Hello! Import EBC into Canada?

M

Monsieurbarnes

New Member
Region
Canada
Hi there,

Just joined. I’m in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Home of Wayne Gretzky, and Alexander Graham Bell after Scotland and before USA. I am mostly new to ebikes

I want to buy one in the States and bring it back over the border myself. I have decided on Electric Bike Company’s Model C. Anyone done this? Some official in Ottawa told me that it wouldn’t be allowed through unless I can establish that it complies with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. I believe it does, but they are not being specific. Any info/advice appreciated. :)

B
 
First thought is that stateside, these are bicycles, not motor vehicles. That's a REALLY important distinction.

Second, I know Canada has a 500 watt limit on available power choices, so you would likely need documentation indicating your bike is compliant in that respect. Where you might find documentation to that effect, that might be acceptable, is above my pay grade....

It may be in your best interest to contact border officials and ask them about what, exactly, you would need. If asked properly, betting they could be really helpful.
 
Technically it does not comply by the publicly available numbers, BUT manufacturers have ways around that. It is rated as 1250W peak and 28MPH (45kph) on the website. They may have a Canadian firmware version that is restricted appropriately, and be able to provide a detailed invoice/letter to go with it. But ultimately, you should do 2 things:

1. Contact EBC and see if they will provide documentation that it complies with the Ontario MVA, specifically the 500w, and 32kph restrictions.
2. Contact an authorized EBC retailer/distributor in Ontario and ask if they have found a proper way around the import limitations.
3. You may be able to declare it as "off-road only" to get it in the province, but if you get in an accident or get stopped by the ebike po-po, you could face a ticket at the bare minimum.
 
Many thanks, AHicks and Themartymac. I will let you know of any developments. I think my first stop is with EBC about documents for Customs. I will follow up with Customs and Transport Canada again this week.

I hope they won’t disallow it on the basis of its speed potential. They let cars cross the border all the time that can travel at 200kmh and faster. We really ought to have the same standards. Anyways, keeping in touch.

Cheers,
B
 
PS. We don’t have any EBC dealers or reps in this country. They tell me though that they ship up here all the time. EBC tells me that they could ship it to my door for an extra $1000 USD. Ouch. I will try see what the other options are again before doing this. Getting back to you. Thanks.:)
 
Monsieurbarnes said:
PS. We don’t have any EBC dealers or reps in this country. They tell me though that they ship up here all the time. EBC tells me that they could ship it to my door for an extra $1000 USD. Ouch. I will try see what the other options are again before doing this. Getting back to you. Thanks.:)
Click to expand...
Today I spoke to officials at Canada Border Security Authority, and at Transport Canada. New regulations came into effect over the past few weeks. It seems to all about speed now. One guy told me to ignore the 500w motor. If it has the potential to go more than 32 km/h, it won’t be admitted.

So...wondering how much I want this bike. EBC tells me that they ship to Canada regularly using a Custom, but I am wondering if this is still true, given the new regulations.

That’s my update for now. Let you know what happens.
 
Thanks for this, Timpo. I like the cruiser-style bike with the battery on the rear rack. I also like that it is well reviewed and appears to be made with quality components in the US. It looks like a fun bike, when you add all the customizations to it. I would probably order mine black with red rims. The only one other one I have seen similar is the Pedego. If you see anything else,’pls let me know. Cheers.:)
 
I still don't see any threads about people who have actually ordered and received an ebc bike who live in Canada and are able to share any issues about border or customs problems or regulations concerning motor wattage limits etc .
 
Update:. I paid EBC who in turn paid a customs broker to import a Model C into Canada. If you successfully bring an ebike across the border yourself I think you’ll save around $500. There was a chance of it not getting through though as Canadian and Ontario ebike regulations differ from California’s. It added up to being a big hassle so I opted to let professionals handle it. I got the US-made ebike this week. I am not ready to write a review yet, but I quite like it so far.:)
 
Monsieurbarnes said:
Update:. I paid EBC who in turn paid a customs broker to import a Model C into Canada. If you successfully bring an ebike across the border yourself I think you’ll save around $500. There was a chance of it not getting through though as Canadian and Ontario ebike regulations differ from California’s. It added up to being a big hassle so I opted to let professionals handle it. I got the US-made ebike this week. I am not ready to write a review yet, but I quite like it so far.:)
Click to expand...
Well done Monsieur, I think the broker categorizes as a commodity, pays CA duty , tracks and insures your valuable eBike.
Pictures?
Mike
 
Monsieurbarnes said:
Update:. I paid EBC who in turn paid a customs broker to import a Model C into Canada. If you successfully bring an ebike across the border yourself I think you’ll save around $500. There was a chance of it not getting through though as Canadian and Ontario ebike regulations differ from California’s. It added up to being a big hassle so I opted to let professionals handle it. I got the US-made ebike this week. I am not ready to write a review yet, but I quite like it so far.:)
Click to expand...

So how much did you end up paying? Just to get an idea of what to expect.
 
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