Think you've seen one of those e-bikes being driven in a reckless manner or on sidewalks? Some riders have even been charged with drunk driving.
An e-bike is a green and affordable mode of transportation, but it can be costly if you don't follow the law.
Add no license, no insurance and no registration requirements to the list and it’s no wonder people are drawn to using e-bikes over other motorized vehicles, says a news release from city police.
But there are limits to the e-bike’s promise of freedom. In the interest of public safety for pedestrians and others who share the road, North Bay Police reminds e-bikers that there are rules governing e-bikes.
As described under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, operators of power-assisted bicycles must follow the same rules of the road as cyclists, with two exceptions:
• E-bikers must be 16 years of age or older; and
• All e-bikers must wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet.
Operators of e-bikes — both the conventional-looking bicycle-style with electric assist and the scooter style — must, like cyclists, ride on the road.
No riding on sidewalks, or bike paths in motor mode.
Riding a bicycle or an e-bike on the sidewalk is banned by municipal bylaws. While sidewalks are reserved for pedestrians only, bike paths are reserved for pedestrians and those using muscular power (e.g. bike pedals) to ride their bicycles and e-bikes. Using an e-bike in motor mode on a bike path is prohibited.
Removing pedals makes an e-bike illegal.
Removing the pedals on an e-bike makes it an illegal motor vehicle because it does not conform with the Highway Traffic Act definition of a power-assisted bicycle.
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Rules of the road; E-bikes are considered vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act.
E-bikers, like cyclists, must:
• ride on the right side of the road;
• respect the direction of one-way streets;
• come to a complete stop at a stop sign or at a red light;
• signal when turning and stopping;
• have a working horn or bell; and
• have a white front light and a red rear light when driving at night.
Sample of fines for offences
- Riding a bicycle or an e-bike on the sidewalk $ 60.00
- Improper lighting $ 35.00
- Improper brakes $ 110.00
- No or defective bell/horn $ 110.00
- Fail to wear proper helmet (e-bike) $ 110.00
- Fail to wear proper helmet (bicycle) $ 80.00
- Disobey stop sign, fail to stop $ 110.00
- Red light - fail to stop $ 320.00
- Careless driving $ 490.00
- Fail to yield to pedestrian $ 175.00
- Drive wrong way (one-way traffic) $ 110.00
- Ride two on a bicycle, Ride another person on an e-bike (if e-bike is not designed for passengers) $ 110.00
