Manual

26
Specic Riding Requirements
Power-assisted bicycles are treated as bicycles. This means:
 •Nodriver’slicenceisrequired
 •Nowrittentestisrequired
 •Novehicleregistrationorlicenseplateisrequired
 •Nomotorvehicleliabilityinsuranceisrequired
 •Operatorsmustbe16yearsofageandolder
 •Allpersonsarerequiredtowearanapprovedbicyclehelmet
 •OnlyelectricbicyclesthatconformtothefederalMotorVehicleSafetyActregula-
tions and are labelled as a “power-assisted bicycle” are eligible for the pilot program.
Equipment
A power-assisted bicycle (e-bike):
 •Hassteeringhandlebarsandisequippedwithpedals
 •Isdesignedtobepropelledprimarilybymuscularpowerandtotravelonnot  
more than three wheels
 •Hasamotorthathasapoweroutputratingof500Worless.Themotoriselectric,
 andisincapableofpropellingthecycleatspeedof32km/horgreateronlevel  
ground, without pedaling.
 •Itmustbearlabelindicatingthatitisa“Power-AssistedBicycle.”
Safety Equipment
Power-assisted bicycles will require the same safety equipment as bicycles under the
Highway Trac Act:
 •Properlights
 •Properbrakes
 •Properbell
Bicycle Helmets
Anyone operating an e-bike will be required to wear an approved bicycle helmet. There will be no age ex-
emptions.
Fines and Penalties
All the set nes established for violating rules of the road and equipment standards that apply to bicyclists
would apply to drivers of e-bikes. However, oences directly related to the pilot program (i.e.; riding an
e-bike under the age of 16 or anyone riding an e-bike without a helmet) would be subject to the higher nes
set for pilot projects, ranging from
$250 to $2,500.
Drinking and Driving
Drinking and driving a motor vehicle is a Criminal Code oence and charges are laid under the Criminal Code
of Canada. Under the Criminal Code, the denition of a “motor vehicle” would include an e-bike and anyone
operating an e-bike intoxicated could be charged for impaired driving. If convicted, the oender would be
subject to the Criminal Code penalties, including a ne or jail time, and a driving prohibition. However, under
this pilot regulation, an e-bike would not be a motor vehicle under the Highway Trac Act, so penalties for
impaired driving under the Act would not apply.