speed of 32 km/h
  • a maximum weight of 120 kg (includes the weight of the bike and battery)
  • A permanent label from the manufacturer in both English and French stating that your e-bike conforms to the federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle
  • Is fitted at all times with pedals that are always operable to propel the bicycle
  • Minimum wheel diameter is 350 mm
  • Wheels that have a width of not less than 35 mm
  • No modifications to the motor to allow it to exceed a power output greater than 500 watts and an assisted speed greater than 32 km/h
  • The battery and electric motor securely fastened to the bicycle frame to prevent them from moving while the e-bike is operating
  • 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, to a full stop within 9 metres, on a level asphalt surface, from the point at which the brakes were applied

    Removing the pedals makes the e-bike a motor vehicle, which requires a licence, insurance and registration to operate. It is also illegal to modify your e-bike's electric motor to make it more powerful or to increase the assisted speed of the bike.
                                                                                                                                       Last Updated February 2024

What e-bike riders need in Ontario:

You don’t need a driver’s licence, vehicle permit or licence plate to ride an e-bike

  • Riders must be at least 16 years of age
  • Wearing an approved helmet is mandatory
  • Owners must keep the e-bike in good working order
  • Riders must obey all traffic laws and follow the same rules of the road as regular cyclists.
  • A passenger is permitted if the e-bike is designed for more than one person. A passengers must be at least 16 years old and must wear an approved bicycle helmet.
                                                                                                                                       Last Updated August 2023

Cycling Skills: Ontario’s Guide to Safe Cycling (PDF – 3.39 MB)

Where are E-Bikes Prohibited in Ontario

You can ride your e-bike on most roads and highways where conventional bikes are permitted, with some exceptions.

You can not ride your 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
  • On municipal roads, including sidewalks, where bicycles are banned under municipal by-laws
  • On municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths, bike trails or bike lanes where e-bikes are prohibited
  • Municipalities are allowed to restrict where e-bikes may be used and can ban certain types
                                                                                                                                       Last Updated August 2023

Brantford's E-Bike Rules

Rules on the Road:

All users of the road must follow these rules:

  • People using assisted motorized devices, such as mobility scooters and wheelchairs must follow the same rules as pedestrians and should slow down and remain on sidewalks where sidewalks are in place.
  • Those with mobility devices should use the sidewalk when available and avoid traveling on roadways or in bike lanes.
  • E-bikes and bicycles are treated as vehicles under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and must obey the rules of the road like all vehicles do. Bike lanes should be used when available.
  • When a bike lane is not available, cyclists should keep to one side of the road if safe to do so but may also occupy the full lane as required to avoid conflicts such as parked cars or while in narrow lanes.
  • Cars passing a cyclist should only do so when safe and must keep at least a one-metre separation from cyclists.
  • Skateboards and motorized skateboards are only permitted on sidewalks. However, skateboarding is prohibited within the downtown core, which is bounded by Nelson Street, Alfred Street, Colborne Street, Icomm Drive, Brant Avenue and West Street.
  • Drivers are reminded to obey speed limits and parking regulations, especially near schools.
  • At some intersections, a green painted "Bike Box" area is provided for cyclists to facilitate a safe, prioritized left turn movement. Cyclists are to queue ahead of vehicle traffic during the red signal, and will proceed ahead of motor vehicles on the green signal.
                                                                                                                                       Last Updated August 2023

Rules on Trails:

     Respecting rules and etiquette on trails will help avoid conflicts or injuries so everyone can enjoy trails equally and safely.

  • Bicycles are allowed on multi-use trails unless otherwise noted.
  • ATV's, motorcycles, e-bikes, motorized bikes, or snowmobiles not permitted on trails.
  • Motorized wheelchairs and scooters used for accessibility are allowed.
  • Call out or use a bell before passing someone on the trail on your bike.
  • Pedestrians should move to one side (preferably the right hand side) to allow cyclists to pass.
  • Use a light and wear bright clothes at night.
  • Wear a helmet while biking.
  • Camping, hunting and fires are not allowed.
  • Always be prepared to stop if a trail is damaged or blocked.
  • Respect all posted signs and laws.
  • Stay on the trail.
  • Keep your pet on a leash and pick up after them.
  • Use the trash cans for your garbage.

For E-Bike laws , go to ebikecanada.com