POWER-ASSISTED BICYCLES

In 2001, Transport Canada amended the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations to allow the introduction of power-assisted bicycles in Canada. Power-assisted bicycles are electric bicycles propelled by either a combination of the cyclist and a motor or by the motor alone. Previously, these bicycles were classified as limited-speed motorcycles; however, they did not meet the safety standards for limited-speed motorcycles, and were therefore not for sale in Canada.

After consultation with vehicle manufacturers, importers, public safety organizations, government officials and stakeholders, safety and performance parameters were established specifically for power-assisted bicycles, exempting them from the safety standards for limited-speed motorcycles.

During the summer of 2000, Transport Canada contributed $30,000 towards an evaluation of this type of bicycle with the Centre d'expérimentation des véhicules électriques du Québec. The study assessed the safety of power-assisted bicycles and the potential to replace more traditional means of commuting to work and other short distance travel in urban centres.

Following the publication of the draft regulation in the Canada Gazette Part I on November 20, 1999, Transport Canada conducted two further rounds of consultations with the provinces and territories and principal stakeholders. The consultations were conducted to further develop safety and performance parameters, and to extend the scope of the regulations to include power-assisted bicycles equipped with an accelerator control. All comments received were taken into consideration during the preparation of the amendment.

The amendment specifies components for power-assisted bicycles including a maximum of three wheels, an electric motor that can assist the cyclist up to a speed of 32 km/h and that does not exceed 500 watts, and an on/off switch or mechanism that prevents the motor from being engaged until the bicycle reaches a speed of three km/h.

Power-assisted bicycles must also comply with the requirements of provincial and territorial regulations. Each province or territory may adopt the federal definition as is or add further restrictions to meet their own specific needs. Consumers interested in determining whether power-assisted bicycles can be used in their province or territory should contact their provincial or territorial Ministry of Transportation.

December 2005