E-bikes
Quebec calls an e-bike a bicyclette assistée. It has pedals, handlebars and two or three wheels, and an electric motor of 500 W or less that stops helping at 32 km/h. The motor can work through the pedals or a throttle, but the bike must be rideable like a regular bicycle. E-bikes can’t be registered.
Riders must be 18 or older. Riders aged 14 to 17 can ride one if they hold a class 6D (moped) licence. A helmet with a rigid shell, padding and a chin strap is required, and riding without one can bring a fine of $60 to $100.
E-bikes can use all public roads except autoroutes and their on- and off-ramps, and follow the same rules as bicycles. The SAAQ notes that injuries in an e-bike crash are generally not covered by the public auto insurance plan unless a motor vehicle in motion is involved.
A bike over these limits is a moped or motorcycle, which must be registered and carry a Transport Canada compliance label.
E-scooters, Onewheels and e-unicycles
Quebec’s pilot project covers any appareil de transport personnel motorisé (ATPM): an electric vehicle with at least one wheel and no enclosed cabin, other than an e-bike, moped, motorcycle or mobility aid (s. 2). That includes e-scooters, Onewheels, e-unicycles and e-skateboards, as long as the device meets the technical rules:
- motors rated at 500 W or less in total, cutting out at 25 km/h (s. 4)
- a weight of 36 kg or less, including the battery (s. 5)
- wheels at least 190 mm across (s. 6), which rules out most e-skateboards
- brakes on each wheel, and reflectors front, back and on the sides (ss. 7, 10)
Many electric unicycles are heavier or more powerful than these limits, so check the specs before riding one on the street.
On the road:
- Riders must be 14 or older and carry proof of age (s. 16).
- A helmet is required (s. 17). On a gyroscopic device or any ATPM without handlebars, riders also need elbow pads, knee pads, full-finger gloves and closed shoes (s. 18).
- ATPMs can’t be ridden on roads posted above 50 km/h, except to cross at an intersection or in a protected bike lane (s. 19).
- No passengers, no earbuds and no handheld phone (ss. 20, 26, 27).
- A white front light and red rear light are required at night (s. 12).
- Whoever maintains a road or bike lane can ban ATPMs from it with a sign (s. 33).
A device that exceeds the power limit brings a $100 fine, and one that exceeds the speed limit a $200 fine (s. 44).
Cities
Municipalities can ban ATPMs from specific streets and bike lanes, and decide which devices are allowed on their own paths and trails away from public roads. At least one Montreal borough has banned e-scooters and e-unicycles from its parks, so check local signs and bylaws.