Canada eBike Regulations Guide

Select Your Province to See Regulations

Electric Bike Regulations in Canada

Electrical assisted bikes, or eBikes, have become increasingly popular, and chances are you have seen a few of your friends zipping around the roads on them. Whether you are a first-time electric bike owner, or you are upping your game by getting a QuietKat, there are some electric bike regulations in Canada that you need to be aware of before you take on the road or the off road. Luckily, our Canada electric bike regulations guide will help you stay legal while you are having fun.


Overview of Electric Bike Regulations in Canada

Currently, eBikes are accepted for use in 10 provinces in Canada. The provinces that have defined eBike regulations are Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. While each province has some unique regulations (more on that below), in general, if you follow these below regulations, you should be within Canada’s electric bike regulations. Make sure you know these basics before you hit the road.

  • Output: The maximum output for electric bikes in Canada is 500 watts. Watt (or w) means how much energy capacity your bike’s battery and usually indicates the range of your eBike. The QuieKat Villager Urban E-Bike is one option that you can look into, as it is has a 500w battery.
  • Speed: You may feel the need for speed but know the limits. Canada caps eBikes to a maximum speed of 32 km/h from the motor over level ground.
  • Licence: In many provinces, you do not need a licence to operate an eBike in Canada. Since 2000, Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations have specified eBikes otherwise known as assist bicycles or power-assisted bicycles as a separate category from combustion engine vehicles which require a licence to operate. Canada currently defines eBikes as two- or three-wheeled bicycles which operate with pedals and a battery-powered motor. The main takeaways here are your electric bike must have pedal assist and be battery powered. Luckily, all QuietKat’s models are both.
  • Helmet: In all providences in Canada, it is recommended that eBike riders wear an approved helmet while operating their vehicle.
  • Age: Restrictions differ vary in Canada from province to province. Many allow riders as young as 16 to operate an eBike, while others et the limit at 18. Before you head out, be sure to check the age restrictions in the province where you’ll be riding your eBike.

Electric Bike Regulations by Province

E-Bike regulations can differ from province to province. Before you start touring the city streets or the dirt roads, be sure to check the regulations for each province. To help you stay street legal, we put together an electric bike regulation guide for each Canadian province.

Click the provinces below to learn more about provincial regulations:


Alberta Electric Bike Regulations

Canada’s fourth most populous province has a lot to offer those that want to explore. Besides being home to nature lover’s bucket list destinations like Banff, Jasper and the Rocky Mountains, Calgary’s pathway systems are a biker’s dream. But like many other provinces in Canada, Alberta does have some eBike regulations you need to know before you go.

What is the maximum output and speed for electric bikes in Alberta?

Alberta limits electric bikes to 500 watts and a top speed of 32km/h.

Do I need a licence to operate my eBike in Alberta?

In Alberta, you do not need a driver’s licence, vehicle insurance, or registration. However, eBike riders must be at least 12 years.

Do I need to wear a helmet when I ride my ebike in Alberta?

Yes, you need to wear a helmet. Alberta requires eBike users to wear a motorcycle helmet which is standard than a standard bicycle helmet.

What other eBike regulations are there in Alberta?

Alberta allows additional passengers on eBikes only if the pedal-assisted eBike is equipped with a designated passenger seat. Additionally, in Calgary, you can face fines if you don’t follow traffic rules. For instance, there is a $100 fine for failing to yield before entering a roadway, sidewalk, or pathway.

British Columbia Electric Bike Regulations


Canada’s most westerly and third-largest province has tons to offer locals and visitors alike. With six National Parks and cites world-renowned cities, like Vancouver, this Canadian province begs to be explored by bike, and what better than one you don’t have to pedal consistently? However, British Columbia’s laws for eBikes can seem confusing, so make sure you pick the best eBike that is both street and park legal.

What is the maximum speed for eBikes in British Columbia?

The top sped for ebikes in British Columbia is 32 km/h on level ground without pedalling. Additionally, the electric motor must be 500 watts or less and have bicycle-style pedals that allow you to manually propel it.

Does British Columbia require a licence to operate an eBike?

No, you do not need a licence to ride an eBike in British Columbia, but riders must be at least 16 years of age.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

Yes, you will need to wear a standard bicycle helmet while operating your eBike.

Can I ride my electric bike on the highway in British Columbia?

