Electrically-assisted bikes and scooters have been gaining in popularity on the region's bike paths in recent years. Yet few people are aware of the regulations surrounding these means of transport.

According to the Société d'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) website, to be eligible to drive an electric bicycle, you must be 18 years of age or older. However, anyone between the ages of 14 and 17 must hold a Class 6D driver's license to drive an electric bicycle.

What's more, the Highway Safety Code sets out special rules for electric bike riders, including the obligation to wear a bicycle helmet. While helmets are optional, although strongly recommended, for conventional bicycles, they are mandatory for electric bikes. Offenders are liable to a fine ranging from $60 to $100.

As with conventional bicycles, under the Highway Safety Code, electric bikes must obey traffic signs, respect the right of way, ride on the right side of the road and signal their intentions.

To be authorized for use on cycle paths, electric bicycles must not exceed 500 W and their speed must not exceed 32 km/h. Failure to comply with the regulations puts cyclists at risk of receiving a minimum fine of $200.

Interestingly, injuries sustained in an accident with an electric bicycle are not covered by the public automobile insurance plan, unless the accident involves a moving vehicle covered by the plan.

A pilot project for electric scooters

A three-year pilot project launched in 2023 is underway in Quebec to study the behavior of users of motorized personal transport devices (MPTDs), as well as their compliance with the rules set out in the pilot project and the safety associated with their use.

The information gathered will be used to assess the situation and determine what rules need to be established to provide a proper framework for this type of device in the Highway Safety Code.

The pilot project for ATPMs, such as electric scooters, sets out the specifications for these devices, including their mandatory features and the equipment required, as well as the rules applicable to their users.

People under the age of 14 are not authorized to use ATPMs, i.e. electric scooters. Like cyclists, scooters are required to wear a protective helmet.

The device must also be fitted with front, rear and side reflectors, its speed must not exceed 25 km/h and its maximum power must be 500 W.

Traffic rules are similar to those for cyclists:

- ride as close as possible to the curb or the right-hand side of the road, and in the same

same direction as traffic;

- ride on the shoulder in the same direction as traffic;

- do not use the sidewalk, except in exceptional circumstances;

- give way to pedestrians at crosswalks;

- respect the signs applicable to cyclists.

However, it is forbidden to:

- wear headphones

- tow a trailer;

- carry passengers;

- pull or push any other object or person;

- drive on a public road where the speed limit is greater than 50 km/h;

- use a display screen, cellular phone or any other portable device designed to transmit or receive information or to be used for entertainment purposes.