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Electric Bike Insurance in Canada

If you're an electric bike owner or are thinking of purchasing one, it's important to know that it's not the same as owning a bicycle. From provincial rules and regulations to insurance options, you'll want to be aware and prepared before riding an electric bike on the road. Let's get started with some common questions.

What is an Electric Bike?

An electric bike (also known as an E-bike) is a power-assisted bicycle with an electric motor. It typically has all the same features of a bicycle (pedals, handlebar, two to three wheels, braking system) except it includes an electric motor.

Until recently, the Government of Canada defined a "power-assisted bicycle" as having maximum power output rating of 500 W as well as a speed limitation of 32 km/h (20 mph). While this definition is no longer in force at the federal level,1 many provinces have enacted E-bike regulations which reflect similar motor output and speed limitation criteria.

Who can ride an E-bike?

While e-bikes are legal across Canada, the following provinces have implemented minimum age requirements to ride an e-bike:

Province

Minimum age requirement

British Columbia2
  • 16 years old (standard e-bike)
  • 14 years old (light e-bike)

Alberta3

12 years old

Saskatchewan4

14 years old

Manitoba5

14 years old

Ontario6

16 years old

Quebec7
  • 18 years old or
  • 14 to 17 years old with a Class 6D motor or scooter licence

Prince Edward Island8

16 years old

When it comes to licenses, most provinces don't require you to have one to ride an E-bike. However, in some provinces like Quebec, a license is required if you're under 18 years old.9 Check your specific provincial or territorial regulations to find out more details about licensing and age requirements.

Where can I ride my E-bike?

You can often ride an E-bike in many of the same places you'd ride a bicycle. So, for example, you'll likely be able to ride on the same local roads as cyclists (subject to local rules). But, like a cyclist, you probably won't be able to ride your E-bike on highways, or on sidewalks if you're in a municipality where bicycles are prohibited on sidewalks.  

There may also be E-bike specific restrictions on where you can ride, such as bike trails or bike lanes where E-bikes are specifically prohibited. Your local transit authority might also ban E-bikes on transit vehicles. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), for example, recently implemented a seasonal ban on E-bikes during the winter months.10 In these kinds of situations, signs should be posted warning you of the prohibition, so be sure to stay alert for any signs restricting E-bike use along your route.

The bottom line? Your province and municipality can help clarify the rules if you're unsure where you can ride your E-bike.

What are the rules of the road for E-bikes?

When it comes to traffic rules, you should generally follow the rules of the road for cyclists that are set out in your province or territory's highway traffic laws. 

There may also be rules in your local area that are specific to cyclists and/or E-bike riders. The City of Toronto, for example, doesn't permit scooter-style or moped-style E-bikes to park on sidewalks or use post & ring stands to park.11 Your municipality will have more information about any local by-laws that might affect how you ride your E-bike.

Do I need insurance for my E-bike?

While insurance isn't mandatory for a standard E-bike, if you have home insurance, some coverage for your E-bike may be included, up to your policy limits, for theft or other losses.  So, it's important to check your policy limits and conditions to ensure you have sufficient coverage to protect your ride. 

However, for an E-bike that has a motor with a power output that exceeds 500 W or is capable of going at a speed greater than 32 km/h, check with your insurer, as specific insurance might be required.

If you're an existing TD Insurance customer interested in additional coverage for your E-bike, consider adding Personal Valuables Coverage to your policy, or contact a TD Insurance advisor to discuss other options for added protection for your E-bike.

What happens if my E-bike is damaged in an accident?

If you're involved in an accident with your E-bike, you'll need to have coverage via your home insurance policy in order for physical damages to your E-bike to be covered. You can contact your insurer to start a claim. Or, if you're a TD Insurance customer, you can start a home insurance claim via the TD Insurance app.

But what if your E-bike is involved in an accident with a pedestrian or a cyclist, and they are injured? In such cases, your home policy's liability coverage might come into play. But if the accident involves a motor vehicle, the accident benefits coverage from the vehicle's  car insurance policy should kick in. 

What are some lithium-ion battery fire prevention tips for electric bike safety?

Most E-bikes today are powered by lithium-ion batteries. While these rechargeable batteries are generally safe, they can be a fire hazard if they're not stored properly or are modified or otherwise mistreated.12 Here are some lithium-ion battery tips to help keep your E-bike safe:

  • No DIY: Don't build your own lithium-ion battery pack or modify the battery that came with your E-bike.
  • Replacements: If you need to replace your battery or a charging component, such as the cord or power adapter, use original parts provided by the manufacturer or your E-bike dealer.
  • Charging: Always follow the manufacturer's charging instructions. Use the charger that came with your E-bike, and charge your E-bike where you can keep an eye on it. Don't keep it plugged in after its fully charged. Try to charge it outdoors, but if you have to charge it indoors, don't charge close to an exit or in a bedroom. 
  • Storage: Store your E-bike's battery according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep it dry, at room temperature, and away from direct sunlight. Don't charge or store it close to anything flammable.
  • Disposal: Don't toss your old battery in the trash or recycling bin. Contact your municipality for safe disposal options. 

What should I do if my E-bike's lithium-ion battery catches fire?

If your E-bike's lithium-ion battery catches on fire or if you see white or gray wispy smoke coming from it,13 call 911. A lithium-ion battery fire is often very difficult to put out.14 

When a lithium-ion battery is damaged or misused, excessive heat can build up within the battery, leading to what's known as "thermal runaway", a dangerous situation that can result in fire or an explosion.15 If you notice any of following warning signs, stop using or charging the battery, move it away from anything flammable (if it's safe to do so), and contact your local fire department:16 

  • swelling
  • punctures
  • unusual hissing or popping sounds
  • excessive heat
  • strange smell or odour

What happens if my E-bike is stolen?

If your E-bike is stolen, you should contact your local police and file a missing bike report. Whether you have additional coverage for your E-bike or a standard home insurance policy that includes coverage for your E-bike, you should also contact your insurer to notify them of your stolen ride. 

If you're a TD Insurance customer, you can start a home insurance claim through the TD Insurance app. Keep in mind that you will have to pay your agreed upon deductible first, and that your home insurance premiums may be adjusted as a result of making a claim.

Although insuring a standard E-bike isn't mandatory, it's important to understand what options are available to you to help protect your investment. TD Insurance customers can review and manage their existing home insurance policy via MyInsurance. Or you can chat with a TD Insurance Advisor for further information on what types of coverage would work best for you.

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The content on this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Coverages described herein may be subject to additional eligibility criteria, limitations and exclusions. In the event you make a claim, potential indemnification is also subject to the receivability of the claim and the type of coverage you bought.

In the case of conflict between the content on this page and your policy wordings, your policy wordings shall take precedence.