Vancouver E-Bike Laws & Regulations
Everything you need to know about e-biking legally in Vancouver, BC
Quick Reference
✅ Required:
- ✓ Helmet (all ages, all riders)
- ✓ Front white light after dark
- ✓ Rear red light/reflector after dark
- ✓ Bell or horn
- ✓ Working brakes
📏 E-Bike Limits:
- • Max 500W motor (federal law)
- • Max 32 km/h on motor alone
- • Must have functional pedals
- • Weight limit: varies by class
Where You Can Ride
✅ Allowed:
- ✓ Bike lanes: All classes welcome on dedicated bike lanes
- ✓ Roads: Can ride on roads where bicycles are permitted
- ✓ Seawall: Class 1 e-bikes only (pedal-assist, no throttle)
- ✓ Multi-use paths: Most allow e-bikes, check signage
- ✓ Greenways: Generally allowed, follow posted rules
❌ Restrictions:
- ✗ Sidewalks: Not allowed in most areas (check local bylaws)
- ✗ Some trails: Check trail-specific restrictions
- ✗ Parks: Some city parks have specific rules
- ✗ Transit: May not be allowed on buses during peak hours
E-Bike Classes Explained
Class 1: Pedal-Assist
Motor only works when pedaling. Assistance stops at 32 km/h.
✓ Allowed on most paths including Seawall
Class 2: Throttle
Can use throttle without pedaling. Max speed 32 km/h.
✓ Allowed on roads and most bike lanes
Class 3: Speed Pedelec
Pedal-assist up to 45 km/h. May have additional requirements.
⚠️ Check specific location restrictions
Safety Requirements
Mandatory Equipment:
- 1.Helmet: CSA, CPSC, or Snell certified. Mandatory for all ages in BC.
- 2.Lights: White front light and red rear reflector/light when riding between dusk and dawn.
- 3.Bell/Horn: Audible warning device required.
- 4.Brakes: Working front and rear brakes.
Recommended (Not Required):
- • High-visibility clothing
- • Rearview mirror
- • Fenders (for Vancouver rain!)
- • Lock (theft prevention)
- • Spare tube and pump
Rules of the Road
🚦
Obey Traffic Signals: E-bikes must stop at red lights and stop signs, just like cars.
👥
Yield to Pedestrians: Always give pedestrians right of way, especially on shared paths.
👈
Signal Your Turns: Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops.
🔊
Announce Passing: Say "on your left" when passing other cyclists or pedestrians.
🚫
No Impaired Riding: Same DUI laws apply to e-bikes as cars.
⚠️ Penalties for Violations
Violating e-bike laws can result in fines and tickets:
- • No helmet: $29-$200
- • No lights at night: $109
- • Riding on sidewalk: $81
- • Running red light: $368
- • Impaired riding: Criminal charges possible