|
Just In -
In The News
|
|
Friday, 02 October 2009 17:51 |
E-bikes (electric bikes) can share the road with cars, pedestrians and other traffic throughout Ontario with new safety requirements. E-bikes reach a maximum speed of 32 kilometres per hour and offer another option for clean, green commuting and travel. E-bikes can be pedalled like a regular bicycle or travel with the assistance of the electric motor. An e-bike can be pedaled like a regular bicycle or, with the assistance of an electric motor.
Effective October 3, 2009, new requirements that will increase rider safety include:
- Limiting the maximum weight of an e-bike to 120 kilograms
- Requiring a maximum braking distance of nine metres
- Prohibiting modifications of the e-bike's motor to enable power-assisted speeds greater than 32 kilometres per hour.
- The minimum wheel width is 35 millimetres and a minimum wheel diameter is 350 millimetres
- Proper insulation is required for electrical systems and batteries on e-bikes.
- Riders must wear approved bicycle or motorcycle helmets, regardless of age.
- Follow the same traffic laws that apply to bicyclists such as keeping as close to the right edge of the road as possible.
- E-bikes will not be permitted on 400-series highways, the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Queensway in Ottawa, the Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway and other areas where bicycles are not permitted.
Municipalities can determine where e-bikes may be ridden on their streets, bike lanes and trails.
|
