Vehicle registration

Electric bikes​​​​​​​

An electric bike, or motor-assisted cycle, is a two- or three-wheeled cycle with a seat, pedals and an electric motor or motors (power output not exceeding 500 watts in total). A motor assis​​ted cycle (MAC) cannot be gas-powered.

Cycles without attached pedals

Gas-powered cycles and electric cycles without attached pedals do not qualify as an electric motor-assisted cycle and will not pass a provincial motor vehicle inspection that would enable them to meet registration, licensing and insurance requirements for on-road use.

Rules of the road

To operate a motor-assisted cycle (MAC), you must be 16 or older and wear a bicycle helmet.

You don't need a drivers licence or need to register, licence and/or insure your MAC, but you are subject to the same rights and duties as the driver of a motor vehicle. You also must follow bicycle safety rules.

Different rules for electric bikes and mopeds/scooters

Some motor-assisted cycles look a lot like mopeds and scooters (also known as limited-speed motorcycles—LSMs). However, the rules for operating MACs and LSMs aren't the same.

Make sure you're riding legally. Check the table below to see which rules apply to you.

alert-circle

Some products don't qualify as a MAC or LSM

For further inquries, please email the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure​​​.​

For more information please consult the definition of a "motor assisted cycle" in Motor Vehicle Act, section 1 and refer to the Motor Assisted Cycle Regulation.​

Motor Assisted Cycles

Limited Speed Motorcycles

Description

Combine bicycle pedal power with electric motor assistance.

To qualify, must be a Motor Assisted Cycle as defined in the Motor Vehicle Act and meet Motor Assisted Cycle Regulation criteria.

Are low-powered motorcycles (that is, mopeds and scooters). LSMs rely on motor power and are generally not equipped with bicycle-style pedals.

To qualify, must be a Limited Speed Motorcycle as defined in the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.

Power

Electric motor or motors (power output not exceeding 500 watts in total) and bicycle-style pedals.

Gas engine 50 cc or less

or

electric motor less than 1,500 watts.

Maximum speed

32 km/h on level ground.

70 km/h on level ground.

Vehicle registration, licensing and insurance

None required. (Insurance may be available under a homeowner's policy.)

An LSM must be registered, licensed and insured as a motor vehicle.

Driver 

No driver’s licence is needed. You must be at least 16 years old.

You must have a driver’s licence; however, you can not operate on a learner’s licence other than a Class 6 or 8 motorcycle learner’s licence.

Helmet 

Must wear a bike helmet.

Must wear a motorcycle helmet.

Rules of the road

Subject to the same rights and duties as the driver of a motor vehicle, such as obeying all traffic lights and control devices.

As well, bicycle safety rules should be followed.

See Section 183 of the Motor Vehicle Act: Rights and duties of operator of cycle.

Subject to the same rights and duties of a motor vehicle, such as obeying all traffic lights and control devices.

In some areas, highway use is restricted. For details, please contact your local police.

Manufacturer's label

As a condition of initial sale, all commercially manufactured MACs must have a label stating that the vehicle is a “power-assisted bicycle."

As a condition of initial sale, all commercially manufactured LSMs must bear a permanently affixed compliance label. On this, or on another separate label, a statement must appear that the use of the vehicle may be restricted by provincial authorities to certain roads.