Ontarians, I need your help.
This week I was pulled over by the police for having a kid’s seat on my e-bike. I was informed this is illegal in Ontario as Sec. 38 of the HTA doesn’t allow anyone under the age of 16 to be on a power-assisted or motor assisted bicycle.
In 2021 the Moving Ontarians More Safely Act came out that separated power-assisted bicycles (like e-bikes) from motor assisted bicycles (like dirt bikes). This will finally allow child seats on e-bikes.
Please call your MPP to get this bill that passed and assented 3 years ago into law.
Details on the wording of the current and assented laws:
currently the Highway Traffic Act, section 38, states : “No person who is the owner or is in possession or control of a motor assisted bicycle or power-assisted bicycle shall permit a person who is under the age of 16 years to ride on, drive or operate the motor assisted bicycle or power-assisted bicycle on a highwau”
the Moving Ontarians More Safely Act, 2021, S.O. 2021, C. 26 - Bill 282 splits this into a few sections: “No person under the age of 14 years shall operate a power-assisted bicycle described in clause (a) of the definition” “No person under the age of 16 years shall operate a power-assisted bicycle described in clause (b) or ©” and the new section 38.1: “No person under the age of 16 years shall ride on, drive or operate a motor assisted bicycle on a highway” From my perspective this will make e-bikes legal to have kids seats; and separate the class away from gas and electric dirt bikes.
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Also, talk to them about Ford wanting to ban new bike lanes
Sorry I can’t help since I’m not Canadian, but it’s absolutely insane that another person can’t ride on power-assisted bike.
In my experience in the US, you just have to pay the fine even if the law changes.
No set fine, it’s a court appearance; according to the cop who pulled me over.
It is preposterous that an Act passed in 2021 has portions that are yet to come into force.