EBike Laws in Canada - Updated Guide for 2023

With the rise in popularity of ebikes across Canada, it's crucial to understand the regulations governing their use. Ebikes offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation alternative, but laws vary significantly between provinces. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the ebike laws in each Canadian province, ensuring you can ride safely and legally.

General EBike Regulations in Canada

In Canada, ebikes are legal if they meet the following federal regulations:

• Motor Output: Maximum of 500 watts.
• Maximum Speed: Must not exceed 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone.
• Pedals: Must have fully operable pedals.
• Age Restriction: Riders must be 16 years of age or older.
• Helmet: Riders must wear a bicycle or motorcycle helmet.
• Licensing and Insurance: Not required.

Individual provinces may have additional rules, as detailed below.

Ebike Laws by Province

Alberta

In Alberta, ebikes are classified as "power bicycles" with the following regulations:

• Motor Output: Maximum of

Alberta

In Alberta, ebikes are classified as "power bicycles" and must adhere to these rules:

• Motor Output: Maximum of 500 watts.
• Maximum Speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone.
• Pedals: Fully operable.
• Riders: Must be 12 years of age or older.
• Helmet: Riders must wear a "motorcycle" helmet.
• Passengers: Allowed only if the ebike has a designated seat.
• Licensing and Insurance: Not required.

British Columbia

In British Columbia, ebikes are classified as "motor-assisted cycles" with these requirements:

• Motor Output: Maximum of 500 watts.
• Maximum Speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone.
• Pedals: Fully operable.
• Additional Requirements: Must have a power-assisted bicycle label, no more than three wheels, and the motor must disengage when pedaling stops or brakes are applied.
• Riders: Must be 16 years of age or older.
• Helmet: Bicycle or motorcycle helmet required.
• Licensing and Insurance: Not required.

Manitoba

In Manitoba, ebikes are classified as "power-assisted bicycles" and must meet the following criteria:

• Motor Output: Maximum of 500 watts.
• Maximum Speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone.
• Pedals: Fully operable.
• Additional Requirements: No more than three wheels, a mechanism to turn the motor on and off, a white front light, and a red/amber rear reflector.
• Riders: Must be 14 years or older; riders over 16 with motors exceeding 50 cc or speeds over 50 km/h need a Class 5 driver’s license.
• Helmet: Required.
• Licensing and Insurance: Not required.

Newfoundland and Labrador

In Newfoundland and Labrador, ebikes must comply with the following:

• Motor Output: Maximum of 500 watts.
• Maximum Speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone.
• Pedals: Fully operable.
• Additional Requirements: A white headlight and a red rear light or reflector.
• Riders: Must wear a helmet; riders aged 14-17 need a permit.
• Licensing and Insurance: Not required.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick classifies ebikes as "electric motor-driven cycles" and requires:

• Motor Output: Maximum of 500 watts.
• Maximum Speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone.
• Pedals: Fully operable.
• Additional Requirements: Headlight and taillight visible from 150 meters, seat at least 27 inches off the ground, compliance with CMVSS, wheel rims larger than 9 inches, and a Power Assisted Bicycle Label.
• Minimum Age: No specific requirement.
• Licensing and Insurance: Ebikes must be registered with the motor vehicle registration authority.

Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, ebikes are classified as power-assisted bicycles (PABs) with the following regulations:

• Motor Output: Maximum of 500 watts.
• Maximum Speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone.
• Pedals: Fully operable.
• Additional Requirements: Two wheels with at least one being 350 mm, or four wheels with at least one being 350 mm.
• Riders: Must wear an approved bicycle helmet and stay within one meter of the road or curb.
• Licensing and Insurance: Not required.

Ontario

Ontario classifies ebikes as power-assisted bicycles with these specifications:

• Motor Output: Less than 500 watts.
• Maximum Speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone.
• Weight: Maximum 120 kg (bike + battery).
• Wheels: Minimum diameter of 350 mm and width of 35 mm.
• Braking System: Must bring the ebike from 30 km/h to rest within 9 m on level asphalt.
• Riders: Must be 16 years or older and wear a bicycle or motorcycle helmet.
• Restricted Areas: Certain highways and roads where bicycles are not allowed.
• Licensing and Insurance: Not required.

Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island, ebikes are classified as power-assist bicycles with these requirements:

• Motor Output: Maximum of 500 watts.
• Maximum Speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone.
• Pedals: Fully operable.
• Additional Requirements: Steering handlebars, two or three wheels with a minimum diameter of 406.4 mm, weight not exceeding 120 kg, a Power Assisted Bicycle Label, headlight and taillight, reflex reflectors, and a bell or horn.
• Riders: Must be 16 years or older and wear a bicycle or motorcycle helmet.
• Restricted Areas: Certain highways and municipal roads where bicycles are not allowed.
• Licensing and Insurance: Not required.

Quebec

Quebec classifies ebikes as power-assist bicycles that must meet the following:

• Motor Output: Maximum of 500 watts.
• Maximum Speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone.
• Pedals: Fully operable.
• Compliance Label: Must be permanently attached by the manufacturer.
• Riders: Must wear a protective helmet, be 14 years or older, and possess a moped or scooter license (Class 6D) if under 18.
• Licensing and Insurance: Not required.

Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, ebikes are categorized into electric assist bicycles and power cycles:

Electric Assist Bicycle

• Motor Output: Maximum of 500 watts.
• Maximum Speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone.
• Riders: Must be at least 14 years old and wear a helmet.
• Licensing and Insurance: Not required.

Power Cycle

• Motor Output: Maximum of 500 watts.
• Maximum Speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone.
• Riders: Must have a learner's driving license (Class 7) or higher and wear a helmet.
• Compliance: Must meet CMVSS for power-assisted bicycles and display compliance stickers.

Understanding and adhering to ebike laws in Canada is crucial for safe and legal riding. Each province has unique requirements regarding motor output, speed limits, helmet use, and age restrictions. By following these rules, you can enjoy the benefits of ebikes—cost savings, eco-friendliness, and enhanced mobility—while staying safe and compliant. Stay informed and check the latest regulations in your province. At Eunorau, we’re here to support your journey. Happy riding!