Bike Rules

Canada, Europe and the United States have all passed legislation regarding electric bicycles and categorize them separately from mopeds and motorcycles.

USA

In 2001, the U. S. Congress passed Public Law 107-319 which exempts electric bikes under 750 watts and limited to 20 mph (with operating pedals) from the legal definition of a motor vehicle

Some states have passed their own laws, but states cannot constitutionally pass legislation that reduces or eliminates Federal laws. An electric bike is legally a bicycle, so you can use it wherever and however you're able to use a standard bicycle. But additional laws governing the operation and safety of electric bikes may be extended by state or local governments. In most states, no license, insurance or registration is required. It is possible that police in your area may not understand the specific rules pertaining to electric bikes, so it is a good idea to visit your state or provincial web site and print off a copy of your local rules and store them in your ebike just in case you need them

Some Web Site Links you may need.

US Comsumer Product and Safety Comission

Canada

Since 2001, Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (MVSR) have defined Power Assisted bicycles (PABs). Power Assisted Bicycles (PABs) are defined as a unique vehicle, separate from a bicycle with an attached (electric only) motor.

See: http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/backgrounders/b01-R050.htm

The Canada Gazette (official paper that publishes government regulations) clarifies that a motorcycle is not a power-assisted bicycle, and goes on to define limits on the weight, dimensions, speed, electric wattage output, and other properties of a power-assisted bicycle. For example, power-assisted-bicycles are limited to an electric motors of 500 W output and a maximum speeds of 32 km/h. Other safety requirements must also be met.

This vehicle can be imported and exported freely within Canada without the same restrictions placed on an automobile or a moped, although electric bicycles are not allowed in a few jurisdictions. In federal law, a moped is considered a "limited speed motorcycle", and is therefore not a PAB.

Provincial and Territorial Ministries Responsible for Transportation

The following links provide information about transportation issues for which the provinces and territories are responsible. Please visit the site for the province or territory where you live to learn more.

•Alberta - Ministry of Transportation
•British Columbia - Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
•Manitoba - Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation
•New Brunswick - Department of Transportation
•Newfoundland and Labrador - Transportation and Works
•Northwest Territories - Department of Transportation
•Nova Scotia - Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
•Nunavut - Department of Economic Development and Transportation
•Ontario - Ministry of Transportation
•Prince Edward Island - Department of Transportation and Public Works
•Quebec - Transports Québec
•Saskatchewan - Highways and Infrastructure
•Yukon Territory - Department of Highways and Public Works