Electric Motorcycle Law

As with any other motorcycles, the laws governing electric motorcycles for importation and road use in Canada are not different. Like Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) motorcycles, electric ones fall into three categories:

  • Open Motorcycles (M): These are capable of speeds over 70 km/h. This category requires a motorcycle license in Canada. These motorcycles can be legally used on highways and freeways.
  • Limited Speed Motorcycles (LSM): These are not capable of speeds greater than 70 km/h. This category requires, in most Canadian provinces, a regular driver’s license, though the requirements may vary from province to province. Their use may be restricted from some high-speed roads.
  • Restricted Use Vehicles (RUV), formerly Restricted Use Motorcycles (RUM): These motorcycles do not require a driver’s license, but their use is restricted to off-road only.

All three categories must comply with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (CMVSR), and their manufacturers must be approved by Transport Canada and listed as compliant with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). Each of the three categories must bear a safety label with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), identifying one of the manufacturers listed on Transport Canada’s pre-clearance list.

The CMVSS is the main eligibility requirement for all vehicles imported into Canada. It is directly associated with the vehicle manufacturer, and the label certifying compliance must be attached to the vehicle at the time of its production at the manufacturer’s facility. Only CMVSS-compliant vehicles are eligible for registration and insurance in Canada.

Regardless of being powered by batteries, electric motorcycles must comply with the CMVSR of the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Act (CMVSA). Electric motorcycles must not be confused with electric bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, or non-regulated electric cycles, which cannot travel faster than 32 km/h. This speed restriction for e-bike laws apply across all Canadian provinces for use on provincial roads. The unalterable speed of 32 km/h is also a condition for electric bicycles to be admitted into Canada as non-regulated vehicles, after Transport Canada revoked the section of the CMVSA regulating power-assisted bicycles (PAB) on February 4th, 2021.

None of the vehicles imported as non-regulated electric bicycles, PABs, or Restricted Use Vehicles (RUVs) are eligible for registration or insurance for road use if they do not bear a safety label as required per the CMVSA (Bulletin 03-21).