The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region is urging all operators of e-bikes, mobility devices, mopeds, electric scooters and other alternative forms of transportation, to know the laws before heading out on the roads. With the emerging popularity of these forms of transportation, it is vital that users understand the rules and regulations governing their use as well as all safety requirements.
The most common type, the e-bike, is defined under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and the Motor Vehicle Safety Act Regulations as a power-assisted bicycle. Vehicles in this category must:
- Weigh 120 kg or less
- Have a label affixed by the manufacturer that the vehicle complies with these regulations
- Have steering handlebars
- Be fitted at all times with pedals that are operable to propel the bicycle
- Be designed to travel on no more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground
- Not be capable of providing further assistance when the bicycle attains a speed of 32 km/hr
To operate an e-bike on a roadway, the following must apply:
- Operator and passengers must be 16 years of age or older
- Operator and passengers must wear a helmet (bicycle or motorcycle helmet)
- May carry a passenger if the e-bike is equipped with a seat and foot pedals
- Does not require driver’s licence, permit, license plate or insurance
- Operator must follow all rules of the road that apply to any vehicle or bicycle
Many of the following means of transportation are similar in appearance and it may not be immediately obvious which category they fall under.
E-bikes (and e-scooters) and mopeds are equipped with pedals and a form of power assistance (an electric or gasoline-fueled motor). E-bikes/e-scooters (which can be equipped with two or three wheels) can be ridden on municipal roads (where permitted) but not provincial highways and they must be equipped with safety devices (e.g. bell; white front light; red rear light).
A moped is considered a motor vehicle under the HTA. Drivers and vehicles must both be licensed.
A motor scooter is not equipped with pedals, has a gasoline or electric-powered engine, and is considered a motorcycle under the HTA. Drivers and vehicles must both be licensed.
E-bikes/e-scooters, mopeds, and motor scooters are not permitted on controlled access highways in Ontario. Operators of e-bikes/e-scooters do not require an Ontario driver’s licence, a license plate, or vehicle insurance.
Before purchasing or operating a new type of vehicle, the OPP recommends researching requirements for equipment and licensing under the Highway Traffic Act and permitted uses in the municipality where you intend to operate it.
(Richard Evans)