Kitchener moves to regulate electric bicycles

Proposed bylaw would require e-bike users to wear helmets and have insurance

Council to consider new rules at meeting on Monday

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular in Kitchener, but the city is moving to regulate their use. A proposed bylaw would require e-bike users to wear helmets and have insurance. The bylaw would also set a speed limit of 32 km/h for e-bikes on roads and trails.

The proposed bylaw is in response to concerns about the safety of e-bikes. In 2021, there were 10 reported collisions involving e-bikes in Kitchener. One of those collisions resulted in a fatality.

The proposed bylaw would require e-bike users to wear a helmet that meets the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard. E-bike users would also be required to have insurance that covers liability in the event of an accident.

The proposed bylaw would also set a speed limit of 32 km/h for e-bikes on roads and trails. This speed limit is the same as the speed limit for regular bicycles.

The proposed bylaw will be considered by Kitchener council at a meeting on Monday. If approved, the bylaw would come into effect on January 1, 2023.