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Electric Bicycles? Road Rules? What it is? What it Ain't |
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Written by See_Article
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Friday, 19 June 2009 |
Electric bicycles…the facts UPDATE FROM EDITOR: Read Comment Below from "MARK." It Highlights the Lack of Education that the Ministry of Education has done for motorists of all types on E-BIKES.
It raises issues which The Provincial Governments have neglected as the definition of "motorist" has evolved over the last two decades. Fatalities involving standard bicyclists, pedestrians, e-bikes and other types of vehicles deemed acceptable for City roads beg for re-education of all persons who call themselves motorists and legislative change. As an automobile driver and standard cyclist I would be in favour of any re-education. Ontario's roads and its users have changed since I obtained my drivers license over 25 years ago. "Mark" captures this sentiment perfectly in his comment. Road Safety should be everyone's most important motivation here. Sergeant Tom O’Brien
Traffic Management Unit London Police Service There have been recent articles promoting the benefits of alternative “greener” or environmentally friendlier vehicles and the “electric bicycle” has certainly received a fair amount of coverage. With everyone looking to jump on the alternative vehicle bandwagon it’s important to educate the public about the laws of electric bikes before you find yourself wasting money on products that aren’t legal.
Electric bicycles were introduced to Ontario as part of a pilot project in 2006. Originally, the electric bicycle was suppose to resemble a “normal” looking bicycle except with an electric motor that would assist the rider when required. Quickly manufacturers saw an opportunity of increased sales by redesigning the electric bicycle to look more like the motorized “European” type scooter.
In doing this they’ve also modified them reducing or eliminating the usefulness of the pedals. On April 23, 2009, Bill 126, Road Safety Act, 2009, received Royal Assent. Bill 126 included amendments to the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) definition of "bicycle" to include power-assisted bicycles (i.e., "e-bikes") and to clarify that e-bikes must have operable pedals attached and must be capable of being propelled only by muscular power.
In order to be considered an electric bicycle and allowed in Ontario the device must have two wheels, with operable pedals as the primary means of propulsion. The electric motor must be no larger than 500Watts of power capable of a maximum speed of 32 km/hr. There are a few additional specific requirements: the rider must be 16 years of age or older and must always wear a certified bicycle helmet.
There is no requirement for a driver’s licence, insurance or a licence plateFrom an enforcement standpoint, the device is considered a bicycle under the Highway Traffic Act and all riders are subject to the rules of the road as any cyclist is.
If the pedals are removed or become inoperable it no longer fits the definition of an electric bicycle and it will be subject to motor vehicle charges under the Highway Traffic Act. For those people who have lost their licence because of a criminal conviction in court and think they can now get around on an electric bicycle instead of a car, the electric bicycle is considered a “motor vehicle” under the Criminal Code.
You will not be allowed to ride the device on public streets or highways and if stopped you’ll face further serious criminal offences. Before purchasing an “electric bicycle” do your homework, make sure that specific device meets the criteria for Ontario. Know the rules of operation, obey the rules of the road and then happy “green” trails. Sergeant Tom O’BrienTraffic Management Unit London Police Service
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