E-bikes can now share the road with cars, pedestrians and other traffic throughout Ontario, with new safety requirements introduced this week. E-bikes reach a maximum speed of 32 kilometres per hour and offer another option for clean, green commuting and travel. 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.

All riders must be at least 16 years of age, wear approved bicycle or motorcycle helmets and follow the same traffic laws that apply to bicyclists such as keeping as close to the right edge of the road as possible.

Municipalities can determine where e-bikes may be ridden on their streets, bike lanes and trails.

"E-bikes provide an important transportation option to Ontarians. They are affordable, green and easy to use," says Jim Bradley, Ontario Minister of Transportation. "The McGuinty government is pleased to welcome the e-bike to Ontario's transportation mix."

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.

Riding an e-bike under the age of 16 or riding an e-bike without an approved helmet carries fines ranging from $60 to $500. For all other traffic offences, e-bike riders will be subject to the same penalties as cyclists.

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