E-bikes. Bicycles or motorcycles?

Local motorists may have noticed a new method of transportation scooting alongside their vehicles this summer.

Electric bicycles or e-bikes, as they're more commonly known, were officially included in Ontario's Highway Traffic Act in October 2009.

While at this point they may not be out of the ordinary elsewhere in the province, electric bicycles are still a recent development in our community thanks to the opening of dealerships in the past year.

Not surprisingly the influx of e-bikes on roads throughout the city has resulted in some issues and drawn varying complaints from a surprised public.

"I'm not going to say there is a problem in our city with e-bikes," said Sgt. Ray Magnan, head of traffic operations with the Sault Police Service. "More accurately they are something new and I think there's a lot of misinformation spreading around."

Magnan has noticed more e-bikes on Sault Ste. Marie roads than ever this summer and city police have received several inquisitions about the legality of their use.

He reminds motorists e-bikes are permitted on local roads and warns users to remember they are subject to the same rules as those driving vehicles.

"The rules of the road apply to all vehicles, including bicycles and e-bikes," he said.

Key for e-bike operators avoiding incidents is making sure they are in the right lane at all times to avoid traffic being slowed to a snail's pace.

"E-bike users cannot ride side-by-side," said Magnan. "The only time they would be allowed in the left lane would be when making a left-hand turn."

The Sault Police Service has been working towards educating the community about this new issue and Magnan has appeared on local cable discussing e-bike safety at various points this summer.

Users not being able to differentiate the difference between an e-bike and motorcycle has been the top issue for local law enforcement officials.

Magnan has seen numerous individuals driving what they think are e-bikes with small motors on them.

"Those are not e-bikes," said Magnan. "They are motorcycles requiring the appropriate licenses and permits to operate."

E-bikes have an electric motor and do not require a license, registration or insurance to operate.

While the regulations for driving an e-bike may only include being over 16-years-of-age and wearing a helmet, the rules for what qualifies as an electric bicycle are far more stringent.

For example, the Ministry of Transportation says in order for bicycle to be considered an e-bike it must have a maximum weight of 120 kilograms and wheels with a diameter of at least 350 milometers.

It also needs to meet the federal definition of a power assisted vehicle; meaning it requires steering handlebars, pedals and reaches a maximum speed of 32 KM/hour.

All this can be certified by a label stating the compliance with government regulations that should be located on any electric bicycle available in stores.

Joey Giordano (shown above), owner of Hollywood Electric Avenue, said the loosened regulations for e-bikes has been driving sales at his store - along with the energy savings that result from an electric means of transportation.

"You can travel around 60 kilometers for the price of less than one kilowatt of a charge, which is around five cents, and that's very attractive to people," he said.

Giordano opened Hollywood Electric Avenue next to Scoops on Queen Street just under a year ago and has sold over 400 e-bikes/scooters in that time.

"They're very fun to drive and are absolutely addictive," said Giordano. "One ride and you can't wait to get back on again."

More details about the rules and regulations for e-bikes is available online here