Owning an Electric Bike in Canada: What You Need to Know
Owning and riding an electric bike in Canada is simple and accessible. These vehicles, commonly referred to as power-assisted bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters and e-scooters, are governed by laws similar to those for traditional bicycles. The good news is that in most cases, no license, license plates, or insurance are required to own or operate an e-bike in Canada.
In Canada, Power Assisted Bicycles are regulated by federal law, which sets standards for motor power, speed limits, and equipment requirements. However, each province has the flexibility to introduce additional rules, such as minimum age limits or safety guidelines. Local municipalities also have the authority to decide where electric bikes and scooters can be used, including restrictions on sidewalks, bike lanes, and
Electric bikes are becoming more popular than ever across Canada. Whether you’re commuting to work, exploring city trails, or enjoying the outdoors, e-bikes offer a clean, efficient, and fun way to get around. But with growing interest comes an important question: Are 750-watt e-bikes legal in Canada?
This updated 2025 guide covers everything you need to know about e-bike laws in Canada, including motor power limits, provincial regulations, licensing, insurance requirements, and where you can legally ride.
What Makes an E-Bike Legal in Canada?
In Canada, federal law sets specific requirements for e-bikes to be considered legal for use on public roads:
- Maximum motor power: 500 watts
- Top assisted speed: 32 km/h (20 mph)
- Motor must only assist while pedaling (no throttle-only operation)
- Bike must have working pedals
These rules apply nationwide, but provinces and cities may have additional regulations you need to follow.
Can You Legally Ride a 750-Watt E-Bike in Canada?
While the federal standard limits e-bikes to 500 watts, some provinces allow the use of more powerful e-bikes with motors up to 750 watts. These higher-powered models can provide stronger acceleration, better performance on hills, and greater flexibility for adventure or utility riders.
Provinces That Allow 750-Watt E-Bikes:
- British Columbia (BC)
- Alberta (AB)
Provinces That Enforce the 500-Watt Limit:
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Nova Scotia
Before purchasing or riding a 750-watt e-bike, it’s always a good idea to double-check the latest local regulations and bylaws in your city or province.
Do You Need a License to Ride a 750-Watt E-Bike?
In most Canadian provinces, you do not need a driver’s license, registration, or insurance to ride an e-bike that meets the legal power and speed limits. However, there are some exceptions:
- Quebec: Riders between 14 and 17 years old must have a Class 6D license (the same license used for mopeds and scooters). Adults aged 18 and older do not need a license.
- In British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and most other provinces, no license is required for standard e-bikes.
Do You Need Insurance for a 750-Watt E-Bike?
Insurance is not legally required to ride an e-bike in Canada, but it is something to consider, especially for more powerful models:
- Some home insurance policies may offer limited coverage for e-bike
What about UL Certification?
UL certification ensures that an electric bike's electrical components meet rigorous safety standards for fire and electrical risk, which is especially important for battery systems. While UL certification is not currently required under Canadian federal e-bike laws, some provinces and retailers increasingly recommend or prefer UL-compliant models to support consumer safety and reduce liability.
Looking for a Legal E-Bike in Canada? Amego Can Help
At Amego Electric Vehicles, we offer a range of e-bikes that can be adjusted to meet Canadian regulations. Many of our models come with motor controllers that can be easily configured to limit the output to 500 watts, making them compliant for use in provinces with stricter e-bike laws.
Whether you need a powerful ride for British Columbia or Alberta, or a compliant option for Ontario or Quebec, we’re here to help you find the perfect e-bike for your needs. Visit our store or contact us anytime to learn more.
Helpful Resources on Electric Bike and E-Scooter Laws in Canada
- Government of Canada: Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations
- City of Calgary: E-Bike and E-Scooter Bylaws and Safety Guidelines
- City of Toronto: Classification of Electric Scooters, E-Bikes, Mopeds, and Motor Scooters
- Province of Ontario: Frequently Asked Questions: E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and Power-Assisted Bicycles
- City of Montreal Police Guidelines: Safety and Legal Information on Power-Assisted Bicycles
- Province of Quebec: Rules for Electric Bicycles, E-Scooters, and Power-Assisted Bikes
- City of Ottawa: Cycling Safety and Power-Assisted Bicycle Guidelines
