Introduced in April, Bill 282, also known as the Moving Ontarians More Safely Act (MOMS), contains language that would effectively ban many e-bikes based on their configuration, wheel size or weight, warn advocates, bicycle retailers and bike owners reports CBC.ca and other news outlets.
The proposed bill aims at differentiating e-bikes that resemble traditional bicycles from those that look more like mopeds and motorcycles, according to a statement from the Ministry of Transportation.
But critics say the bill’s e-bike definitions would exclude many power-assisted cargo bikes, as well as bike-taxis. Parcel delivery companies pilot-testing cargo e-bikes in Toronto could also be forced to change their fleet.
MPPs for the Green Party and NDP are proposing amendments that mirror the USA’s 3-class system that allows e-bikes and e-cargo bikes to fit within the regulations for bicycles.
