Province · Last checked
E-bike laws in Ontario
Ontario's Highway Traffic Act calls an e-bike a "power-assisted bicycle" and keeps it out of the "motor vehicle" rules, so you need no driver's licence, plate or insurance. Riders must be 16 or older and wear a bicycle or motorcycle helmet, and the e-bike must weigh 120 kg or less, with a motor of 500 W or less that stops helping at 32 km/h. A 2026 proposal to split e-bikes into two classes is not law yet.
The law in Ontario calls an e-bike a “power-assisted bicycle”.
This summary comes from the rules below, each with its source and the date we checked it. All sources for Ontario
The rules at a glance
What Ontario’s law says about each e-bike rule, with the source we read and when we checked it.
If an e-bike is over the limits
The Highway Traffic Act counts any vehicle driven otherwise than by muscular power as a motor vehicle unless it is a power-assisted bicycle (s. 1(1)). The MTO says removing the pedals makes an e-bike a motor vehicle that needs a licence, insurance and registration, and that modifying the motor to go past 500 W or 32 km/h is illegal; O. Reg. 369/09 s. 6 bans riding an e-bike modified to increase its power or top speed.
Sources: Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, ss. 1(1) ("bicycle", "motor vehicle", "power-assisted bicycle"), 1.2, 7(1), 32(1), 38, 64(2), 103.1, 104, 178, 185, 214 (consolidation from July 1, 2026) (checked ) ; Riding an e-bike (updated July 19, 2024) (checked ) ; O. Reg. 369/09, Power-Assisted Bicycles, ss. 1-7 (consolidation from December 6, 2018) (checked )
Fines and penalties
- General penalty: where the Act sets no other penalty, breaking the Highway Traffic Act or a regulation carries a fine of $60 to $1,000 on conviction (HTA s. 214(1)). Source: Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, ss. 1(1) ("bicycle", "motor vehicle", "power-assisted bicycle"), 1.2, 7(1), 32(1), 38, 64(2), 103.1, 104, 178, 185, 214 (consolidation from July 1, 2026) (checked )
- Set fines listed by the Ontario Court of Justice (Schedule 43, last updated January 22, 2026): failing to wear a proper helmet on a power-assisted bicycle (HTA s. 103.1(2)) $85; improper brakes on a power-assisted bicycle (s. 64(2)) $85; riding two on a bicycle (s. 178(2)) $85. Letting a person under 16 on a power-assisted bicycle (s. 38(2)) has no set fine (N.S.F.). Source: Set Fines, Schedule 43 (Highway Traffic Act), last updated January 22, 2026 (checked )
Good to know
- Ontario's definition in force today (HTA s. 1(1)) says a power-assisted bicycle is one that meets the definition in the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations, has the manufacturer's label, has working pedals at all times and can be moved by pedalling alone. That federal definition has been repealed: Transport Canada says it has not been in force since February 4, 2021. The MTO's e-bike page states the 500 W and 32 km/h limits. Sources: Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, ss. 1(1) ("bicycle", "motor vehicle", "power-assisted bicycle"), 1.2, 7(1), 32(1), 38, 64(2), 103.1, 104, 178, 185, 214 (consolidation from July 1, 2026) (checked ) ; Importing non-regulated vehicles (power-assisted bicycles section) (checked ) ; Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1038, s. 2(1): "power-assisted bicycle" [Repealed, SOR/2020-22, s. 3] (current to 2026-09-30) (checked ) ; Riding an e-bike (updated July 19, 2024) (checked )
- Throttles: O. Reg. 369/09 s. 3(2) says the motor must cease to propel the bicycle forward if pedalling stops, the accelerator is released or the brakes are applied. No official page we read says in plain words whether riding on the throttle alone is allowed. Source: O. Reg. 369/09, Power-Assisted Bicycles, ss. 1-7 (consolidation from December 6, 2018) (checked )
