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Hey, what's that e-bike doing on the sidewalk?

They must obey the Highway Traffic Act and the City of North Bay Traffic By-Law
2016 - 05 - 08 - e-bikes - Klassen-4
Photo by Jeff Klassen for SooToday

If you see one there, it's being ridden illegally say North Bay police.

E-bikes and scooters, which are designed for recreational use rather than as a mobility aid for persons with a mobility impairment, are not permitted on sidewalks in the city.

While e-bike and scooter operators do not require a licence, insurance or registration in order to use these vehicles, they must obey the Highway Traffic Act and the City of North Bay Traffic By-Law:

  • They must be 16 years of age or older
  • They must wear an approved helmet and have a working bell or horn
  • They must have a functioning white front light and a rear red light when driving at night
  • They must ride on the right side of the road, with the flow of traffic
  • They must obey all traffic signs and lights and must signal when turning/stopping
  • They are permitted on City of North Bay bike paths in pedal mode ONLY
  • Removing the pedals off an e-bike or scooter makes it an illegal motor vehicle

Police say that sidewalks are for pedestrians and for persons who require mobility scooters, power wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs. Pedestrians, mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs are also permitted on City of North Bay bike paths.