Everyone can now relax, at least if you own an e-bike or were thinking of getting one. As of October 3rd, electric bikes can officially share the roads with cars, bicycles, and other traffic in Ontario, with a few additional stipulated safety requirements.
E-bikes are now limited to a maximum weight of 120 kilograms and must have a maximum braking distance of nine metres. Modifications of the e-bike’s motor to enable speeds greater than 32 kilometres per hour is now prohibited. All riders must be at least 16 years of age and must wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet. E-Bike riders must also adhere to the same traffic laws as cyclists.
As well, they will not be allowed on any 400-series highway or any other area where bicycles are not permitted. Those riding under the age of 16 or riding without an approved helmet can be fined from $60 to $500. For all other traffic offences, riders will be subject to the same penalties as cyclists.
Municipalities will be allowed to determine if electric bikes may be ridden on specific streets, bike lanes or biking trails.
The three-year pilot program the Ontario government conducted was designed for studying e-bikes and how they integrate with other road users. It seems the electric bike has been judged positively, as the Minister of Transportation, Jim Bradley heartily welcomed them: “E-bikes provide an important transportation option to Ontarians. They are affordable, green and easy to use. The McGuinty government is pleased to welcome the e-bike to Ontario’s transportation mix.”
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This is great news! There’s no reason why we should be deterring people from using e-bikes – the more options we give drivers to consider giving up their car, the better.
Ken Finch – the commenter from the “Bike Blitz” article – will be a happy man.
It’s fantastic news! I bet Ken is dancing a jig right now.