The problem is that Toronto publishes ebike laws in a disorganized, haphazard and confusing manner. I did look up the laws before I posted in case there had been any changes. I probably misinterpreted them since I've owned both a scooter and a bicycle style ebike and had to figure out the laws for each separately. Here's one example from the City of Toronto's website which shows what a dog's breakfast their laws are:
"
Types of e-bikes
Pedelecs
E-bikes, which are similar to bicycles (“Pedelecs”) are considered to be bicycles by the municipality of Toronto, and
may be used on all types of cycling infrastructure: painted bike lanes, Cycle Tracks (separated bicycle lanes)
and multi-use trails. By it’s definition in the Toronto Municipal Code, a “pedelec” must weigh less than 40kg and requires pedaling for propulsion.
E-Scooters
“E-scooters” may not be used on multi-use trails or Cycle Tracks (separated bike lanes). E-scooters are vehicles which meet the provincial definition of an e-bike, but not the City’s of Toronto’s definition of a Pedelec.
The Province stipulates that e-bike riders must be 16+.
For more information please visit the
Ontario Ministry of Transportation page.
Toronto City Council adopted
2014 Decision on electric bikes
Motorized vehicles
(including e-bikes) may not be used on park multi-use paths. If a motorized vehicle is used on a park path, the
rider/driver may be fined $305.00 by bylaw enforcement officers."
So first they say pedelec e-bikes can be used on all cycling infrastructure including multi use paths. Then they say all e-bikes are "motorized vehicles" and cannot be used on multi use paths. And we're juggling two definitions of ebike here, one provincial and one municipal.
Is it any wonder that cops pull people over and impound their ebikes based on misinterpretations of the laws? Or that people ride where they're not supposed to because they're confused about where they can ride?
