E-Bikes: What are they and what rules govern them?

November 17, 2017, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

E-Bikes are back in the news. There seems to be a lot of confusion about the difference between what an e-bike and a moped are, and the fact they are governed by separate rules on the roads of Ontario. E-bikes seem to fall into a strange category of their own leaving some confusion for most of us. They can look like a bike, or like moped or scooter …

From there come all the questions about who should be allowed to drive/ride them? Do they belong on roads or bike paths or sidewalks? Do they require insurance, registration or a helmet? Do you need a licence? So many questions.

The Ministry of Transportation Ontario defines e-bikes as

E-bikes are motorized bicycles that can look like conventional bicycles, scooters or limited-speed motorcycles. This information will help you learn the rules about e-bikes so you can ride safely.

What is an e-bike

E-bikes in Ontario must have:

• steering handlebars
• working pedals
• an electric motor not exceeding 500 Watts
• a maximum speed of 32 km/h
• a maximum weight of 120 kg
• 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

It is illegal to modify and e-bike motor to make it more powerful of faster. It is also illegal to remove the pedals from the e- bike.

Their use is also governed by the MTO. They can be ridden on most roads and highways that allow conventional bikes. You cannot ride them on roads where bicycles are banned, or on sidewalks, bike paths, bike trails or bike lanes where e-bikes are specifically prohibited.

In order to ride an e-bike you must be 16 or older, you must wear a bike or motorcycle helmet, and you must keep the bike in good working order. You are bound to follow the rules of the road like regular cyclists are.

Some of the problems facing e-bikes include the fact that:

• The public is generally unaware of the restrictions and rules around e-bikes
• No insurance is required for e-bikes and this could be a problem in an accident
• Car drivers are often unaware of the rules around e-bikes, their speeds, or the rider’s ability. It can be difficult to estimate the amount of room they require when being passed as they tend to be larger than a bicycle.
• No plates, licences or permits are required for them which means that inexperienced drivers can be on the road who lack knowledge of the rules of the road. Given that the e-bikes can travel faster than many cyclists do this can increase accident risks and personal injuries.

If you are thinking of getting an e-bike make sure you know the rules of the road, the limit of your abilities and the bike’s limits as well. Always wear a helmet and operate it safely.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.