Toronto supports proposal that could require licences for some e-bike riders

Over the past few years, you've probably noticed a growing number of motorcycle-style e-bikes zipping through bike lanes and making food deliveries across Toronto.

The increasingly common (and controversial) vehicles could soon face stricter regulations, after the Toronto City Council unanimously backed a provincial proposal that would require some riders to obtain a licence and insurance.

This week, the council voted 26-0 to support changes being considered by Ontario that would create new classes of e-bikes and establish separate requirements for electric vehicles that more closely resemble mopeds or motorcycles.

The move comes as concerns over e-bike safety continue to grow in Toronto, with issues ranging from speeding complaints to bike lane conflicts and lithium-ion battery fires.

Last month, Ontario's Ministry of Transportation launched a public consultation on proposed updates to the province's e-bike regulations. The province says the range and capabilities of electric vehicles have evolved significantly since power-assisted bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes, were formally recognized under the Highway Traffic Act.

The proposed changes were enabled through amendments included in the Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024, which expanded the province's ability to update the definition of e-bikes and create different classes of vehicles with "tailored" safety and operating requirements.

Among the most notable proposed changes is the creation of two new categories of e-bikes, based on factors like weight and how they're powered. Municipalities, such as Toronto, would likely then be able to determine exactly where those classes of e-bikes could operate, including on roads, trails, and bike lanes.

Vehicles that don't fit within either category, including some motorcycle and moped-style models with panelled frames, could face stricter requirements. Under the proposal, these types of vehicles could require insurance and an M-class driver's licence to operate.

Under Ontario's current definition, a power-assisted bicycle (or e-bike) is a bicycle with an electric motor that has a handlebar for steering, two or three wheels, working pedals, an electric motor, and a braking system.

Those who ride e-bikes must also be at least 16 years old, wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet, keep their bike in good working order, and follow the same rules of the road as other cyclists.

In Ontario, e-bikes must also have a maximum assisted speed of 32 km/h, a maximum weight of 120 kg (including the weight of the bike and battery), and an electric motor not exceeding 500 watts.

While supporting the province's proposal, Toronto city council also called for additional changes, including requests from Councillor Diane Saxe, who asked the province to lower the allowable weight limit for e-bikes and strengthen braking requirements.

Several additional motions also passed, including one from Councillor and mayoral candidate Brad Bradford, which asked city staff to report back in December on a potential ban preventing motorcycle-style e-bikes from using bike lanes, as well as regulatory changes that would allow police to seize e-bikes from riders who repeatedly break the rules.

Meanwhile, Mayor Olivia Chow also successfully advanced motions directing staff to examine safe lithium-ion battery storage, as well as public education on e-bike safety. Both Bradford's and Chow's amendments were incorporated into the council motion.

Safety concerns surrounding e-bikes have only increased thanks to several high-profile battery fires over the years. One of the most notable incidents occurred on New Year's Eve in 2023, when an e-bike caught fire aboard a TTC Line 1 train at Sheppard-Yonge Station.

The TTC currently prohibits e-bikes and scooters on its vehicles and property between Nov. 15 and April 15 each year. GO Transit also maintains specific rules for e-bikes. All e-bike batteries must meet standard UL or CE requirements, and cannot weigh more than 55 kg on GO trains or 25 kg (with the battery removed) on GO buses.

Any e-bikes that resemble mopeds, motor scooters, or motorcycles are not permitted on any GO trains or buses, or on platforms and in tunnels.