About Ontario's E-bike Pilot Project

The Ontario government launched a three-year pilot project on October 4, 2006 to evaluate whether e-bikes could be safely integrated on Ontario's roads. For the first time in Ontario, the pilot allowed e-bikes on public roads where conventional bicycles were allowed.

During the pilot, e-bikes and riders were required to follow the same rules that applied to bicycles and cyclists, with two exceptions:

• E-bike riders had to be 16 years of age or older

• All riders had to wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times.

Results

During the evaluation of the e-bike pilot, the Ministry of Transportation consulted road safety, environmental and cycling experts, as well as key stakeholders representing e-bike riders, cyclists, retailers, manufacturers and law enforcement.

The pilot project and safety review concluded that e-bikes could continue to operate on Ontario's roads.

To minimize concerns primarily related to some of the larger, heavier e-bikes, there are additional mandatory safety requirements:

• The maximum weight of an e-bike is 120 kilograms

• The maximum braking distance is nine metres

• No modifications are allowed to the motor of an e-bike so that it can travel at a power-assisted speed beyond 32 kilometres per hour

• The minimum wheel width is 35 millimetres and a minimum wheel diameter is 350 millimetres

• Proper insulation is required for electrical systems and batteries on e-bikes.

• Riders must wear approved bicycle or motorcycle helmets, regardless of age.

For more information on e-bike operating and equipment requirements, read Frequently Asked Questions.