Micromobility

More and more cities are looking at new ways to get around. The City of Brantford is making a plan to integrate micromobility devices and encourage people to use bikes and scooters.

As such, there has been an increase in questions about the use of e-bikes and e-scooters. To provide more clarity for residents, we've compiled the following information and guidelines related to these devices.

E-bikes

An e-bike is a power-assisted bicycle (also called an electric bicycle),  with an electric motor that has:

• a handlebar for steering
• working pedals
• two or three wheels
• braking systems

E-bikes must meet certain requirements to be legally operated on roads in Ontario. This includes weight and speed limits.

When riding an e-bike, you must:

• be 16 or older
• wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet
• keep your e-bike in good working order
• follow the same rules of the road as other cyclists

You can ride your e-bike on most roads and highways where conventional bicycles are permitted, with some exceptions.

You cannot ride your e-bike on:

• municipal sidewalks
• certain provincial controlled access highways, such as the 400 series or QEW

The City of Brantford does not permit the use of these devices while the electric motor is in operation on designated bike lanes, multi-use paths or trails.  Provided the electric motor is disengaged and using the pedal system of the bike,  riders would then be permitted to use these devices on these facilities.  With the growth of electric e-bikes, this policy and by-law is currently being reviewed for reconsideration.

To operate an e-bike in Ontario, the e-bike must have:

• a maximum assisted speed of 32 km/h
• a maximum weight of 120 kg (includes the weight of the bike and battery)
• an electric motor not exceeding 500 watts
• no modifications to the motor to allow it to exceed a power output greater than 500 watts and an assisted speed greater than 32 km/h
• battery and electric motor securely fastened to the bicycle frame to prevent them from moving while the e-bike is operating
• all electrical terminals properly insulated
• minimum wheel width of 35 mm and minimum diameter of 350 mm
• two independent braking systems that applies force to each wheel and is capable of bringing the e-bike, while being operated at a speed of 30 km/h, to a full stop within 9 metres, on a level asphalt surface, from the point at which the brakes were applied

Removing the pedals makes the e-bike a motor vehicle, which requires a licence, insurance and registration to operate. It is also illegal to modify your e-bike's electric motor to make it more powerful or to increase the assisted speed of the bike.

Ontario’s E-scooter Pilot Program

Ontario’s e-scooter pilot program allows municipalities to choose where and how e-scooters may be used.
The pilot is running from January 1, 2020, to November 27, 2029.

The City of Brantford is not currently participating in the province’s e-scooter pilot program. E-scooters are presently not allowed to operate in the city.

For more information please visit: Electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) | ontario.ca