E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety: Know the Rules and Share the Road

With more e-bikes and e-scooters on local roads and pathways, the North Bay Police Service (NBPS) is reminding riders and motorists to know the rules and keep safety top of mind.

Ride safely

E-bike and e-scooter riders are vulnerable road users and have less protection in a collision. Riders should:

• Wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Follow traffic signs, signals and applicable bylaws.
• Ride in a safe and predictable manner.
• Stay alert for vehicles, pedestrians and other cyclists.
• Use required lights and safety equipment.
• Never ride while impaired.

Know the law

E-bikes and e-scooters are subject to provincial laws and local bylaws.

Although E-bikes are not classified as motor vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario, E-bikes under power are classified as motor vehicles under the Criminal Code of Canada, meaning Criminal charges could result for impaired driving, dangerous driving, or prohibited driving.

Insurance, registration, and plates are not required. However, if the pedals are removed from an E-bike, it loses its status as an E-bike, and would be a motor vehicle, which may be deemed unsafe, and would require insurance, registration, and plates.

E-bikes must meet Ontario requirements, including limits on motor power, speed and weight. They must also have working pedals, proper brakes, a bell and required lights. E-bike riders must be at least 16 years old and wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet.

E-bikes can be operated where bicycles are permitted, subject to provincial restrictions and local bylaws. Specifically in North Bay, E-bikes are permitted on the Kate Pace Way and Kinsman Trail but only in pedal mode; the electric motor cannot be engaged. The speed limit on the Kate Pace Way is 20 km/hr for a trail user.

E-scooters are governed by Ontario's e-scooter pilot program. Riders must be at least 16 years old, remain standing and follow the rules that apply where e-scooters are permitted. Passengers are not allowed. Riders under 18 must wear a bicycle helmet.

Specifically in North Bay, the Traffic By-Law 2014-38 section 3.3 prohibits riding bicycles not in single file ($110.00 total fine), failing to ride as close as possible to right hand curb ($110.00 total fine), or on the sidewalk ($65.00 total fine).

Riders can also be charged for traffic offences, including failing to obey signs or signals.

Drivers: Share the road

Motorists should expect to see e-bikes and e-scooters on roads where they are permitted.

Drivers should:

• Check for riders before turning or changing lanes.
• Slow down and give riders plenty of space when passing.
• Check blind spots before opening a vehicle door.
• Take extra care at intersections and driveways.
• Be patient when a rider needs to avoid a hazard, such as a parked vehicle or pothole.

The NBPS encourages all road users to slow down, pay attention and make safety a priority.