Are electric bikes even legal?
Jack D.
Last Update há 4 meses
ELECTRIC BIKES
The short answer for e-bikes is YES!
The Canadian Motor Vehicle Act was recently modified to include a class of Power Assisted Bicycles. In British Columbia, the rules state that with continuous max motor power of 500 watts, and at speeds up to a max of 32 km/h. There is no need for either a license or insurance to use an electric bike on public roads. You can also continue to use bike paths or any place a regular bicycle is allowed. It is up to the consumer to educate themselves on the legal status in their own city and/or state/province.
General Canadian ebike regulations are as follows:
- Limited to nominal 500W output. Peak output can be higher.
- Speed restricted to 32km/h on motor power alone on level ground
- Helmet must be worn
- Ebike must be equipped with instant motor shutoff when braking
- Motor must disengage when operator stops pedaling, releases the throttle, or applies the brakes.
- Pedals must be able to operate the ebike when motor not engaged