Electric bicycle laws
Many countries have enacted electric vehicle laws to regulate the use of electric bicycles, also termed e-bikes. Some jurisdictions have regulations governing safety requirements and standards of manufacture. The members of the European Union and other regions have wider-ranging legislation covering use and safety.
Laws and terminology are diverse. Some countries have national regulations with additional regional regulations for each state, province, or municipality. Systems of classification and nomenclature may vary. Jurisdictions may address "power-assisted bicycles" or "electric pedal-assisted cycles" or simply "electric bicycles". Some classify pedelecs as being distinct from other bicycles using electric power. Consequently, any particular e-bike may be subject to different classifications and regulations in different jurisdictions.
Australia
In Australia, the e-bike is defined by the Australian Vehicle Standards as a bicycle that has an auxiliary motor with a maximum power output not exceeding 250 W without consideration for speed limits or pedal sensors. Each state is responsible for deciding how to treat such a vehicle and currently all states agree that such a vehicle does not require licensing or registration. Some states have their own rules such as no riding under electric power on bike paths and through built-up areas so riders should view the state laws regarding their use. There is no license and no registration required for e-bike use.Since 30 May 2012, Australia has an additional new e-bike category using the European Union model of a pedelec as per the CE EN15194 standard. This means the e-bike can have a motor of 250,W of continuous rated power which can only be activated by pedalling and must cut out over 25 km/h – if so it is classed as a normal bicycle. The state of Victoria is the first to amend it's local road rules, see below.
Road vehicles in Australia must comply with all applicable Australian Design Rules before they can be supplied to the market for use in transport.
The ADRs contain the following definitions for bicycles and mopeds:
- 4.2. Two-Wheeled and Three-Wheeled Vehicles
- 4.2.1. PEDAL CYCLE
- 4.2.2. POWER-ASSISTED PEDAL CYCLE
- 4.2.3. MOPED - 2 Wheels
.
There are no ADRs applicable to AA or AB category vehicles. There are ADRs for lighting, braking, noise, controls and dimensions for LA category vehicles, mostly referencing the equivalent UN ECE Regulations. An approval is required to supply to the market any road vehicle to which ADRs apply and an import approval is required to import any road vehicle into Australia.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, there are two types of power-assisted pedal cycle. For the first type, the electric motor's maximum power output must not exceed 200 watts, and the pedal cycle cannot be propelled exclusively by the motor. For the second type, known as a "pedalec", the vehicle must comply with the European Standard for Power Assisted Pedal Cycles.Since October 2014 all petrol powered cycles are explicitly banned.
Since February 2023 pedelac bikes in NSW can have a 500 watt motor.
Victoria
A bicycle designed to be propelled by human power using pedals may have an electric or petrol powered motor attached provided the motor's maximum power output does not exceed 200 watts.As of 18 September 2012, the Victorian road rules have changed to enable a pedelec to be used as a bicycle in Victoria. The change allows more options of power assisted pedal cycles under bicycle laws.
A pedelec is defined as meeting EU standard EN15194, has a motor of no more than 250w of continuous rated power and which is only to be activated by pedalling when travelling at speeds of between 6 km/h and 25 km/h.
Queensland
In Queensland, the situation is similar to Victoria. There are two types of legal motorised bicycle. For the first type, the electric motor must not be capable of generating more than 200 watts of power. For the second type, known as a "pedalec", the vehicle must comply with the European Standard for Power Assisted Pedal Cycles.The pedals on a motorised bicycle must be the primary source of power for the vehicle. If the motor is the primary source of power then the device cannot be classed as a motorised bicycle. For example, a device where the rider can twist a throttle and complete a journey using motor power only without using the pedals, would not be classed as a motorised bicycle.
Motorised bicycles can be ridden on all roads and paths, except where bicycles are specifically excluded. Riders do not need to have a driver licence to ride a motorised bicycle.
Canada
Eight provinces of Canada allow electric power-assisted bicycles. In all eight provinces, e-bikes are limited to 500 W output, and cannot travel faster than on motor power alone on level ground. In Alberta prior to July 1, 2009, the limits were 750 W and, but presently match federal legislation. Age restrictions vary in Canada. All require an approved helmet. Regulations may or may not require an interlock to prevent the use of power when the rider is not pedaling. Some versions of e-bikes require drivers' licenses in some provinces and have age restrictions. Vehicle licenses and liability insurance are not required. Generally, they are considered vehicles, so are subject to the same rules of the road as regular bicycles. In some cases, regulatory requirements have been complicated by lobbying in respect of the Segway PT.Bicycles assisted by a gasoline motor or other fuel are regulated differently from e-bikes. These are classified as motorcycles, regardless of the power output of the motor and maximum attainable speed.
