Back

Canadian Electric Bike Rules and Regulations

By Haseeb Javed

Feb 18, 2022

Canadian Electric Bike Rules and Regulations | EBIKEBC
Can You Get A Speeding Ticket On An Ebike Reading Canadian Electric Bike Rules and Regulations 7 minutes Next The Top Must Have Ebike Accessories

If you own an electric bike in Canada, it is important to understand the regulations and rules around electric vehicles. Each province will have their own set of laws so it’s important you know how they vary. With different classes of electric bikes, there are a few more rules than a standard human-powered bike such as speed and age limits and motor size. Take a look at all you need to know about the rules and regulations surrounding ebikes in Canada.


Are Electric Bike Legal In Canada?

The short answer is yes, electric bikes are legal in Canada. But there are specific rules as to what classifies as an ebike. Below are universal rules across the provinces in Canada regarding electric bikes: 

  • Motors are limited to 500 W output, and cannot travel faster than 32 kilometers per hour on motor power alone on level ground
  • E-Bikes must have steering handlebars and fully operable pedals. The bike cannot be solely controlled by the battery and the engine must disengage when the rider stops pedalling
  • It is prohibited to modify the vehicle’s motor to create speeds greater than 32 km/h (20 miles/h)
  • The terms “assist bicycle” or “power-assisted bicycle” (PABs) are the federal technical terms for an electric bicycle. This only applies to electric motor assist bicycles and excludes vehicles with internal combustion engines 
  • All riders must wear a bicycle or motorcycle helmet at all times when riding
  • Specific ebike labeling is required stating that it meets all the necessary federal and provincial requirements 
  • A classified e-bicycle must have an attached motor that runs on electricity, not gas
Older Man rifing an Electric Bike

Electric Bike Rules By Province

Even though there are universal rules, there are also provincial-specific rules. Here are some differentiating regulations for each Canadian province. 

Alberta – Alberta identifies electric bikes as “power bicycles”, which aligns with the federal definition of “power-assisted bicycle”. Passengers are allowed on the ebike only if it is equipped with a designated seat for the passenger. Riders must be 12 years of age or older, and there is no weight restriction. 

British Columbia – In British Columbia, electric bikes are identified as a “motor-assisted cycle”, which means that the vehicle must be able to combine human pedal power with electric motor assistance. Riders must be 16 years old or more. See the full details from ICBC

Ontario – In Ontario, the maximum weight of an e-Bike must be 120 kg, and require a maximum braking distance of nine meters. By law, a vehicle over this weight will no longer be classified as an ebike. Riders must be 16 years of age or older. Municipalities are also allowed to restrict where ebikes can be used on their streets, bike lanes, and trails, as well as restricting certain types of e-Bikes. More information can be found here

Manitoba – Manitoba suggests ebikes must not have more than three wheels touching the ground. Riders must also be at least 14 years of age or older. More provincial information can be found here.

New Brunswick – There are some unique rules in New Brunswick. Electric bikes must have wheel rims larger than 22cm and the seat must be 68cm off the ground. The electric bike must also have a headlight if the driver is operating it at night. There is currently no set minimum age for riding an e-Bike in New Brunswick. 

Nova Scotia – In Nova Scotia, power-assisted bicycles are classified similarly to standard pedal bicycles. Riders must wear their approved bicycle helmet with its chinstrap in place. More provincial information can be found here

Prince Edward Island – PEI is the latest province to update its rules regarding ebikes to make it more aligned with other provinces and regions. One interesting observation is the requirement of "tail lamp" or taillight for any ebike to be legal in PEI. 

Quebec – Along with the universal rules, in Quebec, ebikes can have up to three wheels and must include the original label imprinted by the manufacturer. Riders must be 14 and over to ride the electric bicycle and if they’re under the age of 18, must have a moped or scooter license (A class 6D license) More provincial information can be found here

Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan has two classifications for power-assisted bikes: an electric-assist bicycle, which uses pedals and a motor at the same time, or a power cycle that uses either pedals and motor or motor only. The power cycle must meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) for a power-assisted bicycle. The power cycle also requires at least a learner’s driving license. The electric-assist bicycle does not require a license or registration. Riders must be 14 years or older. 

Newfoundland and Labrador – E-Bikes must be equipped with a red rear light, reflector, and white front light. Riders over the age of 18 do not need a license or registration, but riders between 14 – 17 need an authorized permit to operate a scooter, e-Bike, or moped. 

Northwest Territories – The territories fall under federal jurisdiction, so riders must follow federal rules. 

Which Roads Can You Ride Your Electric Bike

Just like normal human-powered bicycles, ebikes can ride on and share the roads and paths other bicycles and vehicles use. Again be sure to check your provincial regulations and stay up to date with rules before riding. 

