Both the e-bike and the e-scooter have become popular ways to get around. They allow you to commute much more quickly to work or get to the shop without taking public transport. In Saskatchewan, many people even go as far as riding electric bikes for sheer fun.
Despite their popularity booming, the rules and regulations surrounding electric bikes and scooters in Saskatchewan can be complex. Different provinces can have different laws which can make it very confusing. That is especially true of those living in Saskatchewan.
The fact is that the e-bike & e-scooter regulations in Saskatchewan differ from other parts of the country. You don’t want to invest in an e-scooter or e-bike only to find out you’re not allowed to ride it. So, let’s dive into these rules to make sure you remain on the right side of the law.
Electric Bikes Saskatoon Regulations
Riding an e-bike is fun and an inexpensive way to save money traveling around urban areas. But are they legal in Canada? Yes, the laws aren’t too restrictive, but there are differences in rules between the provinces and cities, especially in Saskatoon.
The term electric bike is often mistaken for a motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle. However, these differ, and the MVSR (Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations) have cleared up these confusing terms by defining the electric bike as a PAB (Power Assisted Bicycle).
Therefore, what counts as legal as far as ebikes Saskatoon regulations go? Firstly, your electric bike must satisfy the following regulations:
- Your e-bike needs to have a power of 500W or less
- It must have handlebars with an electric motor attached and not gas
- The pedals need to be operable to make the bike move
- The electric bike must not exceed the speed limit of 32km/hour
When you buy an electric bike in Saskatoon, regulations demand that it has a label indicating the e-bike meets all legal requirements.
Must You Get a License for your E-Bike?
Saskatoon laws for e-scooters state there is no need to register for a license. Nevertheless, there are exceptions in some provinces. The important thing is you must be 14 years and older to use one on the roads.
As they have speed limitations, e-bikes and electric scooters are considered a safe form of transport. While a license may not be strictly required, it’s still vital that you take precautions and ride safely at all times.
Another essential requirement that differs from the rest of the country is that the above applies to a power cycle and electric-assist bike. In Saskatoon, if you have a power cycle, you need to apply for a license.
What About Wearing a Helmet
E-bikes laws in Saskatoon mandate wearing a bicycle and motorcycle approved helmet, you must wear a helmet that is bicycle or motorcycle approved. Even your passenger must have a helmet on when riding.
Furthermore, you need to follow all of the laws the Traffic Safety Act which also applies to regular vehicle. Check the restrictions of the municipality for where you can ride your electric bike.
In some municipalities, for personal vehicles (pocket bikes, motorized skateboards, and electric hoverboards), including electric scooters, you cannot ride them on public roads.You can cruise around with it on private properties, but that is as far as you can go.
A Possibility of Electric Scooter Saskatoon Regulation Change
Hopefully, if all goes well, you may be able to take your e-scooter for a spin by next year. Saskatoon entrepreneur Ben Quattrini pitched to the city to re-look the electric scooter Saskatoon regulations.
In his initial pitch he advised that he wants to lease the e-scooters and software from Roll Technologies, a Toronto-based company. He aims to have the electric scooters available for hire as soon as possible in 2021.
The scooters use a mobile phone app to unlock them, and he plans to charge the riders with a fee per km ridden. Furthermore, it provides a great business to the district with a significant impact moneywise for the town. Currently there are active programs in seven Canadian cities where it is a success.
The Saskatoon City Department is looking at two pilots in Calgary and Ottawa. The fact is that Ottawa attracted more than 238k trips in the first year, while Calgary had two million trips in two years. Moreover, Ottawa’s figures doubled in 2021, making it an exceptional investment option.
Ben also feels that it is an outstanding opportunity for people to enjoy different types of recreation when it comes to Saskatoon’s tourist market. He also highlighted the following advantages changing ebike regulations in Saskatoon will bring:
- An e-scooter can keep up with the traffic the same as an e-bike with the same top speed and is portable.
- Furthermore, it leaves a low-carbon footprint making it just as desirable for reducing the carbon in the city.
- Neither will it take up parking space, a big problem in any city and not only in Saskatoon.
- Boosts the tourist market
According to the city hall of Saskatoon, it can take up to six months to develop the e-scooter pilot project costing $100,000 or more.
Thankfully, the city administration is not turning the pilot project down and a policy framework is in place allowing you to ride:
- In parks
- Pathways
- Sidewalks
What Must Happen for theElectric Scooter Saskatoon Laws to Change?
First, the provincial government will need to amend the current legislation permitting an e-scooter on public roads. However, the Saskatchewan Government Insurance advised they still do not have plans to recommend a change, which was in April 2021.
Another Call Arises to Review the Governing E-Scooter Laws
According to Global News, people have called for another review of the electric scooter Saskatoon laws. Now the same applies to regulations in Regina, and people are calling for change there as well. According to the owner of Onewheel, Joel Murray he feels governments face different challenges when new inventions make their way into a city.
With all the tweets going online about changing, the bylaws for Regina and Saskatoon Sandra Masters, mayor of Regina, advised that they are looking at the matter. Maters also mentioned that both Saskatoon and Regina will re-look at the case in 2022.
According to Sandra Masters, they will approach their SGI partners to look at the legislation to permit e-scooters on the roads. For example, suppose Saskatchewan legislates electric scooters for Saskatoon. In that case, the City of Regina will undertake the revision (Traffic Bylaw 9900) to allow the use of the vehicle in the City.
This lead to another statement from Tyler McMurchy, a spokesperson for SGI that at the present time, they have no plan recommending a legislative change permitting the e-scooters on public roads. According to Tyler, to allow it to happen, the Traffic Safety Act needs revising.
They first need to address safety for on-road use, riders not wearing correct safety gear, and boosting rider experience. Therefore, for now, the electric scooter Saskatoon legislation change is still debatable.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully the authorities soon see the merits of e-scooters. Many will use them in place of polluting vehicles and they are a much cleaner way to get around. It seems as though there is a little too much caution surrounding what can be a brilliant transportation method.
Change seems inevitable but exactly when it will come is unclear. For now, you can ride your e-bike freely around if it complies with the regulations but if you have an e-scooter, you’ll have to stick to private property for now.