In 2002, the British Columbia government adopted Section 1.2.1 of the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Act (CMVSA). In doing so, they became Canada’s first province to legally authorize the use of electric bikes on the highway. You won’t need a licence to ride your eBike on the highway, but you will need to abide by traffic laws and wear a helmet. You can check out the full eBike regulations here.

Are eBikes allowed on park trains in British Columbia?

British Columbia has three classifications for eBikes. Class 1 eBikes can ride on any B.C. Park trails where biking is already allowed. Since B.C. regulates Class 2 and 3 eBikes as motorized vehicles, they can only ride on trails designated for motor vehicles. Riders who fail to comply could face fines up to $575.

Manitoba Electric Bike Regulations


Whether you are cruising around Winnipeg’s numerous bike paths or you have your sights set on The Great Trail, the world’s longest network of recreational multi-use trails, our eBikes are ready for just about anything you throw at them. Manitioba’s electric bike laws are a bit different from other provinces, so make sure you read our guide, so you stay in compliance and have a great ride.


How are electric bikes classified in Manitoba?

Power-assisted bikes (or eBikes) can be classified the same as a scooter or even a moped depending on the engine’s power and the vehicle’s top speed. E-bike motors that are less than 50cc and do not exceed 50 km/h, then you don’t need a motorcycle permit or licence. If your eBike exceeds these limits, then you are required to be at least 16 years of age and have a Class 5 driver’s licence.

Do I need to wear a helmet when riding my eBike in Manitoba?

Whether you are operating or a passenger on a power-assisted bicycle, Manitoba electric bike regulations require you to wear a helmet. The helmet must fit properly and be able to be fastened.

How old do you have to be to operate an electric bike in Manitoba?

As long as your electric bike is not classified as a motorcycle, then the minimum age for operating a power-assisted bicycle is 14 years of age.

Do eBikes in Manitoba require lights?

Yes, eBikes in Manitoba are required to have a white light at the front of the bicycle and a red or amber reflector in the rear, Manitoba does encourage that eBikes should have a red light at the rear as you will be more visible to motorists.

What other eBike regulations are there in Manitoba that I should know?

Throughout most of Manitoba, and especially in cities like Winnipeg, eBikes are not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks. Manitoba advises cyclists to ride as close to the curb as possible. Cyclists are also required to ride in single file and to use hand signals when turning and stopping.

New Brunswick Electric Bike Regulations

New Brunswick electric bike regulations are strictly defined, and the province insists that all riders follow them as closely as possible or face a fine. But don’t worry, most of these regulations fall in line with Canada’s regulations as a whole, with a few new minor exceptions. As soon as you read through the regulations here, you’ll be ready to tackle the many multi-use bike paths in New Brunswick.

What is the maximum output an eBike can have in New Brunswick?

Power-assisted bicycles or eBikes are limited to an electric motor with no more than 500 watts.

How fast can you go on an eBike in New Brunswick?

E-bikes cannot travel faster than 32 km/h and have fully operable pedals. This means the electric motor must disengage when the rifer stops pedalling.

Are throttles allowed on eBikes in New Brunswick?

Yes, your eBike can have a throttle or accelerator controller.

What other regulations are there on electric bikes in New Brunswick?

E-Bike riders must use a regular attached and the number of people that can ride an E-bike is limited to what the bike was originally designed for. Wheel rims must be larger than 22 cm with the seat at least 68 cm away from the ground. Additionally, electric bikes need to have a forward-facing white colour light as well as a rear-facing red deflector or red-coloured light if operating at night.




Electric Bike Regulations for Newfoundland & Labrador

Canada’s most easterly province is one of the youngest and most culturally diverse. When you aren’t taking in the rich artist communities or sampling the amazing food, you’ll be wanting to explore the province’s rugged coast, and there is no better way than on an electric bike. However, Newfoundland’s eBike regulations differ from Labrador’s so be sure to read through our guide to ensure you are road-ready.

Is there a limit on the output for electric bikes in Newfoundland and Labrador?

For both Newfoundland and Labrador, the output limit on eBikes is 500 watts and limit speeds to 32 km/h. Additionally, eBikes must have fully operable pedals and the motor must disengage when you stop pedalling.

Do I need a licence to operate my eBike in Newfoundland and Labrador?

