Electric bicycle laws are not defined the same everywhere. Although national Governments set general ebike guidelines and definitions, local statutes often amend national definitions.
Ebikes are usually defined by power, speed, or weight thresholds below which no license is required to operate the ebike. We will give the national definitions and links to local laws. It is not possible to keep up with all local regulations, so check for laws and updates in your specific area.
Australia: power assist bicycle – 200 watt maximum motor power, not gonna climb too many
steep hills down under with 200 Watts. This is the most strict ebike definition.
Canada: Eight provinces of Canada allow electric power assisted bicycles A bicycle or tricycle
of 500W or less and which is capable of being propelled manually. Top speed is
32 km/h (20 mph) and an eBike label on the bike is required.
- Alberta: Same as national definition (500 Watts and speed under 32 kph) plus operator
needs to be at least 12 years old.
- British Columbia: The national definition plus a number of specifics such as a stopping
distance requirement of 9 meters.
- Ontario: Has the same 500 Watt definition, but includes a weight limit of 120 kg
- Manitoba: Same as national regulations. Contains a low speed start up clause:
"a mechanism that prevents the motor from engaging until the vehicle is travelling at 3
km/h or more".
- New Brunswick: National standards plus a 12 year old minimum for operation.
- Newfoundland
- Nova Scotia: National definition plus a wheel size (350mm/13.8") minimum.
- Quebec: National standards plus 12 year old minimum age requirement and helmet
requirement for riders under 18.
- Saskatchewan: Same as national and helmets required.
- Vancouver: Has adopted National standards plus a 50kg/110lb weight limit.
China: The National law, echoed in major cities like Shanghai seems to be top speed 20kph/12mph, 40kg/88lb weight limit and licensing (even bicycles) is required. Ebikes over these limits require a motorcycle operating license.
The manufacturer of most World ebikes lists some 120 million ebikes on it's roads daily. 5-10 people are killed in ebike accidents every day in China! Apparently regulation is attempted, but variable. Some cities and regions have banned ebikes, and handed out tickets. It seems wise to check first and tread lightly if ebiking in this part of the orient.
Hong Kong: It appears that Ebikes are basically illegal here. However, there are reports of people ebiking around the big city. We have not been there since 1973. Any reports welcome.
European Union - EU: 250 Watt power restriction, top speed of 25kph/15.5mph, weight limit of 40kg/88lbs and age restriction of 14 years.
Most countries within in the EU follow the National regulations. However, many more powerful ebikes are manufactured and marketed in the area.
The standard fix seems to be to circumvent the speed regulation for instance. More powerful ebikes
are "fixed" by the manufacturer to the speed 25kph limit required by law. If so desired, the controller can simply be re-programmed to produce more power, and hence more speed.
India: India has very similar regulations to the EU: 250 Watts max power and 25kph top speed.
Israel: Like the EU, 250 Watts, 25kph top speed and a 14 year old minimum age for the ebike operator.
Japan: And, it appears that in Japan, ebikes are NOT regulated...yet! This is good news for those in Hokkaido and Kyushu but maybe not so good for unregulated speed demons in
Tokyo.
New Zealand: N.Z. Has the most basic definition - 300 Watts or less is an ebike and does not require special licensing.
The Philippines: Appears to be no ebike regulation at this time. Corrections gladly published.
Russian Federation: Appears to be no ebike regulation at this time. Corrections gladly published.
Unites States: In the US, low speed ebikes are regulated by the Consumer Protection Safety Commission. Low speed is defined as 20mph/32kph top speed (with 150lb rider) powered by a maximum 750 Watt motor. Note that the 50 individual states may and do impose stricter standards.
Since there are 50 states, the regs are too numerous to print here. Check your state before charging up!
