Over the weekend, the driver of an e-bike was struck by a motor vehicle, leading to minor injuries for the cyclist. The incident raised questions about how these low-speed motor vehicles should be handled on the road.
Sergeant Tyler McMillen said there has been an increase in both pedal bikes and e-assist vehicles on the road, which becomes more common during the summer months.
“The bikes do follow the same rules of the road and you just have to be conscious and aware of them,” said McMillen, adding that the wattage and size of the electric motor factor into whether the vehicle is considered a motor vehicle.
According to SGI’s website, an e-bike is considered as such when it is capable of being propelled by muscular power and has a motor with the following attributes (individually or in combination):
- Total continuous power output rating of 500 W or less.
- Power assistance immediately stops when the rider stops pedalling.
- Power assistance immediately stops when brakes are applied, if engaged by an accelerator.
- The bicycle cannot reach a speed of 32 km/h on level ground with motor assistance.
- A permanent manufacturer label in a visible area stating in English and French that the vehicle is a power-assisted bicycle.
- A mechanism preventing the motor from being used before the bicycle reaches a speed of 3 km/h.
- A switch that can turn the motor on and off, separate from an accelerator.
The site also notes that any electric cycle over 500 watts, or those without pedals, as well as gas-powered cycles regardless of engine size, are considered motorcycles and require an M class license to operate.
These vehicles must adhere to the rules of the road under the Traffic Safety Act, the same as bicycles.
It is important to operate e-bikes safely, which includes not riding while impaired by drugs or alcohol. If found operating an e-bike while impaired, you can face the same charges as for operating a car, including fines and suspended driving privileges.