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Do you need a license to drive an electric bike in Canada?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 13, 2026

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.

Does Electric Bike need license in Canada?

Owning an Electric Bike in Canada is easy. These vehicles are also known as power-assisted bicycles, electric scooters, e-bikes, and e-scooters, and the laws for them are very similar to a traditional bicycle. They require no license, plates, or insurance to own or operate.

Do I need a license to drive an Electric Bike?

Electric bikes (EAPC's) are an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative means of transport for drivers who are disqualified from driving. Electric bikes that meet certain specific technical requirements do not need to be registered, insured, taxed and no licence is required to ride them.

Can I ride an Electric Bike with a car licence?

If you do have a car licence:

If your Full car licence was obtained before 1st Dec 2001, you can ride a 30mph electric motorbike without L-plates or a CBT certificate. If it was obtained after 1st Dec 2001, you must have a CBT certificate first.

Can anyone ride an Electric Bike?

You can ride an electric bike if you're 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements. These electric bikes are known as 'electrically assisted pedal cycles' ( EAPCs ). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.

25 related questions found

Can you ride electric bike on pavement?

The short answer is yes - you absolutely can. Nothing could stop you from riding your fat electric bike on a regular pavement or a city road.

Why are e-bikes limited to 15 mph?

“E-bikes are not 'unlicensed motorbikes' as they've been labelled in some reports. “A speed of 15.5mph is just a tad too slow when it comes to being safe going through traffic.” Current laws restrict e-bikes to 15.5mph – or 25km/h – which means when you hit that speed, the engine will cut out.

Do you need a license to drive an electric motorcycle in Ontario?

The province of Ontario allows you to operate or own an e-bike without a license. Compared to motor vehicles, e-bikes are safer and easier to operate. Its power and speed limitations, as well as its safety built-in features and ease of use, make formal training and licensing unnecessary.

What license do I need to drive electric motorbike?

Electric Motorcycles

Electric Motorbikes / Mopeds that are capable of getting to speeds in excess of 28mph are classed as L3e-A1. There is no speed restriction however you must be 17 or above and have passed a CBT course OR have a full motorcycle licence.

How fast is a 250W ebike?

How Fast Can A 250W Electric Bike Go? It is approx 20 mph, a 250-watt electric bike can goes 20 mph (32.19 km/h) on flat ground.

Are throttle electric bikes legal?

It's mainly down to the laws and regulations on electric bikes that mean we are unable to sell ebikes with throttles. In the UK, bikes with throttles are classed as a motorbike and you will need to get a licence, register the bike and tax it.

What is the legal speed limit for electric bikes?

In the United States, federal law (the Consumer Product Safety Act, to be specific) defines a “low-speed electric bicycle” as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle, with a maximum motor output of 750 watts and assistance limited to 20mph.

Can I import an ebike to Canada?

A power-assisted bicycle may be imported and exported freely from Canada without the same restrictions, taxes, or levies placed on automobiles, motorcycles and other combustion engine vehicles.

Is a 750 watt ebike legal in Canada?

Electric bikes with 750W or 1000W motors appear to be allowed in some off-road areas but there are restrictions. In a nutshell, ebikes with over 500 watts are not considered street-legal in Canada.

Is electric scooter legal in Canada?

In Canada, electric scooters are not legal on public roads. However, it is legal to use them on private property and sidewalks.

Why are electric bikes legal but not scooters?

The law treats the e-scooter very differently, at least at present. The electric scooter is a powered vehicle (technically a Personal Light Electric Vehicle), and therefore unlike the e-bike, it is classed as a motor vehicle under the road traffic legislation.

Do you need a license to drive a 49cc scooter in Ontario?

In ONTARIO a motorcycle license is required for all scooters, mopeds and motorcycles regardless of engine size. Insurance is also required.

Can I ride electric scooter on road?

Privately-owned e-scooters, which are widely available to buy online, are illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements. The only place a private e-scooter can be used is on private land, with the permission of the landowner.

Are electric scooters legal in Ontario?

E-scooter requirements

E-scooters allowed under the pilot must have: a maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface. a maximum weight of 45 kg. a maximum power output of 500 watts.

How fast does a 1000w eBike go?

A 1000-watt electric bike will take you at speeds of up to roughly 35mph, varying depending on factors such as weight, terrain, and personal preference.

Can electric bikes go up steep hills?

Can electric bikes go up steep hills? Yes, e-bikes are definitely more than equipped to handle steep hills. There are two types of motors that you can get in an e-bike. There are HUB motors and mid-drive motors.

Can you use electric bikes in the rain?

In essence, yes you can! An electric bike's compartments, including its motor, battery pack, display and connection points are all cleverly designed with closed units to accommodate wet weather and the usual splashes of water that you'd expect while riding in the rain.

What are the disadvantages of electric bikes?

The Cons of Electric Bikes

  • Electric Bikes May Cost More Than Traditional Bicycles. eBikes typically cost more to buy and maintain than traditional bikes. ...
  • Electric Bikes Can Be Hefty. ...
  • Electric Bike Riding Rules Aren't Always Clear. ...
  • Electric Bike Batteries Can Be a Hassle.

Is there tax on electric bikes in Canada?

Canadian buyers pay GST or HST, based on the province they live in. BC buyers pay GST+PST on kits, parts and ebikes. Bikes with conversion takes 5% GST on all and 7%PST on conversion kit only.

Is there duty on bikes from US to Canada?

Importing a complete, assembled bicycle will cost you 13 per cent in duty. If you're just bringing the frame in, that's a five per cent tariff, and if you're importing complete wheels, there's a 6.5 per cent tariff. Anyone importing bikes will pay — whether you're an online shopper, or major bike company.