Biking & Cyclists

Cargo E-Bike Pilot Program

In 2021, the Province of Ontario announced that it would begin a five-year pilot program which would permit cargo e-bikes to operate in municipalities that opt-in to the program. The goal of the provincial pilot is to evaluate the use of cargo e-bikes by assessing their ability to safely integrate with other vehicle types and determine if they should be allowed permanently.

Hamilton City Council approved by-laws 23-074(PDF, 69.44 KB) and 23-075(PDF, 83.08 KB) on April 26, 2022 that opts Hamilton into the pilot program and regulates the use of cargo e-bikes within the city.

What is a Cargo e-Bike?

A cargo e-bike, or cargo power-assisted bicycle, is defined under Ontario Regulation 141/21 a pedal-driven bicycle of exposed fork-and-frame bicycle design and appearance that:

Has two or three wheels
Is fitted at all times with pedals that are always operable to propel the bicycle, has a platform, basket or container for carrying cargo, parcels or goods
Has steering handlebars
Has a weight of more than 55 kilograms
Has a width not exceeding 1.3 metres
Has a length not exceeding 4 metres
Has a height not exceeding 2.2 metres
Has wheels that have a width of not less than 35 millimetres and a diameter of not less than 350 millimetres
Does not have any structure that fully encloses the occupant area
Has an electric motor with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 1000 watts that is incapable of providing propulsion assistance when the bicycle attains a speed of 32 kilometres per hour or more; (“vélo cargo assisté”)

Tricycle cargo e-bike design with enclosed cargo box at the back. Photo Credit: Ontario.ca

Reverse tricycle design with enclosed cargo box in the front. Photo Credit: Ontario.ca

Cargo E-bikes in Hamilton

Cargo E-bike Users

Riding & Parking Cargo E-bikes

Additional Information

To support their safe use, the person driving a cargo e-bike must:

be at least 16 years of age
allow passengers only if the passenger is using a seat designed for passenger use (the seat must be manufactured as part of the vehicle)
wear a helmet (passengers must also wear a helmet)
not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating a cargo e-bike (consequences under the Criminal Code of Canada may apply)
use the cargo e-bike in the bicycle lane or to the right-most side of the road (where permitted)
ensure that any load is loaded, bound, secured, contained or covered so that no portion of the load may become dislodged or fall, leak, spill or blow from the cargo e-bike

Where can I ride a cargo e-bike?

In Hamilton, cargo e-bikes are permitted to ride on:

Any municipal roadways that allow bicycles
On-road cycling facilities such as bike lanes
Boulevard multi-use paths immediately adjacent to a street (e.g. Governors Road path, Cootes Drive path); and,

In Hamilton, cargo e-bikes are not permitted to ride on:

Sidewalks;
Unpaved recreational multi-use trails;
On trails within parks
Controlled access highways (e.g., QEW, 403, Linc, Red Hill).

Where can I park a cargo e-bike?

Cargo e-bikes are permitted to park in the same locations as conventional bikes, as well in public loading/unloading zones. Cargo e-bikes with a 150 square inch sign identifying the individual or organization who owns the device can also park in commercial loading/unloading zones. Cargo e-bikes will be subject to existing fines for obstructing sidewalks or roadways.

What Public Engagement was done?

A public survey was open online on Engage Hamilton from March 7 to April 30, 2022. A total of 503 responses were received. The survey showed that there is broad support for allowing these devices in Hamilton, with over 90% of respondents in support. The majority of respondents were in favour of allowing cargo e-bikes to operate and park in the same way as a standard bicycle.

Are commercial cargo e-bikes permitted to operate in Hamilton?

Commercial cargo e-bikes are permitted to operate in the same way as other cargo e-bikes in Hamilton.

What other municipalities have opted into the e-cargo bike pilot program?

Other municipalities that have opted to permit cargo e-bikes include Toronto (2021) and Ottawa (2021), with other municipalities such as London exploring the opportunity.

Date modified

June 13, 2023