In New Brunswick, there is no age limit or licence requirement to operate an eBike, as long as the bike is in line with current New Brunswick regulations.

Labrador has its own set of unique regulations. E-Bike owners in Labrador who are over the age of 18 do not need a licence. However, cyclists between ages 14-17 need to have a permit that allows them authorization to operate an eBike.

Do I need to wear a helmet when I ride in New Brunswick and Labrador?

Following Canada’s federal electric bike regulations, in both New Brunswick and Labrador you are required to wear a helmet when operating an eBike.

Do I need a headlight on my eBike in New Brunswick and Labrador?

In short, yes. If you plan to operate your eBike close to sunset, then you are required to have a white-coloured front-facing light and a red-coloured reflector or light on the eBikes rear. In Labrador, regardless of the time of day, you need must always have a reflector attached to the front and rear of your bike. Also, Labrador requires that if you are riding on a highway later than one hour before sunset and earlier than one hour before sunrise you must have your lights on.

We advise if you are riding your bike in either province to go ahead and outfit it with both front and rear-facing lights. QuiteKat sells both front and taillights for eBikes so you can be legal and safe while on the road.

Nova Scotia Electric Bike Regulations

If you think of dreamy landscapes surrounded by a beautiful coastline when you think of Nova Scotia, well, you’d be right. And the province’s coast along with the famous Cabot Trail is probably at the type of most cyclist’s bucket list. Like other provinces in Canada, there are specific eBike regulations for Nova Scotia, but luckily, they generally follow Canada’s federal regulations. Still, make sure to read through them before you begin sightseeing.

What is the maximum output for eBikes in Nova Scotia?

E-bikes, or electrically motor-powered bikes as they are sometimes referred to, are limited to 500 watts or less in Nova Scotia.

What is the speed limit for eBikes in Nova Scotia?

Like most provinces, the speed limit is 32 km/h on a flat surface and under its own power in Nova Scotia for electric bikes.

Do you have to wear a helmet on Nova Scotia when riding an eBike?

Yes, riders are required to wear a helmet that has a functioning chin strap.

What are some other eBike regulations in Nova Scotia?

In Nova Scotia, cyclists are required to ride on the right-hand side of the road and stay within one meter of the curb or road’s edge, as long as it is safe for you to do so. In general, eBikes are allowed on roads and trails, unless otherwise posted, since Nova Scotia does not classify them as motor vehicles.

Ontario Electric Bike Regulations

With the majestic Niagara Falls in its backyard and a thriving city like Toronto within its borders, there is a good reason that Ontario is Canada’s most populous province by a wide margin. And with bike paths that loop around beaches, country roads, and historic sites, having an electric bike in Toronto and for Ontario will give you a chance to see and do more. Electric bike regulations for Ontario fall in line with Canada’s federal regulations for the most part but read through our guide to make sure you are in accordance.

Does Ontario require a licence for electric bikes?

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act states that you can ride an eBike without a driver’s licence, but you must be at least 16 years of age to operate an eBike. However, if your driver’s licence was suspended because of a conviction under the Criminal Code of Canada, you cannot legally operate an e-bike

What is the maximum legal output for eBikes in Ontario?

Your electric bike output cannot exceed 500 watts and a speed greater than 32km/h.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

Yes, any eBike riders and passengers must wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet.

What other Ontario electric bike regulations should I know about?

If you remove the pedals from your eBike or pedelec, then it will no longer be considered an electric bike and will be illegal. Ontario also requires that eBikes weigh no more a 120kg, or it will be considered a moped or motorcycle. Additionally, you can carry passengers on your eBike if it’s designed to carry more than one rider.

While Ontario has its own eBike regulations, other municipalities can make laws regarding use in bicycle lanes or on multi-use trails.

Prince Edward Island Electric Bike Regulations

Canada’s smallest province has no shortage of fantastic biking trails. With the Confederation Trail and seemingly endless scenery, an electric bike can save you some time for some more in-depth exploring of P.E.I. However, Prince Edward Island eBike regulations are vastly different than other provinces, so you’ll want to make sure you read them closely before venturing out onto the open road.

Do I need a licence to operate an eBike on Prince Edward Island?

Yes, you will need a valid driver’s licence to operate your eBike on Prince Edward Island? The province classifies eBikes as limited-speed motorcycles under the Highway Traffic Act. Further, you mustregister your eBike before you can operate it legally.

