E-bikes Information and the Law

The LaSalle Police Service has recently responded to a number of complaints regarding youths riding e-bikes in LaSalle as well as interfering with traffic. In several of the cases, the person(s) operating the e-bikes were under the minimum age of 16 years and were operating the vehicle in a manner that was dangerous to themselves and to other motorists. Before you purchase or ride an e-bike, make sure that you are in compliance with all laws and safety standards.

Here is an excellent resource and FAQ page from Electric Avenue E-Bikes in Hamilton Ontario – https://eaebikes.com/mto-ebike-faq#a8

Here is an excerpt from the Ministry of Transportation that summarizes the requirements to operate an e-bike in Ontario.

E-bikes are motorized bicycles that can look like conventional bicycles, scooters or limited-speed motorcycles. This information will help you learn the rules about e-bikes so you can ride safely.

What is an e-bike

E-bikes in Ontario must have:

  • steering handlebars
  • working pedals
  • an electric motor not exceeding 500 Watts
  • a maximum speed of 32 km/h
  • a maximum weight of 120 kg
  • a permanent label from the manufacturer in both English and French stating that your e-bike conforms to the federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle

It is illegal to modify your e-bike’s motor to make it more powerful or to increase the speed of your e-bike.

What e-bike riders need

You don’t need a driver’s licence, vehicle permit or licence plate to ride an e-bike, but you do need to:

Where to ride an e-bike

You can ride your e-bike on most roads and highways where conventional bikes are permitted, with some exceptions.
You can’t 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
  • on municipal roads, including sidewalks, where bicycles are banned under municipal by-laws
  • on municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths, bike trails or bike lanes where e-bikes are prohibited