- Other equipment rules in O. Reg. 369/09: wheels at least 35 mm wide and 350 mm in diameter; battery and motor securely fastened; all electric terminals insulated and covered; brakes that stop the bike from 30 km/h within 9 m on a clean, paved, level surface; kept in good working order. HTA s. 64(2) requires two braking systems, one on the front wheel and one on the rear. Sources: O. Reg. 369/09, Power-Assisted Bicycles, ss. 1-7 (consolidation from December 6, 2018) (checked ) ; Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, ss. 1(1) ("bicycle", "motor vehicle", "power-assisted bicycle"), 1.2, 7(1), 32(1), 38, 64(2), 103.1, 104, 178, 185, 214 (consolidation from July 1, 2026) (checked )
- Proposed, not law (as of November 1, 2026): MTO's proposal ERO 026-0422 (posted April 23, 2026; comments closed June 7, 2026) would create Class 1 e-bikes (pedal-assist only, a walk-assist throttle up to 6 km/h, max 55 kg) and Class 2 e-bikes (throttle allowed, max 120 kg), both 500 W and 32 km/h, riders 16+, helmets for all, passengers allowed if a seat is available. Moped- and motorcycle-style e-bikes would have to meet an existing motor vehicle class (licence, insurance, registration), and a 12-month education and awareness period is proposed. No decision has been posted. Source: ERO 026-0422: Modernizing Ontario's Framework for Power-Assisted Bicycles (E-Bikes), proposal and "Additional Details Summary" (checked )
- Pending changes not yet in force: the Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024 (Royal Assent November 19, 2024) will, when proclaimed, repeal the HTA's power-assisted bicycle definition and section 103.1, and repeal the never-proclaimed e-bike rewrite in the Moving Ontarians More Safely Act, 2021. Its expanded power to create vehicle classes by regulation (HTA s. 1.2) came into force May 19, 2026. Sources: Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024, S.O. 2024, c. 21 (Bill 197), ss. 1, 2, 4, 21, 22, 30, 31 (checked ) ; Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, ss. 1(1) ("bicycle", "motor vehicle", "power-assisted bicycle"), 1.2, 7(1), 32(1), 38, 64(2), 103.1, 104, 178, 185, 214 (consolidation from July 1, 2026) (checked )
- E-scooters are separate: under a pilot (O. Reg. 389/19), a municipality must allow them by by-law; the e-scooter motor is 500 W or less with a 24 km/h top speed, weight up to 45 kg, riders 16 or older, and riders under 18 must wear a helmet. The pilot ends November 27, 2029. Source: O. Reg. 389/19, Pilot Project - Electric Kick-Scooters (revoked November 27, 2029 per O. Reg. 398/24) (checked )
- Cargo e-bikes: a pilot (O. Reg. 141/21) allows cargo e-bikes heavier than 55 kg with motors up to 1,000 W (no assist at 32 km/h or more) where a municipal by-law permits them. Operators must be 16 or older and everyone riding must wear a helmet. The pilot ends March 1, 2031. Source: O. Reg. 141/21, Pilot Project - Cargo Power-Assisted Bicycles (revoked March 1, 2031 per O. Reg. 31/26) (checked )
E-bike questions in Ontario
Do I need a licence for an e-bike in Ontario?
No. Ontario's Highway Traffic Act leaves power-assisted bicycles out of "motor vehicle", so the licence, plate and insurance rules for motor vehicles don't apply. The MTO says removing the pedals makes it a motor vehicle that needs a licence, insurance and registration.
Sources: Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, ss. 1(1) ("bicycle", "motor vehicle", "power-assisted bicycle"), 1.2, 7(1), 32(1), 38, 64(2), 103.1, 104, 178, 185, 214 (consolidation from July 1, 2026) (checked ) ; Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.25, ss. 1 ("motor vehicle") and 2(1) (checked ) ; Riding an e-bike (updated July 19, 2024) (checked )
How old do you have to be to ride an e-bike in Ontario?
16. No one under 16 may operate a power-assisted bicycle on a highway, and an owner must not let anyone under 16 ride on or operate one (HTA s. 38).
Is a 750W e-bike legal in Ontario?
Not as a power-assisted bicycle. The MTO says the motor must not exceed 500 W or give assistance above 32 km/h, and modifying an e-bike to raise its power or speed is not allowed.
Sources: Riding an e-bike (updated July 19, 2024) (checked ) ; O. Reg. 369/09, Power-Assisted Bicycles, ss. 1-7 (consolidation from December 6, 2018) (checked )
Do you have to wear a helmet on an e-bike in Ontario?
Yes, at every age. HTA s. 103.1(2) requires a bicycle or motorcycle helmet that meets the regulations, and the set fine for riding without one is $85.
