The ebike laws in Canada are vague, yet while at the same time, they are also specific.
An “e-bike” is abbreviation of “electric bicycle”, or officially a “POWER-ASSISTED BICYCLES”, which is NOT a motorized vehicle like a car or a motorcycle. The highway traffic Act explains what constitutes a “vehicle”. The act outlines “electric bicycles” as NOT motorized vehicles because they do NOT solely depend on the motor, but rather, the motorized aspect is a supplement to, what is otherwise, a natural physical kinetic process of motion.
The motor is added for the purpose of supporting manpower, as to how much support it offers, that is a further question.
ANALYSIS of the Highway Traffic Act (ONTARIO REGULATION 369/09)
In order to operate an e-bike in Ontario, the e-bike must have the following:
- a maximum assisted speed of 32 km/h
- a maximum weight of 120 kg (includes the weight of the bike and battery)
- an electric motor not exceeding 500 watts
- no modifications to the motor to allow it to exceed a power output greater than 500 watts and an assisted speed greater than 32 km/h
- battery and electric motor securely fastened to the bicycle frame to prevent them from moving while the e-bike is operating
- all electrical terminals properly insulated
- minimum wheel width of 35 mm and minimum diameter of 350 mm
- two independent braking systems that applies force to each wheel and is capable of bringing the e-bike, while being operated at a speed of 30 km/h, to a full stop within 9 metres, on a level asphalt surface, from the point at which the brakes were applied
Removing the pedals makes the e-bike a motor vehicle, which requires a licence, insurance and registration to operate. It is also illegal to modify your e-bike’s electric motor to make it more powerful or to increase the assisted speed of the bike.
There are a few contradictions in these legal requirements that arise naturally from the basic physics of an ebike.
Concerning the first point about the maximum speed of 32km/h, not only is this indeterminate, but even an accurate measure is not all that reliable due to the property of momentum.
Consider the following scenarios where an Ebike may or may-not speed past 32km/h.
If the capacity of an ebike is 32km/h, added with the riders weight (depending on his weight) that number will drastically reduce to well below 25km/h. If on the odometer LCD screen it shows greater speeds well over 32km/h, the maximum speed may still peak at about 32km/h due to the riders weight and friction on the ground (i.e., gravity). If the ebike does go over 32km/h, it now becomes the responsibility of the rider to make sure they are within the limit, or ultimately slow down.
All these above scenarios can coexists with legal e-bikes that possess a 500W motor. The last scenario seems to contradict the law, yet while at the same time, they are in compliance with it.
As to the case of capacity, it is somewhat arbitrary to suggest that the ebikes capacity cannot go beyond 32km/h speeds, considering that some normal race-bikes reach greater speeds with the help of momentum alone, and that any ebike even with a capacity of 20km/h can turn into speeds over 32km/h with momentum, especially on decline terrains.
The interplay of momentum will always allow an Ebike to possess the potential capacity to go speeds over 32km/h. In this case, we are NOT talking about obviously over powered e-bikes that are categorized more as electric motorcycles. We are talking about legal ebikes with 500W motors that may still possess the capacity to go over 32km/h no matter how much they are limited on the odometer screen. Theoretically, if an Ebike is within a vacuum, they can accurately achieve exact speeds of 32km/h. However, e-bikes are not within a vacuum, they are part of nature wherein factors like gravity, weight, and momentum, contribute to speeds that may or may-not go over 32km/h.
If we compare ebikes to other vehicles like cars, most cars on the streets have the capacity to go well beyond the required street legal limit, however it is up to the driver to follow the speed limit. In this way, why is it that cars may possess the capacity of going 150 miles per hour (for example), and it is ok for the law to make it the responsibility of the rider to maintain legal road limits of 60 miles per hour; while at the same time, an e-bikes capacity must be capped at 32km/h, irrespective of the rider’s responsibility to adhere to those limits?
One answer to the above question relates to the issuing of a license. A car requires a licence hence allowing greater capacity, while an Ebike does not require a license hence requiring some form of inherent speed limit. While this is true, both share the common ground that the capacity of the machine is ultimately mitigated by the judgment of the rider.
In conclusion, the law can only outline recommendations followed by punitive action, but it still remains up to the individuals to implement and follow the rules. It ultimately goes back to the riders own judgment and responsibility to mitigate speeds within legal limits.
The 32km/h speed limits will always involve an inherent “gray area” that must be resolved by the riders own responsibility of calibrating their speed and balancing it towards a rough 32km/h limit.
This analysis raises some points that highlights the complexities and potential contradictions within the regulations governing e-bikes in Ontario, Canada. It’s common for legislation to struggle to keep up with the rapid advancements in technology, and nuances in the interpretation of these laws can lead to gray areas.
Synopsis and Conclusion
Here are some key considerations and potential clarifications raised:
- Speed Limit and Momentum:
- The maximum assisted speed of 32 km/h might not accurately reflect the actual speed an e-bike can achieve when considering factors like momentum and rider weight.
- It would be beneficial for lawmakers to consider a more dynamic way of assessing speed, perhaps accounting for real-world scenarios and variations.
- Capacity and Rider Judgment:
- Comparing e-bikes to other vehicles, like cars, and considering the rider’s judgment in adhering to speed limits is a valid argument.
- Legislators could explore a system that relies more on responsible riding behavior rather than strict speed limitations.
- Modification Restrictions:
- The prohibition on modifying an e-bike’s motor to increase power or speed is common in many jurisdictions, mainly for safety reasons.
- However, discussions could take place regarding whether some modifications could be allowed if they maintain safety standards and are certified by regulatory bodies.
- Enforcement Challenges:
- The effectiveness of laws often relies on practical enforceability. It might be challenging to enforce strict speed limits on e-bikes given variations in terrain, rider weight, and the influence of momentum.
- Authorities may need to consider practical and reasonable enforcement measures.
- Education and Awareness:
- Increasing education and awareness among e-bike riders about the laws, safety considerations, and responsible riding practices could play a crucial role in ensuring compliance.
In conclusion, the evolving nature of technology and the unique dynamics of e-bikes make it essential for regulations to adapt to real-world scenarios. Advocacy for clearer, more nuanced laws, coupled with an emphasis on education and responsible riding, can contribute to a more effective and sensible regulatory framework for e-bikes in Ontario.