It’s almost e-bike season. Here’s a refresher on some of the misunderstood vehicle safety and requirements for operators:
- All operators and passengers must be at least 16 years of age.
- All operators and passengers must wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmets.
- No modifications to the motor to allow it to exceed a power output greater than 500W and a speed greater than 32 km/h.
- E-bikes must be operated on the right side of the road (travelling with traffic) and as close to the curb as is practicable (approximately one metre away).
- If you remove the pedals from your e-bike, it no longer conforms to the Highway Traffic Act definition of a power-assisted bicycle. Removing the pedals makes it an illegal vehicle. Charges may apply for operating a motor vehicle without registration and insurance.
- If you are a suspended driver, it depends on the particular circumstances that led to your licence suspension. If your licence is suspended because of a conviction that has resulted in a driving prohibition under the Criminal Code of Canada, you cannot legally operate an e-bike.
- If your driver’s licence has been suspended under other circumstances, you should discuss your situation with a licensed legal practitioner before deciding to operate an e-bike.
- If you are impaired by alcohol or drugs and then drive a motor vehicle (which under the Criminal Code definition includes an e-bike) it is a Criminal Code offence and charges are laid under the Criminal Code of Canada. Anyone operating an e-bike intoxicated could be charged with impaired driving. If convicted, the offender would be subject to the Criminal Code penalties, including a fine or jail time, and a driving prohibition.