Sources: Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, ss. 1(1) ("bicycle", "motor vehicle", "power-assisted bicycle"), 1.2, 7(1), 32(1), 38, 64(2), 103.1, 104, 178, 185, 214 (consolidation from July 1, 2026) (checked ) ; Set Fines, Schedule 43 (Highway Traffic Act), last updated January 22, 2026 (checked )
Can I ride my e-bike on the sidewalk or on trails in Ontario?
It depends on your municipality. The MTO says you can't ride on sidewalks, bike paths, trails or bike lanes where a municipal by-law bans bicycles or e-bikes, or on certain provincial controlled-access highways, such as the 400-series.
Source: Riding an e-bike (updated July 19, 2024) (checked )
Are Ontario's e-bike rules changing?
Ontario has proposed two e-bike classes (pedal-assist up to 55 kg, throttle up to 120 kg) and moving moped-style e-bikes into motor vehicle classes. As of November 1, 2026 it is still a proposal, so the current rules apply.
Source: ERO 026-0422: Modernizing Ontario's Framework for Power-Assisted Bicycles (E-Bikes), proposal and "Additional Details Summary" (checked )
Where can I ride in my city?
For a specific city, see our sister site, Zeus E-Bike Map: where you can ride, city by city.
What we couldn’t confirm
We leave a rule blank rather than guess. These points still need an official source:
- throttle_allowed: O. Reg. 369/09 s. 3(2) mentions an accelerator, but no official source we read says plainly whether riding on the throttle alone (without pedalling) is allowed. Check with the Ministry of Transportation.
- How Ontario applies the HTA definition's reference to the repealed federal definition is not explained in any official source we read; the MTO page states 500 W and 32 km/h. Check with the Ministry of Transportation.
- When (or whether) the e-bike class proposal ERO 026-0422 will be decided, and when the Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024 e-bike sections will be proclaimed: no date published on the ERO notice (last updated April 23, 2026) or e-Laws.
Sources
The laws and pages we read for Ontario, with the date we last checked each one. How we research.
- Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, ss. 1(1) ("bicycle", "motor vehicle", "power-assisted bicycle"), 1.2, 7(1), 32(1), 38, 64(2), 103.1, 104, 178, 185, 214 (consolidation from July 1, 2026) Government of Ontario (e-Laws) · Official source · Checked
- O. Reg. 369/09, Power-Assisted Bicycles, ss. 1-7 (consolidation from December 6, 2018) Government of Ontario (e-Laws) · Official source · Checked
- Riding an e-bike (updated July 19, 2024) Ontario Ministry of Transportation · Official source · Checked
- Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.25, ss. 1 ("motor vehicle") and 2(1) Government of Ontario (e-Laws) · Official source · Checked
- Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024, S.O. 2024, c. 21 (Bill 197), ss. 1, 2, 4, 21, 22, 30, 31 Government of Ontario (e-Laws) · Official source · Checked
- ERO 026-0422: Modernizing Ontario's Framework for Power-Assisted Bicycles (E-Bikes), proposal and "Additional Details Summary" Environmental Registry of Ontario (Ministry of Transportation) · Official source · Checked
- O. Reg. 389/19, Pilot Project - Electric Kick-Scooters (revoked November 27, 2029 per O. Reg. 398/24) Government of Ontario (e-Laws) · Official source · Checked
- O. Reg. 141/21, Pilot Project - Cargo Power-Assisted Bicycles (revoked March 1, 2031 per O. Reg. 31/26) Government of Ontario (e-Laws) · Official source · Checked
- Set Fines, Schedule 43 (Highway Traffic Act), last updated January 22, 2026 Ontario Court of Justice · Official source · Checked
- Importing non-regulated vehicles (power-assisted bicycles section) Transport Canada · Official source · Checked
- Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1038, s. 2(1): "power-assisted bicycle" [Repealed, SOR/2020-22, s. 3] (current to 2026-09-30) Justice Laws Website (Government of Canada) · Official source · Checked
Compare with neighbouring provinces
Published by Zeus Ebikes
ebikelaws.ca is a free guide from Zeus Ebikes, a Canadian online e-bike retailer. Whatever e-bike you choose, compare its motor power and speed with your province’s rules before you ride on public roads.