Does Prince Edward Island require you to wear a helmet?

Yes, all riders and passengers must wear a proper helmet that can be fastened securely.

Does my eBike need to have a headlight?

Prince Edward Island eBike regulations require that your bike have a white-coloured light in the front and a red-coloured light in the back. It’s also suggested that you wear highly reflective clothing for easier visibility at dawn and nighttime.

What other Prince Edward Island regulations for eBikes should I know of?

P.E.I. bike regulations state that you should keep both hands on your handlebars except when signalling. They also state that cyclists should ride in a single file when possible and dismount their eBikes when entering a crosswalk.

Quebec Electric Bike Regulations

The “Europe of the North” certainly has a lot to offer travellers and especially those that take on this province on two wheels. Both Quebec City and Montreal are ranked near the top of bike-friendliest cities in the world. E-Bikes are regulated differently than your standard bicycle, so you’ll want to read through our guide to make sure you are on the up and up before you go.

Do I need a license to ride my eBike in Quebec?

If you are over 18, you do not need a license to ride your eBike in Quebec. Riders between the ages of 14-17 will need a Cass 6D licence that authorizes them to operate a scooter, eBike, or moped. Additionally, the minimum wage in Quebec for an eBike is 14.

Do I need to register my electric bike in Quebec?

No, you don’t need to register your eBike in Quebec.

Do I need a helmet when riding my eBike in Quebec?

You sure do. All eBike riders need a helmet that has a sturdy shell and a padded interior.

Does Quebec have a limit on Ebike output and speeds?

Yes, Quebec limits eBikes to 500 watts and a speed limit of 32 km/h.

Can I ride an eBike on highways in Quebec?

Quebec does not allow eBikes on highways, including on-ramps and exit ramps. However, you can ride on all public roadways unless otherwise stated.

Saskatchewan Electric Bike Regulations

If you’re looking to get away from it all, then let us introduce you to Saskatchewan. This landlocked province has no shortage of beaches thanks to its roughly 100,00 lakes and seemingly endless miles of scenic bike paths. Plus, Saskatchewan’s eBike regulations are pretty laid back compared to other provinces, but there are still some rules to the road. Read on to make sure you are in the right before exploring all Sask has to offer, like those purples sand beaches.

What is the limit on eBikes output and speed in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan limits eBikes to an output of 500 watts and a speed limit of 32 km/h.

Do I need a licence or registration for my eBike in Saskatchewan?

No, you do not need a licence to operate an eBike in Saskatchewan. The province also does not require you to register your eBike. However, you must be 14 years of age or older to ride an electric bike in Saskatchewan.

Does Saskatchewan require you to wear a helmet?

Yes, you are required to wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet when operating your eBike. Passengers must also wear helmets when the bike is in motion.

QuiteKat Bikes in Canada


Now that you know all the rules and regulations for electric bikes in Canada and its provinces, you just need an eBike. QuietKat has some of the best eBikes available in Canada and models for city slickers and off-road rough riders. Currently, we have these QuietKat models available in Canada with more to come soon:

Apex: As the name implies this is one of our best eBikes in our catalogue. Our mid-drive electric bike can take just about anything you throw at it, thanks to the adjustable air suspension, 4-Piston Hydraulic Brakes, and a 9-speed drivetrain.

Ranger: This mid-drive electric bike is built for the rough and tumble, but you won’t be feeling most of those road bumps thanks to the updated frame geometry paired with focused weight distribution to optimize ride quality and handling. With its range of 40 miles on battery, you can explore more of the parries, mountains, and forests that Canada offers.

Villager: Designed for commuting and all those stops in between; the Villager is an eBike made for taking on city streets and urban trails. The step-thru frame design makes it easy to get on and off and the 500-watt motor paired with 203mm disc brakes has enough power to climb inclines and enough stopping power to slow down when you need it most.

Ripper: We just don’t make electric bikes for adults. Our Ripper model electric bike for kids is a scaled-down model but made with our same tough-as-nails approach including a removable thumb throttle, mechanical disc brakes, and an adjustable coil suspension. The hardest part may be trying to get your rug rat off it.

My Cart Close

YOU HAVE NO ITEMS IN YOUR SHOPPING CART.