Electric Bikes - motorcycle helmet on an ebike?

http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType45/Production/MopedPowerBikes.pdf

in this link, they specifically state that a motorcycle helmet is required on an ebike. I have an email placed to the alberta government requesting that they review the actual law. And, I asked them to confirm or clarify the pdf file for me.

while we wait for the response, does anyone want to comment?

I do.

I have a lot to say.

Frankly, if I have to wear a motorcycle helmet, then I have every intention of modifying my ebike until it performs like a limited speed motorcycle.

If I have to wear a motorcycle helmet, then I plan on riding something that behaves more like a motorcycle,

even if that means that I have to throw down $120 per year to insure it.

That is absolutely ridiculous. The powers that be in Alberta who came up with that requirement are delusional, misinformed and/or clearly out of touch.

I call BS on them.

http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType45/Production/MopedPowerBikes.pdf

in this link, they specifically state that a motorcycle helmet is required on an ebike. I have an email placed to the alberta government requesting that they review the actual law. And, I asked them to confirm or clarify the pdf file for me.

while we wait for the response, does anyone want to comment?

I do.

I have a lot to say.

Frankly, if I have to wear a motorcycle helmet, then I have every intention of modifying my ebike until it performs like a limited speed motorcycle.

If I have to wear a motorcycle helmet, then I plan on riding something that behaves more like a motorcycle,

even if that means that I have to throw down $120 per year to insure it.

It's YOUR head, Buddy.

I know that alot of road bikers go faster than i can on my e-bike. does that mean that maybe THEY should wear a motorbike helmet too?

I certainly would want the government to leave the choice to e-bike users about whether they should wear a motorcycle helmet. The matter of helmet safety is very different at 25mph and 45+mph. I feel comfortable and safe going 25mph wearing a bicycle helmet, and I'd like others to have the same opportunity!

Different locations = different laws. I am right on the edge of CA. law- mine are both enclosed; no helmet required. i am over 18 so it is my choice- but no big deal, I just have my helmet in the pannier just in case I need it.

ridiculous, it is!!!! on Alberta Government.
I live in Calgary and never heard about it.
My TF bike is 30km/h restricted like every ebike in Canada should be by law.
Many racers on reg bike go faster than that - should they wear motcycle helmets?
RIDICULOUS Alberta,Canada.
Just because it has motor????

here is the response that I got from the alberta government:

Thank you for visiting the Alberta Government feedback web site. Following is the response to your question prepared by Transportation :
Thank you for your provincial government inquiry of August 1, 2009 regarding helmet use with power bikes.
An approved motorcycle helmet is required while riding a power bicycle.
Section 107 of the Vehicle Equipment Regulation states:
107(1) This division does not apply to bicycles.
(2) No person shall operate or ride as a passenger on a cycle unless that person is properly wearing a safety helmet.
Section 108 details the specifications required of the safety helmet. Power bicycles are included in the definition of "cycle" under subsection 1(i) of the Traffic Safety Act. Both the Act and Regulation are available online through the Queen's Printer website: www.qp.alberta.ca (http://www.qp.alberta.ca).
Thank you again for using our web services.

in my opinion, its a classic case of a government changing a few definitions but not reviewing how the new definitions are applied.

The vehicle equipment regulation also states that the ebike requires brake lights, head lights, signal lights and Muffler.

I plan to wear a cycling helmet. If I am charged, I don't think I have to do anything more that show how confusing and f#cked up their laws are. Once a judge see how screwed up the laws are, I feel he will make a ruling that is in the spirit of the new definitions, which means a power assisted bicycle is riden by a cyclist, not a motorcyclist.

If I would ride even a 1200 cc motorcycle, I would sometimes ride it without any helmet at all for the pure joy of it and be ready to pay the fines. Yes it is dangerous but not dangerous to other people. And yes a bike is dangerous as well (even ridden expertly) but it is not banned from the roads.

Some laws are there to be broken unless others are put to a risk. And I admit if everybody thinks like me it might well be a chaos. But being in a minority to think the way I do entitles me to behave so without risking the society go haywire.

Philosophical thinking aside. For safety and by logic even the non motorized bicycles can be asked to be ridden with a motorcycle helmet if a motorway is being used since a car impact would have an equal effect on a bicycle. However I would hate it personally for it takes out the joy of riding a bicycle.