Note that in Canada, the term "assist bicycle" is the technical term for an e-bike and "power-assisted bicycle" is used in the Canadian Federal Legislation, but is carefully defined to only apply to electric motor assist, and specifically excludes internal combustion engines.
Federal requirements
Since 2000, Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations have defined Power Assisted bicycles as a separate category, and which require no license to operate. PABs are currently defined as a two- or three-wheeled bicycle equipped with handlebars and operable pedals, an attached electric motor of 500W or less, and a maximum speed capability of 32 km/h from the motor over level ground. Other requirements include a permanently affixed label from the manufacturer in a conspicuous location stating the vehicle is a power-assisted bicycle under the statutory requirements in force at the time of manufacture. All power-assisted bicycles must utilize an electric motor for assisted propulsion.A power-assisted bicycle may be imported and exported freely within Canada without the same restrictions placed on auto-mobiles or a moped. Under federal law, power-assisted bicycles may be restricted from operation on some roads, lanes, paths, or thoroughfares by the local municipality.
Bicycle-style PABs are permitted on National Capital Commission's Capital Pathway network, but scooter-style PABs are prohibited. All PABs are permitted on dedicated NCC bike lanes. All PABs are prohibited in Gatineau Park's natural surface trails.
Provincial requirements for use
Alberta
identifies e-bikes as "power bicycles" and is consistent with the federal definition of "power-assisted bicycle" in MVSR CRC, c 1038 s 2. Motor output must not exceed and e-bikes cannot travel faster than. Fully operable pedals are required. No driver's license, vehicle insurance, or vehicle registration is required. Operators must be 12 years of age or older. All operators are required to wear a motorcycle helmet meeting the standards set in AR 122/2009 s 112. A passenger is permitted only if the e-bike is equipped with a seat designated for that passenger.British Columbia
An e-bike is identified as a "motor-assisted cycle" in British Columbia, which differs from electric mopeds and scooters, which are "limited-speed motorcycles". Motor-assisted cycles must: have an electric motor of no more than 500 W; have fully operable pedals; not be capable of propelling the device at a speed greater than ]. The engine must disengage when the operator stops pedaling, an accelerator controller is released, OR a brake is applied. A driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance are all not required. Rider must be 16 years old or more, and a bike helmet must be worn.E-bikes in British Columbia must comply with all standards outlined in Motor Assisted Cycle Regulation, BC Reg 151/2002.
Ontario
is one of the last provinces in Canada to move toward legalizing power-assisted bicycles for use on roads, even though they have been federally defined and legal in Canada since early 2001. In November 2005, "Bill 169" received royal assent allowing the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario to place any vehicle on road. On October 4, 2006, the Minister of Transportation for Ontario Donna Cansfield announced the Pilot Project allowing PABs which meet the federal standards definition for operation on road. PAB riders must follow the rules and regulations of a regular bicycles, wear an approved bicycle helmet and be at least 16 years or older. There are still a number of legal considerations for operating any bicycle in Ontario.On October 5, 2009, the Government of Ontario brought in laws regulating electric bikes in the province.
E-bikes, which can reach a speed of 32 kilometres per hour, are allowed to share the road with cars, pedestrians and other traffic throughout the province.
The new rules limit the maximum weight of an e-bike to 120 kilograms, require a maximum braking distance of nine metres and prohibit any modifications to the bike's motor that would create speeds greater than 32 kilometres per hour.
Also, riders must be at least 16 years of age, wear approved bicycle or motorcycle helmets and follow the same traffic laws as bicyclists.
Municipalities are also specifically permitted by the legislation to restrict where e-bikes may be used on their streets, bike lanes and trails, as well as restricting certain types of e-bike.
E-bikes are not permitted on 400-series highways, expressways or other areas where bicycles are not allowed.
Riding an e-bike under the age of 16 or riding an e-bike without an approved helmet are new offences in the legislation, carrying fines of between $60 and $500. E-bike riders are subject to the same penalties as other cyclists for all other traffic offences.