About e-bikes

A power-assisted bicycle, also called an electric bicycle or e-bike, is a bicycle with an electric motor that has:

  • a handlebar for steering
  • working pedals
  • two or three wheels
  • an electric motor
  • braking systems

E-bikes must meet certain requirements to be legally operated on roads in Ontario. This includes weight and speed limits.

When riding an e-bike, you must:

  • be 16 or older
  • wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet
  • keep your e-bike in good working order
  • follow the same rules of the road as other cyclists

Learn more about safe cycling and how to ride on the road.

Where you can ride

You can ride your e-bike on most roads and highways where conventional bicycles are permitted, with some exceptions.

You cannot ride your e-bike on:

  • certain provincial controlled access highways, such as the 400 series, the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Queensway in Ottawa or the Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway
  • municipal roads, including sidewalks, where bicycles are banned under municipal bylaws
  • municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths, bike trails or bike lanes where e-bikes are prohibited

E-bike requirements

To operate an e-bike in Ontario, the e-bike must have:

  • a maximum assisted speed of 32 km/h
  • a maximum weight of 120 kg (includes the weight of the bike and battery)
  • an electric motor not exceeding 500 watts
  • no modifications to the motor to allow it to exceed a power output greater than 500 watts and an assisted speed greater than 32 km/h
  • battery and electric motor securely fastened to the bicycle frame to prevent them from moving while the e-bike is operating
  • all electrical terminals properly insulated
  • minimum wheel width of 35 mm and minimum diameter of 350 mm
  • two independent braking systems that applies force to each wheel and is capable of bringing the e-bike, while being operated at a speed of 30 km/h, to a full stop within 9 metres, on a level asphalt surface, from the point at which the brakes were applied

Removing the pedals makes the e-bike a motor vehicle, which requires a licence, insurance and registration to operate. It is also illegal to modify your e-bike's electric motor to make it more powerful or to increase the assisted speed of the bike.