What are "the rules" for an electric bike?

[Reveeen]

Anybody know..........links?

[Jim]

Try to be more specific with your question... Which rules? Registration? What province? What do you mean by electric bike?

[MICRider]

Not sure where you are located, but here in Alberta to qualify as an electric bike it has to have less than a 500 watt motor and not go any faster than 32 kmh. I think you used to be limited to 35 kilograms in weight as well, but I think in July 2009 they dropped the weight restriction.

So, from what I gather (for here at least), as long as it is 500 watts or less and goes no faster than 32 kilometeres an hour it is classed as an electric assisted bicycle and requires no insurance or registration to be ridden on public roads. I think you are supposed to be over 12 as well. Seeing as helmets are mandatory on bicycle riders here under age 16 I would guess a helmet is mandatory as well (and I wouldn't ride anything without one!)

I have heard that the rules jump around a lot though, so I would double check with your motor vehicles branch before commiting to buying anything.

Regards,
Stew