Meeting to be held at Toronto City Hall Nov. 3, 7pm to discuss this very issue. See details below:

Power-Assisted/Electric Bicycles on the Agenda

The Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee will discuss power-assisted/electric bicycles at the Monday November 3rd meeting (City Hall, Committee Room 4, 7:00 PM). A representative from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation will be presenting information on the three-year pilot project and on the plans to evaluate
the project prior to drafting final legislation on power-assisted/electric bicycles.

Background information from the Ministry's website:
"A commitment has been made to evaluate the pilot prior to its three-year expiry. The intent of the ministry's pilot was to allow e-bikes that look and operate like conventional bikes in order to promote a safe, healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to current transportation modes. The ministry has become aware of scooter-style vehicles that technically meet the pilot's e-bike definition, but not the intent, as they are not primarily operated by muscular power due to their heavy weight. Therefore, in addition to evaluating how safely the e-bike can integrate with other motor vehicles, bicycles and
pedestrians, the emergence of the scooter-style e-bikes requires the ministry to also assess its position on the original intent of the pilot when final legislation is drafted."

Please plan to attend the meeting.