The Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa (EVCO) is a non-profit, incorporated organization dedicated to promoting the use of electric vehicles in applications where they are appropriate. The Electric Bike Campaign The purpose of this campaign is to lobby the Ontario Government to allow the use of electric bikes in Ontario.
Electric assist bicycles have recently been recognized as a vehicle category by Transport Canada. As a result, many safe, efficient and well-engineered electric bikes are now available to be legally sold in Canada. The Federal Government has drafted model legislation regarding electric bikes, but as transportation and licensing is a provincial responsibility it is up to each province to pass their own laws to allow their use. At present, only British Columbia and Quebec have adopted the model legislation. Ontario has yet to recognize electric bikes (they currently fall under the moped category or "motor assisted bicycle"). As a result, although it is possible to buy an electric bike, it is illegal to operate it on Ontario public roads. The Ontario Highway Traffic Act needs to be updated to recognize Power Assisted Bicycles (consistent with the Federal standards) and to allow their operation in Ontario. Why Do We Need Electric Bikes? Bicycles are the most energy-efficient ground transportation vehicles on the planet. Adding electric-assist to bicycles helps to extend their range and practicality, particularly with regard to hilly terrain, longer distances, or for people with limited mobility or strength. Electric bikes are simple, safe vehicles that offer many advantages for commuting and personal transportation. They are quiet, efficient and not harmful to the environment. Current models offer range and performance that makes them practical vehicles for commuting, and trips under 30km. The availability of a 'green' transportation alternative like an electric bike reduces the number of automobiles on the road and lowers our collective greenhouse gas emissions - definitely an advantage in meeting our Kyoto commitments. These vehicles should not be confused with mopeds. Mopeds require insurance and registration, and have many design and operational features that are inconsistent with electric bikes. The EVCO Campaign Changing the Ontario Highway Traffic Act to define electric assisted bicycles and allow their operation will:
EVCO is taking the following steps to convince the Ontario Government to adopt the model Federal regulations:
Electric Vehicle Council is preparing letters to encourage the province to take action on making electric assist bicycles legal in Ontario. These letters will go to:
Once the letters are prepared and signed by EVCO, they will be posted here. Similar letter templates will also be posted so that you can send your own letter to add your support. If you live in a province other than Ontario, and would like to support our campaign, or extend this campaign to your own province, please contact us at info@evco.ca. Updates: March 1, 2004
Terminology
Useful Links Federal Legislation enabling new vehicle class - Electric Assist Bicycle in Canada:
Electric Assist Bicycle legislation in other provinces:
Are electric bikes legal in your province? Please let us know. Studies
Government Resources Provincial Federal
Other links (send us your contributions)
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