About cargo e-bikes

Cargo e-bikes are a type of electric-powered bike with a platform or box to carry larger items like packages and boxes for deliveries.

Businesses can use cargo e-bikes:

  • as another way to deliver products
  • to reduce their carbon footprint
  • as an alternative to larger delivery trucks

People can also use cargo e-bikes to transport larger items for personal purposes.

There are different kinds of cargo e-bikes, such as:

  • two-wheeled design with open cargo container in the front
  • tricycle design with enclosed cargo box at the rear
  • reverse tricycle design with enclosed cargo box in the front

About the pilot program

The cargo e-bike pilot program lets municipalities choose where and how cargo e-bikes can be used. The pilot will run from March 1, 2021, to March 1, 2026.

The pilot program sets out requirements, such as:

  • helmet requirements
  • minimum age for operators
  • size and speed restrictions

Municipalities that choose to allow cargo e-bikes are responsible for how cargo e-bikes are managed in their municipality. This includes determining:

  • where cargo e-bikes can be used (for example, on roads and bike paths, in parks and on trails)
  • where cargo e-bikes can park
  • how to monitor and report on the use of cargo e-bikes under the pilot
  • if insurance is required (the type and coverage)
  • how people can give feedback on cargo e-bike use in their municipality
  • other considerations relevant to the municipality

After the pilot

We will use the information gathered from municipalities during the pilot to help determine if cargo e-bikes will be allowed permanently in Ontario and what the rules will be.

Municipalities

Municipalities that want cargo e-bikes to operate on their roads must:

  • pass a by-law to allow their use
  • email the Ministry of Transportation at REO@ontario.ca
  • share a copy of their by-law

Each participating municipality must:

  • send the ministry an annual report on how their local pilot program is working
  • follow municipal guidelines that outline best practices for the program

How to participate

If you or your business want to participate in the pilot program, you must follow the:

Check with your municipality to find out whether cargo e-bikes are allowed, If they are, find out what rules and requirements apply.

Requirements

Cargo e-bike requirements

Cargo e-bikes allowed under the pilot must:

  • have a traditional bicycle design
  • be electric-powered with a maximum power output of 1000 watts
  • have a maximum power-assisted speed of 32 km/h
  • have pedals to propel the bicycle at all times
  • have a platform, basket or container for carrying cargo, parcels or goods
  • have steering handlebars
  • weigh more than 55 kilograms
  • be a maximum width of 1.3 metres
  • be a maximum length of 4.0 metres
  • be a maximum height of 2.2 metres
  • have wheels with a minimum width of 35 millimeters and a minimum diameter of 350 millimeters
  • have two or three wheels
  • have brakes
  • have a horn or bell
  • have one white light in front, one red light in rear and reflective material on the sides
  • not fully enclose occupants (partial enclosures over occupants are permitted)
  • not be deemed a motor vehicle

There is no maximum weight limit.

Driver requirements

The person driving a cargo e-bike under the pilot must:

  • be at least 16 years of age
  • allow passengers only if the passenger is using a seat designed for passenger use (the seat must be manufactured as part of the vehicle)
  • wear a helmet (passengers must also wear a helmet)
  • not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating a cargo e-bike (consequences under the Criminal Code of Canada may apply)
  • use the cargo e-bike in the bicycle lane or to the right-most side of the road (where permitted)
  • ensure that any load is loaded, bound, secured, contained or covered so that no portion of the load may become dislodged or fall, leak, spill or blow from the cargo e-bike

The person driving a cargo e-bike is not permitted to:

  • tow devices or vehicles
  • carry dangerous or hazardous goods
  • leave the vehicle in a location that is intended for vehicles or pedestrians (for example, bicycle lane or sidewalk)
  • operate the cargo e-bike on major highways (for example, 400-series highways, QEW, etc.)
  • modify the vehicle

Duty to report a collision

If you’re riding a cargo e-bike and it is involved in a collision with a person, vehicle or animal and causes injury or property damage, you must:

  • report the incident to the police
  • give any information requested about the event

Other requirements

As with regular bicycles or e-bikes, all Highway Traffic Act rules of the road apply to cargo e-bikes. Penalties will also apply to violations of the pilot regulation (fines of $250 to $2,500). Police enforce violations of the pilot regulations.

For the full list of pilot requirements, please see Ontario Regulation Cargo E-Bikes.