Are 750-Watt E-Bikes Legal in Canada?

Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are gaining popularity rapidly all across Canada because they are such a convenient and eco-friendly transportation option. E-bikes are revolutionizing Canadian commutes and exploring our surroundings. Whether you are looking for a better daily commute or for an adventure, the right e-bike wattage significantly impacts every riding experience.

But there are some legalities to navigating the regulations for e-bike specs.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the legality of 750-watt e-bikes in Canada, including power outputs, speed limits, and implications for riders.

What is a Legal Electric Bicycle in Canada?

The federal government in Canada has set out some specific guidelines for e-bikes across the country. While the provinces and territories are not bound to these guidelines, local areas use these federal standards to help develop their own.

Before looking at the specifics of 750-watt e-bikes, let’s discuss the general legality of electric bicycles in Canada.

Power Output

Legal e-bikes across Canada must have a maximum continuous motor power output of just 500 watts. This e-bike motor assists you as you pedal the bike but can’t move the bike without you pedalling.

Speed Limit

E-bikes have a speed limit of 32 kilometres per hour (20 mph). If the e-bile motor assists the rider over 32 kph, it isn’t legal to ride in Canada.

Assistance Timing

The motor must only assist the rider during active pedalling. Operation as a throttle-only without pedalling, like a motorcycle, is not allowed in Canada for e-bikes.

Age Restrictions

There is generally no federal minimum age restriction for riding e-bikes in Canada. But, provincial and territorial regulations do vary. In Quebec, for example, the minimum age of e-bike riders is 14. In Ontario, New Brunswick and PEI, riders must be 16. In Alberta, kids can start at just 12 years of age.

What About 750-Watt E-Bikes?

While the federal standard legal limit is 500 watts, some provinces allow more powerful e-bikes, including those with 750 watts. Check your local regulations, but the current rules are:

• British Columbia (BC) allows the sale and use of e-bikes up to 750 watts.
• Alberta (AB) permits 750 watt e-bikes, too.Saskatchewan (SK),
• Manitoba(MB), Ontario (ON), Quebec (PQ), and Nova Scotia (NS) follow a 500-watt limit for e-bikes.

Some provinces allow higher-wattage e-bikes, while others follow the federal guidelines.

Potential Implications of Riding a 750-Watt E-Bike

Licensing and Registration

• In most provinces, e-bikes do not require a driver’s license or registration. But in Quebec, riders between 14 and 17 must have a Class 6D license, which is the same one needed to operate a moped or scooter. But, an adult does not need a license.
• Riders don’t need a licence in Ontario, BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon Territory.
• But always check the local rules regarding licensing and registration in your province or territory, especially if you ride a 750-watt e-bike. Things change.

Insurance

• Insurance for your e-bike is not mandatory. But your home insurance may include some coverage up to your policy limits, like for theft or other losses.
• Check your home insurance policy conditions and limits to make sure you have enough coverage to protect your e-bike.
• Many e-bike owners add Personal Valuables Coverage to their policy.
• If you have an e-bike with a motor output over 500 watts, it may not be covered under your standard bicycle, household, or vehicle insurance.
• If you have an accident with an e-bike, you will need coverage with your home insurance policy for the physical damages to be paid for. Simply contact your insurer to start a claim.
• If there are injuries from an accident with another cyclist or a pedestrian, your home insurance’s liability coverage comes into play.
• Injuries caused by an accident with a vehicle use benefits coverage from the car insurance policy. Much of this depends on who is at fault or responsible for the accident.
• Contact your insurance advisor to discuss options if you own a 750-watt e-bike.

Limited Riding Areas

• You can ride an e-bike on most roads and highways, where you can ride a conventional bicycle, but there are some exceptions.
• Don’t ride on municipal roads or sidewalks, where your municipal bylaws ban riding non-motorized bikes.
• Plus, there may be some roads, bike paths, trails or bike lanes where e-bikes are prohibited.

Conclusion

In BC and Alberta, you currently have more choices about how powerful an e-bike to buy. A higher-wattage e-bike may be the right choice if you need faster acceleration, higher top speeds, and more torque to climb the hills. But carefully check the regulations in your area if you are looking for an e-bike that exceeds the federal standard of 500 watts. Riders of 750-watt e-bikes report even easier commutes and greater flexibility on trails. Happy riding and enjoy the scenic beauty in Canada!