Ebike Laws in Canada - Updated Guide for 2023

With the popularity of ebikes rapidly increasing in Canada, it's become important to understand the regulations that surround them. Ebikes are a fantastic alternative to traditional bicycles, offering an eco-friendly and affordable mode of transportation. However, with varying laws across provinces, keeping up with the regulations can be confusing. 

In this blog, we'll be discussing the ebikes laws in all provinces of Canada, so that you can stay informed and ride safely and legally. From the minimum age requirement to the maximum speed limit, we'll be diving into all the rules and regulations that are currently in place across the country. So, let's get started! 

Overview of EBike Laws in Canada

Electric bikes are legal in Canada as long as they meet the following regulations set by the Canadian government. These regulations also generally apply to all provinces and territories in the country. However, some provinces and territories may have additional regulations that you may need to observe (will discuss that shortly).

• Motor output: The motor output of an ebike must not exceed 500 watts. This limit is set to ensure that ebikes are not too powerful and that they can be operated safely on public roads.
• Maximum speed: The maximum speed of an ebike is limited to 32 km/h (20 mph). This is the speed that an ebike can travel on motor power alone. If the rider pedals, the ebike can travel faster than 32 km/h.
• Pedals: Ebikes must have fully operable pedals. This means that the pedals must be able to turn the wheels of the bike, even if the motor is not engaged. The pedals are important for safety, as they allow the rider to coast if the motor fails.
• Age restriction: Riders of ebikes must be 16 years of age or older. This is the same age requirement for riding a regular bicycle.
• Helmet: All riders of ebikes must wear a bicycle or motorcycle helmet at all times when riding. This is a safety requirement that is designed to protect the rider in the event of an accident.
• Licensing and insurance: Ebikes do not require a license or insurance to own or operate. This is because ebikes are classified as bicycles, not motor vehicles. However, some provinces and territories may have additional requirements, such as requiring riders to have a learner's permit.

Ebike Laws in Alberta 

Ebikes in Alberta are classified as "power bicycles" and are treated the same as bicycles for most purposes. However, there are some additional restrictions that apply to ebikes in Alberta.

• Ebikes must have 
• A motor output of no more than 500 watts
• A max speed of no more than 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone
• Fully operable pedals
• Riders must 
• Be 12 years of age or older
• Wear a “motorcycle” helmet
• Follow all traffic rules
• Ebikes do not require a license or insurance to own or operate
• Passengers are only permitted if the ebike is equipped with a seat designated for that passenger

You can check out the detailed regulations here.

Ebike Laws in British Columbia 

In British Columbia, ebikes are classified as "motor-assisted cycles" and are subjected to following additional restrictions.

• Ebikes must have 
• A motor output of no more than 500 watts
• A max speed of no more than 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone
• Fully operable pedals
• A label saying that the vehicle is a “power-assisted bicycle”
• No more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground
• Wheels including the rubber tires greater than or equal to 350 mm diameter
• The motor must disengage when the rider;
• Stops pedaling
• Releases an accelerator controller 
• Applies brakes
• Riders must 
• Be 16 years of age or older
• Wear a bicycle or motorcycle helmet
• Ebikes do not require a license or insurance to own or operate

British Columbia also specifies some motor shut-off and brake performance requirements that you can consult here.

Ebike Laws in Manitoba

Ebikes are classified as "power-assisted bicycles" in Manitoba and are subjected to following additional restrictions.

• Ebikes must have 
• A motor output of no more than 500 watts
• A max speed of no more than 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone
• Fully operable pedals
• No more than three wheels touching the ground
• A mechanism operated by the rider to turn the electric motor on and off
• A white light at front and a red/ amber reflector in rear
• Riders must 
• Be 14 years of age or older
• Be over 16 years and have a Class 5 driver’s license if ebike motors exceed 50 cc in power output or 50 km/h in speed
• Follow all other cycling laws applicable to regular bicycles also apply to e-bike riders
• If the ebike is activated 
• Using a throttle, the motor must immediately stop providing power when the rider activates the brake
• By pedaling, the motor must promptly stop providing power when the rider stops pedaling
• Manitoba advises riders to stay as close to the curb as possible, and many cities in the state prohibit the use of ebikes on sidewalks.

You can find the detailed regulations here.

