What Are The E-Bike Rules In Ontario & Toronto? (2024)

E-bikes, or electric bikes, often look like traditional bicycles, scooters, or even small motorcycles. Herein lies the problem – by simply looking at it, e-bikes are problematic to differentiate from other similar electric forms of transportation.

According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, electric bikes in Ontario have the following features :

• Steering handlebars
• Working pedals
• An electric motor not exceeding 500 Watts
• A maximum speed of 32 km/h
• A maximum weight of 120 kg
• A permanent label from the manufacturer in both English and French stating that your e-bike conforms to the federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle.

The e-bike should have a proper braking system that comes to a complete stop within nine metres from the point in which they were applied. It is illegal to add any modifications to your electric bicycle to make it faster or more powerful. If you do not meet these standards or ride over the limits, you can face fines.

You do not need insurance, a driver’s licence, vehicle permit, or licence plate to ride and own a e-bike. A driver does need to be 16 or older, wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet, and keep it in good working order.

Michael Vaughan of The Globe And Mail sheds some light on the road rules for electric bikes :

“The Province of Ontario permits e-bikes to be operated like bicycles and, while riders don’t need a licence or insurance, they must wear helmets and these so-called bikes must be equipped with pedals. Since electric bikes are classified as bicycles, they don’t have the same braking and lighting as licensed motorcycles and scooters.”

According to the MTO, you are permitted to ride your electric bike on most residential roads and highways where traditional bikes are permitted. They are permitted to be used on designated bike lanes, and you should follow the same set as rules as a regular cyclists. This includes installing lights on your bike, signalling, and obeying all signage.

You Can Not Ride E-Bikes On :

• 400-series highways and other major highways in the province such as the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Queensway in Ottawa or the Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway.
• Any municipal roads or sidewalks where bicycles restricted.
• Municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths, bike trails or bike lanes where e-bikes are prohibited.
• They are also prohibited in recreational parks. If you are caught riding your e-bike through a recreational park, you are subject to a minimum $250 fine.

The City Of Toronto places e-bikes into two categories : pedal-assisted e-bikes (pedelecs) and power-assisted electric bikes.

Pedelecs are treated like bicycles in the city, only if they are pedal assisted and require pedaling for movement. They can be used on roads and all types of cycling infrastructure (paths, parks, cycle tracks, painted bike lanes). They can be allowed on ferries to the Toronto Islands if it has a wheel diameter of 26" or larger.

Power-assisted e-bikes operate solely by motor power and are only allowed on roads and painted bike lanes. They may be bicycle-style, scooter-style or moped-style – and regardless of style of appearance, they do not require any muscular power or pedaling to move. They follow all of the laws in Ontario for e-bikes.

As for parking e-bikes in Toronto :

“Under Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, only bicycles including e-bikes that are defined under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act as "capable at all times of being propelled on level ground solely by using muscular power to operate the pedals" can park on the sidewalk, and use a post and ring stand as though they were a conventional bicycle.E-bikes that are not "capable at all times of being propelled on level ground solely by using muscular power to operate the pedals" such as scooter-style or moped-style e-bikes may park on-street as motorcycles do.”

E-Scooters that are standing electric kick-scooters are not allowed to be operated, left, or parked on any public street in Toronto, including bike lanes, trails, paths or parks.

Similar to traditional bicycles, e-bikes come in all shapes and sizes and with many different features. While you can get an electric bike in the $600 range, you are better off spending a little more to get a reliable model. “The cheapest complete electric bikes cost about $600 CDN, while most of the more reputable ones are in the $900-$1,500 range, and the highest end bikes top out at $3,000,” says GRIN Technologies.

If you are looking to try one out before buying it or exploring your purchase options, most cities have a least one dedicated e-bike shop. Do some research for the best electric bike for you or find the closest e-bike store in your area.

If you are searching for an electric bike, there are a few categories that you can choose from to suit your needs and style. E-bikes come in different styles and bike uses, that resemble traditional bike functions. Here are some common electric bike and styles and classes.

Electric Bike Styles

• Cruiser : Ideal for recreational riders. Designed for flat terrains like paved bike paths and roads.
• Commuter : Go for helping you get to need to faster. Great for running errands, commuting or longer distance travel.
• Mountain : Made to tackle rugged terrain, dirt; built for those go to off-roading trails.
• Road : Designed for riding on paved surfaces and recreational riding, but with more speed.

Electric Bike Classes

• Class 1 : Provides assistance only when you pedal and stops assisting when you reach 20 mph — great for bike lanes, bike paths, roads or anywhere you use a traditional bike.
• Class 2 : Equipped with a throttle which provides a boost without pedaling, and stops assisting at 20 mph.
• Class 3 : The Class 3 e-bike is equipped with a speedometer, and only assists until the bike reaches 28 mph — an excellent choice for commuters.

The most popular bikes fit into Class 1 or Class 3 because most riders still want to pedal during their trip.

How Fast Do E-Bikes Go In Ontario?

E-bikes have a maximum speed of 32 km/h in Ontario.

Can You Drive An E-Bike If You Are Banned From Driving?

It depends on the circ*mstances that led to your licence suspension. If your licence is suspended because of a conviction under the Criminal Code of Canada, you cannot legally operate an e-bike. If your driver's licence has been suspended under other circ*mstances, you should discuss your situation with a licensed legal practitioner before investing in an electric bike.

Can I Ride My E-Bike In Ontairo If It Weighs More Than 120kg?

If your e-bike is more than 120kg, it is not allowed on Ontario roads, and it no longer qualifies as an e-bike. You may then face moped or limited-speed motorcycle licensing, registration and insurance requirements.

Can I Carry Passengers On My E-Bike?

If it is designed for more than one person, you can have a passenger on your e-bike that is at least 16 years old. Check the manufacturer’s information to confirm if yours is designed to carry passengers.

Do You Need A Licence To Drive An Electric Bike?

You do not need a drivers licence to drive an electric bike in Ontario.

Are Electric Bikes Legal On Trails?

In most municipalities, you are not allowed to drive on sidewalks and bike trails Always check ahead before you plan to use your electric bike on a pathway.

Can I Remove The Pedals From My E-Bike?

You cannot remove your pedals from an e-bike because it is no longer considered an electric bicycle. It will be an illegal vehicle and you can be ticketed for driving without insurance.