Some notable rules within certain provinces include:

  • In Ontario, riders can operate their e-Bikes on most roads and highways where traditional bicycles are allowed. However, exceptions include 400-series highways, expressways, and other areas where bicycles are not allowed.
  • Cyclists are also not allowed to ride on municipal roads, including sidewalks, where bicycles are banned under by-laws. Ebike riders are also not allowed to ride on trails, paths, and lanes where it is stated that ebikes are expressly prohibited 
  • In Nova Scotia, e-Bikes are legally allowed on highways
  • In Quebec, electric bikes can be used on all roads except highways (which includes their exit and access ramps)

In British Columbia, All ebikes are allowed on highways and class 1 ebikes can ride on any trails that mountain bikes and other cycling is already allowed. With a class 2 or 3 ebike, you can ride on trails and roads designated for motor vehicles.

Older adults owning electric bikes in canada

 

Even though there are different rules governing electric bikes within Canada, there aren’t too many to follow. Be street smart and follow the rules. Riding an electric bike is supposed to be fun! If you’re not sure which electric bike is for you, talk to our experts and they can help you find the right fit.

Share

6 comments

eric

eric

question about the ENVO Flex Overland since the peak is 1000w is it legal in bc? ICBC says 500w max

question about the ENVO Flex Overland since the peak is 1000w is it legal in bc? ICBC says 500w max

Paul Doucette

Paul Doucette

Can I use an ebike that has a 2000w motor to obtain a motorcycle license? It has rear brake light
and front and back signal lights. The riding test would be the same. I want to register it..get plates
and insurance.

Can I use an ebike that has a 2000w motor to obtain a motorcycle license? It has rear brake light
and front and back signal lights. The riding test would be the same. I want to register it..get plates
and insurance.

Steve

Steve

There are no classes of Ebikes in BC. The quoted above mentions some policy written up by BC Parks but the facts are on ICBC’s Site and Policies are just that, they are not laws. The problem is when people in Govt do not do their homework and write stuff like that when it is not the law and even threaten with fines if you don’t obey the policy. Silly really, Go to ICBC and read what a Ebike is for starters. It cannot be more than 500 watts or it is not an ebike. Every Bike ship in BC offers what they call class 1 bikes that are 750 watts, again, an ebike cannot be more than 500 watts,It cannot go over 32kmph on flat ground and it must have pedal assist but there is more to it than that and you can read the Law around it as pointed to by ICBC’s site and you will see it can have a throttle as well. ICBC’s site on ebike https://www.icbc.com/vehicle-registration/specialty-vehicles/Low-powered-vehicles/Pages/Electric-bikes.aspxcurrent
And laws in BC if you follow the link are here https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/crbc/crbc/151_2002

There are no classes of Ebikes in BC. The quoted above mentions some policy written up by BC Parks but the facts are on ICBC’s Site and Policies are just that, they are not laws. The problem is when people in Govt do not do their homework and write stuff like that when it is not the law and even threaten with fines if you don’t obey the policy. Silly really, Go to ICBC and read what a Ebike is for starters. It cannot be more than 500 watts or it is not an ebike. Every Bike ship in BC offers what they call class 1 bikes that are 750 watts, again, an ebike cannot be more than 500 watts,It cannot go over 32kmph on flat ground and it must have pedal assist but there is more to it than that and you can read the Law around it as pointed to by ICBC’s site and you will see it can have a throttle as well. ICBC’s site on ebike https://www.icbc.com/vehicle-registration/specialty-vehicles/Low-powered-vehicles/Pages/Electric-bikes.aspxcurrent
And laws in BC if you follow the link are here https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/crbc/crbc/151_2002

Noel

Noel

Hi there, I live in an apartment condo and I’m lucky to be given an EV parking spot when I first bought our unit. Unfortunately, I don’t have an EV car yet. Recently, our strata wants to switch my spot with another owner who has an EV car. I’m thinking of buying an electric bike to keep my EV spot. My question is, if I buy an electric bike, will it be considered an electric vehicle?

Hi there, I live in an apartment condo and I’m lucky to be given an EV parking spot when I first bought our unit. Unfortunately, I don’t have an EV car yet. Recently, our strata wants to switch my spot with another owner who has an EV car. I’m thinking of buying an electric bike to keep my EV spot. My question is, if I buy an electric bike, will it be considered an electric vehicle?

Brent Westerik

Brent Westerik

Regulations for e-bikes have been updated, they are now in line with the rest of Canada

Regulations for e-bikes have been updated, they are now in line with the rest of Canada

Brent Westerik

Brent Westerik

I should have said Regulations for PEI

I should have said Regulations for PEI

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Products you may like

ENVO ST50 Electric BikeENVO ST50 Electric Bike
commuter
Sale price$2,099.00 USD
Save $860.00
envo lynx20 electric bike in side view