E-bikes can share the road with cars, pedestrians, and other traffic throughout Ontario with new safety requirements.

E-bikes reach a maximum speed of 32 kilometres per hour and offer another option for clean, green commuting and travel. Effective October 3, 2009, new requirements that will increase rider safety include:

• Limiting the maximum weight of an e-bike to 120 kg
• Requiring a maximum braking distance of nine metres
• Prohibiting modifications of the e-bike’s motor to enable power-assisted speeds greater than 32 km/hr.

All riders must be at least 16 years of age, wear approved bicycle or motorcycle helmets, and follow the same traffic laws that apply to bicyclists such as keeping as close to the right edge of the road as possible. Municipalities can determine where e-bikes may be ridden on streets, bike lanes, and trails.

QUICK FACTS

E-bikes will not be permitted on 400-series highways, the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Queensway in Ottawa, the Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway, and areas where bicycles are not permitted.

An e-bike can be pedalled like a regular bicycle or, with the assistance of an electric motor, can be ridden at a maximum speed of 32 kilometres per hour.

Riding an e-bike under the age of 16 or riding an e-bike without an approved helmet can result in fines ranging from $60 to $500. For all other traffic offences, e-bike riders will be subject to the same penalties as cyclists.

For more information visit the MMIC online at www.mmic.ca. CPT