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.RoadSafety 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
This seems to verify that bicycles are indeed subject to the rules of the road. Does this mean that they are required to stop for red lights and stop signs the same as cars? If so, why do we as drivers of cars always have to be aware of the bicycle going through the red light and stop sign without any retribution from police services if they observe such actions?
The day is coming when the Highway Traffic Act will have require a major overhaul. Cars, trucks pay all the licensing fees and must obey all the legislation while bikes, electric bikes, skateboards, scooters, and all the other devices that they now must share the road with get a free ride. Most of these alternative transportation users, will use buses and cars in bad weather and they get the best of both worlds. They will have to be licensed. They will get to pay for yearly stickers, costly licenses every few years and many more fees the Ministry of Transportation dreams up. They can claim their green superiority until I am fertizing daisies but what they are really doing in large part is flouting most road and traffic safety laws and scaring the hell out of drivers who don't know what they are going to do next. They contribute nothing to the upkeep of roads. Gas and vehicle licensing fees do most of that but they love the ashpalt and bike lanes.
To be fair though, there are a large number of cars who seem to think it is okay to just turn corners without checking to see if pedestrians are crossing, who will make turns even if bikes are present and cut bicyclists off. My husband could tell you stories of almost having been killed by drivers who don't seem to care that he is actually following the rules of the road. Or cars who get angry if a bike needs to make a left turn...they are supposed to go into the turning lane that cars occupy to do that. I personally just get off the bike and walk across....it just isn't worth my life to take a left on a bike. I believe that bicyclists should have to pass a test to ensure their competence, but if there was a licencing law I'd have kids with no bikes because we can't afford the cost of a licence. It is WHY we ride a bike in the first place.....no money.
I think a balance needs to be struck between bikes and cars and it needs to be done soon. There are just as many impatient drivers ...
I would just like to share some comments on this subject. My first comment relates to the inadequate means of communication that the Ministry of Transportation used to identify the ebike pilot program to the public and police forces across Ontario. I feel that they could have done a much better job of doing this. It would have saved a lot of confusion and misunderstanding if it were communicated in a more efficient manner.
My second comment relates to my experience as the owner of an electric 'scooter' style ebike that I purchased in June of 2008. I use it primarily as a means of commuting to and from work. The brand that I purchased uses a motorcycle frame so it will provide a greater degree of safety in the event of a collision. It is equipped with lights and turn signals (which not all conventional bicycles are equipped with) so I am very visible. It is only capable of going only 32 kms/hr. I am often passed by conventional bicycles (lighter and less visible) doing a greate...
