With gas prices constantly climbing and environmental concerns at the forefront, e-bikes are becoming a smart and sustainable choice. Not only can they help you save money, but they’re also a convenient way to navigate busy Canadian cities where parking is scarce and traffic jams are the norm. You can ride your e-bike throughout the warmer months—summer, autumn, and spring—getting around town quickly and efficiently.

Before you put your bicycle helmet on to venture out on your e-bike, you need to read up and understand the various e-bike road laws in your province. We have given you a brief overview below of all 10 provinces that allow e-bikes or electric power-assisted bicycles. 

Alberta: E-Bike Regulations

In Alberta, e-bikes are categorized as power-assisted bicycles (PABs), similar to the federal classification. However, the province has tailored some rules:

• Maximum power: 500 W (0.671 horsepower)
• Top speed: 32 km/hr (20 mph)
• Age Requirement: 12 years and older
• Helmet: Mandatory
• Licensing/Insurance: Not required
• Passengers: Allowed if the e-bike has a designated passenger seat

Keep in mind that municipalities may have additional regulations, such as restrictions in parks or trails.

Ontario: Riding Rules in the Heartland

Ontario was slower than other provinces to legalize e-bikes, but now they’re fully integrated into the road network. E-bike riders must follow the same rules as traditional cyclists:

• Top speed: 32 km/h
• Age requirement: 16 years and older
• Maximum weight: 120 kg (including battery)
• Highway Restrictions: Not allowed on 400-series highways or expressways
• Helmet: mandatory approved bicycle helmet

Remember that you can be fined if you are caught riding around on an e-bike without an approved helmet, as it's an offense in the legislation. Also, keep in mind that bicycle-style PABs are allowed in most provinces' bike lanes, but a scooter-style might not be. 

British Columbia: The MABs Rules

In British Columbia, e-bikes are referred to as motor-assisted bicycles (MABs). Here’s what you need to know before riding in BC:

• Maximum power: 500 W (0.671 horsepower)
• Top speed: 32 km/h
• Age requirement: 16 years and older
• Helmet: Mandatory
• Licensing/Insurance: Not required

Additionally, the motor must disengage when you stop pedaling, brake, or release the throttle.

Again, you will have to follow the rules for each municipality as they might be different from the provincial regulations regarding MABs. Before venturing into a park or a trail, make sure that MABs are allowed in there.

Saskatchewan: E-Bike Laws

Power-assisted bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes or electric bicycles, means any two- or three-wheeled bicycle that:

• is equipped with an electric assist motor that is no larger than 500 watts
• is designed to be propelled with the combination of muscular power and power assist from the electric motor
• cannot be operated at a speed of greater than 32 km/h (20 mph) on any level service

• Driver’s licence required: No
• Age restriction: 14 years of age or older
• Registration required: No (special bicycle sticker may be required by city)
• Helmets: Operator requires an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet
• Operation rules: Must be driven in accordance with the rules of the road under The Traffic Safety Act normally applicable to a bicycle and cannot be operated in any area restricted by municipal bylaw
• Any gas-powered cycles, electric cycles larger than 500 watts or without pedals are considered motorcycles and all motorcycle licensing requirements and equipment standards apply.

Quebec: Unique Rules for Young Riders

Similar to other provinces, power-assisted bicycles get classified similarly to standard pedal bicycles. One thing to note, the rider age for PABs is different in Quebec, starting from 14 years of age. 

If the rider is younger than 18 years, then they will need a scooter or moped license to ride an e-bike on the road. Here are some other rules to keep in mind when riding in Montreal:

• Maximum power: 500 W (0.671 horsepower)
• Top speed: 32 km/h
• Age requirement: 14 years and older
• Helmet: Mandatory

Manitoba: E-Bike Guidelines

E-bikes have specific regulations in Manitoba that you need to follow. Here are some of them:

• The bike can't have more than 3 wheels touching the ground
• Functioning pedals are mandatory
• Maximum power: 500 W
• Top speed: 32 km/h
• Age requirement: 14 years and older
• Helmet: Mandatory
• Licensing/Registration: Not required

All rules regarding riding a bicycle in Manitoba also apply. 

New Brunswick: Safety First

If you wish to drive an e-bike on the roads of New Brunswick, they need to have a headlight for the nighttime, have wheel rims larger than 9 inches, and a seat needs to be at least 27 inches above the ground. 

Here are some electric bike laws to follow when operating one in New Brunswick:

• Maximum power: 500 W (0.671 horsepower)
• Top speed: 32 km/h
• Helmet: Mandatory
• Headlight: Required for nighttime riding
• Labeling: E-bikes must display a label in both offocial languages confirming they meet federal PAB standards

Newfoundland: Federal Compliance

Similar to other provinces, e-bike operators need to follow all federal legislation regarding PABs. Some of these are:

• Maximum power: 500 W
• Top speed: 32 km/h
• Helmet: Mandatory
• Pedals: Must function properly, and the motor must disengage when not pedaling

An accelerator controller is permitted. 

Nova Scotia: Riding Safely

Again, in Nova Scotia, PABs get classified similarly to standard pedal bicycles. Here are the e-bike laws to follow:

• Maximum power: 500 W
• Top speed: 32 km/h
• Helmet: Mandatory with chin strap engaged

Also, if the e-bike has two wheels, at least one must be 350 mm in diameter. If it has four wheels, at least 2 of the wheels must be 350 mm in diameter. 

Prince Edward Island: Strict Safety Standards

To operate a power-assisted bicycle on Prince Edward Island’s public roads, Confederation Trail and Active Transportation Pathway the following vehicle safety and operator requirements are in place:

• Maximum power: 500 W
• Top speed: 32 km/h
• Weight Limit: 120 kg (including battery)
• Age requirement: 16 years and older
• Helmet: Mandatory
• The minimum wheel diameter is 406.4 mm.
• No modifications to the motor to allow it to exceed a power output greater than 500W and a speed greater than 32 km/h.

Electrical terminals must be covered, and the battery and motor must be securely fastened to the vehicle to prevent them from moving while the e-bike is operating.

Crossing Provincial Borders? Know the Laws!

Just as driving laws vary from province to province, so do e-bike regulations. Make sure you’re aware of the specific rules in each province you plan to ride in.

Interested in purchasing an e-bike? Contact 171 Electric Bike Company to get started. With multiple locations in Ontario, we’re here to help you find the perfect e-bike for your needs.