In the year 2000, Transport Canada initiated a study on the feasibility of legalizing ebikes in this country. I have the report in pdf format for those interested. The escooter was no where in the picture. The little black sticker only states that the vehicle passes minimum federal requirements. The provinces have the power to ban or otherwise regulate them. By simple definition the ebike is first a bicycle. A scooter is not a bicycle.

In the Ontario Pilot project initiated in October of 2006 and running until 2009, ebikes were plainly shown as bicycles and described as being primarily pedalled. If you go to that site now, the wording reads “The addition of the power assist enables the rider to pedal with less effort, to achieve a greater distance, to climb hills and ride against the wind more easily. In its size, weight, speed and the driving skills required, the e-bike is similar to the conventional bicycle”. That does not describe an electric scooter.

As already recorded here, the Ontario Minister of Transportation plans on closing that loophole at the end of the pilot project. My concern is this: Anyone purchasing one of these scooters in Ontario will have to ride it on private property only after 2009. That is not how they are being marketed.

Let’s stop pretending these vehicles are bicycles. Do the leg work and lobbying required to get them regulated and approved and get them powerful enough that they are not a hazard on the roadway. I consistently pass these monstrosities on my bicycle without power assist.