Ebike Laws in Newfoundland and Labrador

Electric bikes in Newfoundland and Labrador are subjected to the following restrictions: 

• Ebikes must have 
• A motor output of no more than 500 watts
• A max speed of no more than 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone
• Fully operable pedals
• A white headlight and a red light or reflector on rear, regardless of the time of day
• Riders must
• Wear a helmet 
• Have a permit if they are between ages 14-17 (riders over the age of 18 do not need a license to operate their ebikes)
• Riders are allowed to use an accelerator controller for propulsion

Ebike Laws in New Brunswick

Ebikes are classified as “electric motor-driven cycle” and in order to be road-legal in New Brunswick, they must meet certain specifications:

• Ebikes must have 
• A motor output of no more than 500 watts
• A max speed of no more than 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone
• Fully operable pedals
• A headlight and taillight that are visible from a distance of 150 meters
• A seat that is at least 27 inches off the ground
• Compliance with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) as a limited speed motorcycle
• Wheel rims larger than 9 inches
• A Power Assisted Bicycle Label, permanently affixed by manufacturers
• There is no 
• Minimum age requirement is set for e-bike riders
• Maximum weight limit for e-bikes, and they are permitted to use cargo trailers and kid trailers
• Ebikes need to be registered with NB’s  motor vehicle registration authority

Ebike Laws in Nova Scotia 

Nova Scotia classified ebikes as power-assisted bicycles (PABs) and subjects them to the following regulations:

• Ebikes must have 
• A motor output of no more than 500 watts
• A max speed of no more than 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone
• Fully operable pedals
• 2 wheels (with one being 350 mm at least) or 4 wheels (with one being 350mm at least)
• Riders must
• Wear an approved bicycle helmet with the chinstrap securely fastened
• Stay on right side of the road, within one meter of the edge of the road or curb
• PABs are 
• Allowed to operate on all roads 
• Not considered "motor vehicles" and, therefore, do not need to meet the conditions specified in the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations for motorcycles

You can find the detailed regulations here.

Ebike Laws in Ontario

Ontario classified an electric bike as a power-assisted bicycle that has an electric motor, working pedals, braking systems, two or three wheels, and a handlebar for steering. In order for power-assisted bicycles or ebikes to be road-legal in Ontario, they must meet following requirements:

• Ebikes must have a:
• Motor output of less than 500 watts
• Maximum speed of no more than 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone
• Maximum weight of 120 kg (bike + battery)
• Minimum wheel dia of 350 mm and width of 35 mm 
• Braking system that applies force to each wheel and bring the ebike from 30 km/h to rest within 9 m on level asphalt 

• Riders can ride their bikes everywhere in the province, except on:
• Certain controlled access highways, like the Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway, the Queensway in Ottawa, the Queen Elizabeth Way or the 400 series
• Municipal roads and sidewalks, where bicycles or ebikes are not allowed
• Bike paths, trails, and lanes where ebikes are specifically prohibited by bylaws
• Ebike riders must:
• Not be less than 16 years of age
• Wear a bicycle or motorcycle helmet
• Follow all rules specified for cyclists

You can find the detailed regulations here.

Ebike Laws in Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island classified ebikes as power-assist bicycles that use an electric motor for propulsion. To be considered road legal in PEI, an ebike must meet the following requirements:

• Ebikes must have 
• A motor output of no more than 500 watts
• A max speed of no more than 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone
• Functioning pedals 
• Steering handlebars
• Two or three wheels in contact with the ground, with a minimum diameter of 406.4 mm
• Weight not exceeding 120 kg
• A Power Assisted Bicycle Label, permanently affixed by manufacturers
• A securely mounted headlight and taillight for visibility
• Reflex reflectors to enhance visibility
• An operable bell or horn 
• A mechanism, separate from the accelerator controller, that enables the rider to turn the motor on and off while riding or prevents the motor from activating or deactivating until the bike reaches a speed of 3 km/hr
• Riders must
• Not be less than 16 years of age
• Wear a bicycle or motorcycle helmet
• Follow all rules specified for cyclists
• Riders can ride their bikes everywhere in the province, except on:
• On highways where access is prohibited by any Act or municipal bylaw
• Municipal roads and sidewalks, where bicycles or ebikes are not allowed
• Bike paths, trails, and lanes where ebikes are specifically prohibited by bylaws
• License, registration/ insurance, and license plate are not required

You can find the detailed regulations here.

