E-bikes to be allowed in Toronto bike lanes

Toronto cyclists may have to share bike lanes with e-bikes in the near future. A report from the general manager of Transportation Services with the City of Toronto makes the recommendation that changes be made to existing laws to enable a broader use of electric bikes.

Specifically, the report recommends that the term bicycle be redefined to include “a bicycle, tricycle, unicycle and a power-assisted bicycle which weighs less than 40 kg and requires pedalling for propulsion (‘pedelec’).” The definition specifically precludes any vehicle that can move without human power—the main characteristic of an e-scooter. This change would allow pedelec bikes to use any lane or pathway currently open to cyclists.

However, the recommendation goes a step further and suggests that city council also make changes to allow e-scooters to use painted bike lanes, but not physically separated lanes, as can be found on Sherbourne Street.

The report also suggests a two-year period during which e-scooter use can be monitored and reviewed. If necessary, the law could be refined at that time.

The advocacy group, Cycle Toronto, has released an action alert in response to the city report, asking members to request that the city ban e-scooters from bike lanes unless the law can be further clarified. The main concern revolves around the weight and speed of e-scooters when compared to conventional bikes. An e-scooter is legally allowed to reach a maximum speed of 32 km/h and weigh in at 265 lb.

“We think that allowing electric scooters in bicycle lanes at this speed and weight will create a dangerous situation for cyclists,” read the alert from Cycle Toronto. “We also know that there are e-bikes on the road with a higher maximum speed and weight. Changing the City’s bike lane bylaws now without clarifying between the different types of e-bikes allows much faster moving electric vehicles into lanes that are supposed to protected vulnerable road users.”

Other recommendations in the report also hold promise for more clear delineation of the e-bike market in the future. First, the suggestion is that a dividing line be drawn between bikes that only assist while under human power, as with a pedelec, and those which can run on electric power alone.

Another suggestion has also been made to lower the power output and top speed of electric scooters to bring them in line with the slower speed of a conventional bike.

“This is very sensible. Bicycle trails, lanes and cycle tracks have been designed for bicycle traffic, and so putting larger, wider faster motor vehicles into the mix without any restrictions isn’t a good fit,” read the alert from Cycle Toronto.

Concerned cyclists have until Jan. 8, 2014 to contact city councillors and express their opinions.