What is a power-assisted bicycle (“e-bike”)?

For use in the Province of Ontario, a power-assisted bicycle, or e-bike, is a bicycle that: • Has a maximum weight of 120 kg (includes the weight of bike and battery); • Has wheels with a diameter of at least 350 mm and width of at least 35 mm; and • Meets the federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle: • has steering handlebars and is equipped with pedals, • is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, • is capable of being propelled by muscular power, • has one or more electric motors that have, singly or in combination, the following characteristics: • it has a total continuous power output rating, measured at the shaft of each motor, of 500 W or less, • if it is engaged by the use of muscular power, power assistance immediately ceases when the muscular power ceases, • if it is engaged by the use of an accelerator controller, power assistance immediately ceases when the brakes are applied, and • it is incapable of providing further assistance ...  more