Ebike Laws in Quebec

Quebec classifies ebikes as power-assist bicycles that should meet the following requirements to be road-legal, as per Quebec Highway Safety Code:

• Ebikes must have 
• A motor output of no more than 500 watts
• A max speed of no more than 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone
• Functioning pedals 
• A specific compliance label permanently attached by the manufacturer
• Riders must
• Wear a protective helmet 
• Be 14 years old or over to operate an electric bike 
• Possess a moped or scooter license (Class 6D license) to ride a PAB, if they are under the age of 18
• PABs are not considered "motor vehicles" and, therefore, do not need to meet the conditions specified in the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations for motorcycles, but they have to comply with federal regulations for PABs 

You can find the detailed regulations here.

Ebike Laws in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, power-assisted bicycles are divided into two categories: electric assist bicycles and power cycles.

Electric Assist Bicycle

An electric assist bicycle is a 2 or 3-wheeled bicycle that utilizes both pedals and an electric motor simultaneously. 

• The electric motor on this type of bicycle 
• Must not exceed 500 watts of power
• Must stop providing assistance at 32 km/h (20 mph)
• Riders 
• Are not required to have a driving license
• Must wear helmets 
• Should be at least 14 years
• Electric assist bicycles are treated as regular bicycles regarding rules of the road, and no specific compliance label is required

Power Cycle

A power cycle is a 2 or 3-wheeled bicycle that can use both pedals and the motor or the motor only for propulsion.

• The electric motor on this type of bicycle 
• Must not exceed 500 watts of power
• Must stop providing assistance at 32 km/h (20 mph)
• Riders must
• Have a learner's driving license (class 7) to operate a power cycle (all other classes (1-5) may also operate these vehicles)
• Wear a helmet
• Follow all rules of the road apply to bicycles
• Power cycles must 
• Meet the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) for power-assisted bicycles
• Display stickers indicating compliance with Federal classification for some cities or municipalities

You can find the detailed regulations here.

Are RAEV Ebikes Legal in Canada?

The RAEV Bullet is fully compliant with all ebike regulations that are currently in place across every Canadian province. It has a 500W motor, a max (programmable) top speed of 32 km/h, front and rear light, fully secured electronics, and a net weight of just 34 kg – far below than the legal limit of 120 kg. 

Here's a detailed checklist of all the specs and features that make the Bullet 100% compliant with ebike regulations in all Canadian provinces:

Spec/ Feature	Regulations in Different Provinces	RAEV Bullet	Compliance
Motor	≤ 500 watts	500 watt	✔
Assisted Speed	≤ 32 km/h	32 km/h	✔
Weight	< 120 kg	34kg	✔
Wheel Dia	> 350/406 mm	500 mm (20”)	✔
Wheel Width	> 35 mm	100 mm (4”)	✔
Braking Distance	< 9 m	6-8 m	✔
Operable Pedals	Must be present	Present	✔
Steering Handlebar	Must be present	Present	✔
Front Light	Must be present	Present	✔
Rear Light	Must be present for some provinces (others are fine with reflectors)	Present	✔

Before You Go

As ebikes gain popularity in Canada, understanding and adhering to ebike laws has become crucial for riders. By following the rules and regulations discussed in this blog post, riders will not only avoid fines and penalties, but will also contribute to making the roads safer for everyone. 

Staying informed, respectful, and considerate of others on the road is essential for a greener and healthier future. If you want a ride that is fully compliant with the ebike regulations that are currently in place across Canada, the RAEV Bullet can be a great option. You can also get the mightier siblings of the Bullet – but you'll have to use them on private property. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride my ebike on Quebec highways?

In Quebec, eBikes are prohibited on highways, which includes both on-ramps and exit ramps. Nevertheless, you are permitted to ride them on all other public roadways unless explicitly stated otherwise.

How fast can ebikes go in Toronto?

Ebikes in Toronto can have a maximum motor assisted speed of 32 km/h (20 mph). Moreover, the nominal motor output should not exceed 500 watts.

Are ebikes legal in Yukon, NT and Nunavut?

Yes, ebikes are legal in the territories of Yukon, NT and Nunavut. In order to be road-legal in these areas, ebikes must have: a motor output of no more than 500 watts, a max speed of no more than 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone, and fully operable pedals. Also, the riders must be at least 16 years and wear a helmet to use the ebikes.

Do ebikes need registration in Quebec?

No, ebikes do not need to be registered in Quebec. But riders must possess a moped or scooter license (Class 6D license) to ride an ebike, if they are under the age of 18.

Are RAEV ebikes legal in Canada?

The RAEV Bullet is fully compliant with all ebike regulations that are currently in place across every Canadian province. It has a 500W motor, a max (programmable) top speed of 32 km/h, front and rear light, fully secured electronics, and a net weight of just 34 kg – far below than the legal limit of 120 kg.