The End of Non-Compliant E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and Such

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Order 2024-24 of the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility addresses the use of specific two- or three-wheeled motor vehicles on public highways in Québec. This regulation stems from section 633.1 of the Highway Safety Code, empowering the Minister to restrict or prohibit vehicles that pose a safety risk.

After consulting the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), the order permanently prohibits certain vehicles resembling motorcycles or mopeds that lack a national safety mark or compliance label as mandated by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

The affected vehicles include those with footrests or platforms for the driver’s feet, tire and wheel configurations resembling motorcycles or mopeds, partially or fully covered frames, and engines capable of exceeding 32 km/h or rated above 500 watts. Exemptions to this prohibition include motorcycles and mopeds manufactured before January 1, 1971, vehicles compliant with United States, Mexican, or certain other international safety standards, and vehicles handcrafted with inspection certificates from the SAAQ. Other exclusions apply to off-highway vehicles and those granted specific authorization under sections 633.1 or 633.2 of the Highway Safety Code. The regulation reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring highway safety and preventing the use of vehicles that fail to meet essential safety certifications.

According to the American College of Surgeons, the global popularity and use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) have surged dramatically over the past decade, particularly among children and adolescents, contributing to a significant rise in road traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Surgeons worldwide have observed an alarming pattern of e-bike-related morbidity and mortality. Regulations governing e-bikes vary widely across the globe, with laws differing by country and by province or state. In some municipalities, e-bikes are banned outright, while in others, they are regulated as bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, or motorized vehicles.

E-bikes have a history dating back to the late 19th century, when patents for battery-powered bicycles emerged in France and the U.S. Early models featured lever-based systems for propulsion and less efficient batteries compared to today’s designs. A major breakthrough came with the introduction of pedal-assisted bicycles, or pedelecs, in the 20th century. These low-powered e-bikes combine a rider’s pedaling with an electric motor, which cuts off when the rider stops pedaling or exceeds approximately 20 mph. Many jurisdictions classify pedelecs as bicycles rather than mopeds or motorcycles.

In 2024, a diverse array of e-bike designs emerged, combining pedal-assist and throttle-style systems. Some powerful models, classified as Class 2 e-bikes, such as Aventure.2 Ebike (750 watts), provide motor assistance regardless of pedaling and can be accelerated by throttle alone, resembling mopeds. A growing safety concern involves the ability to modify some controllers, allowing speeds exceeding 37 mph, comparable to motorcycles, further complicating regulation and enforcement efforts.

Quebec (2024-24) January 26, 2025