E-bike FAQ
Am I allowed to modify the e-bike so it can go faster than 32km/h?
No. Modifying your e-bike for the purpose of increasing speed beyond 32km/h will no longer qualify it as an e-bike.
What is required to operate an e-bike?
All persons operating an e-bike are required to wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet.
What is not required to operate an e-bike?
A driver’s license, written test, vehicle registration or plate and motor vehicle liability insurance are not required to operate an e-bike.
Are other municipalities allowing E-Bikes to operate on trails/pathways?
As the decision to allow the use of E-bikes on trails and pathways is a council decision and is permitted or restricted through the creation of a by-law, this answer varies throughout the province, with restrictions specific to the individual municipality. The chart below provides a few examples of this across the province.
Municipality | Trails/Pathways |
Windsor | Prohibited, with exemptions for specific trails |
Chatham-Kent | Permitted |
London | Permitted |
Toronto | Permitted, with restrictions on the type of e-bike |
Brantford | Prohibited |
Oshawa | Permitted |
Peterborough | Permitted |
| Collingwood | Permitted, with restrictions on the type of e-bike |
Are the fines for e-bike offences the same as bicycle offences?
Yes. All set fines established for violating rules of the road and equipment standards that apply to bicyclists apply to drivers of e-bikes.
Can municipalities pass by-laws to prohibit e-bikes?
Yes. Municipalities have the ability to prohibit where e-bikes travel, what type of bike may be permitted and may impose specific provisions at their own discretion.