E-BIKES, MOPEDS, SCOOTERS: LICENCING AND INSURANCE
In recent years we are seeing more scooters and motorized bicycles on our roads. There remains some uncertainty on the licencing and insurance requirements for these vehicles.
If you drive an e-bike that meets the Provincial requirements for such a vehicle, you do not need a driver’s licence and you do not need motor vehicle insurance. An e-bike must have steering handlebars, working pedals, an electronic motor not exceeding 500 watts, a maximum speed of 32 km/h and a maximum weight of 120 kg. If those specifications are met, anyone 16 years or older can drive the vehicle on a public road without a licence or insurance. If an e-bike is modified to make it more powerful so that it exceeds 32 km/h the driver could be charged with operating a motor vehicle without a proper licence and insurance.
A moped is a vehicle with pedals that has a maximum speed of 50 km per hour. A scooter (or limited speed motorcycle) is a vehicle that has a maximum speed of 70 km per hour. Both of these vehicle types require a driver to have a motorcycle licence and motor vehicle liability insurance.
It should be noted that Criminal Code impaired driving laws apply equally to e-bikes, mopeds and scooters. If you drive any of these vehicles while impaired you can be convicted of a criminal offence.
About the Authors
Troy Lehman joined Oatley Vigmond in 2006 and became a partner in 2010. As a personal injury lawyer, his greatest satisfaction comes from helping people through to the other side of a difficult time in their lives. “We’re here to help and relieve stress,” Troy says. “When I walk into a first meeting with a client, people are often scared and anxious. And for me, the best thing that can happen at the end of the meeting is that they say, ‘I feel so much better.’