Braun's Bicycle Blog » Electric Bikes http://blog.brauns.com ... courtesy of Braun's is Bicycles Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:06:04 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Copyright © Braun's Bicycle Blog 2011 support@emerge2.com (Braun's Bicycle Blog) support@emerge2.com (Braun's Bicycle Blog) http://blog.brauns.com/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpg Braun's Bicycle Blog http://blog.brauns.com 144 144 ... courtesy of Braun's is Bicycles Braun's Bicycle Blog Braun's Bicycle Blog support@emerge2.com no no Ministry of Transportation-Safety information for Bicycles and E-Bikes http://blog.brauns.com/2010/07/19/ministry-of-transportation-safety-information-for-bicycles-and-e-bikes/ http://blog.brauns.com/2010/07/19/ministry-of-transportation-safety-information-for-bicycles-and-e-bikes/#comments Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:08:20 +0000 Kim http://blog.brauns.com/?p=1676  Bicycles Can be operated on roads in Ontario.  In the HTA, the definition of bicycle includes tricycles and unicycles but not motor-assisted bicycles. You do not need a drivers licence to operate a bicycle in Ontario. A bicycle is a vehicle that: has steering handlebars and is equipped with pedals is designed to be propelled [...]
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 Bicycles

Can be operated on roads in Ontario.  In the HTA, the definition of bicycle includes tricycles and unicycles but not motor-assisted bicycles. You do not need a drivers licence to operate a bicycle in Ontario.

A bicycle is a vehicle that:

  • has steering handlebars and is equipped with pedals
  • is designed to be propelled by muscular power
  • has no age restriction for operators
  • can be operated on most roadways (e.g., not allowed to travel on 400 series highways)
  • cannot be operated across a roadway within a pedestrian cross-over

An operator must wear a bicycle helmet if under 18 and operating the bicycle on the road. If the operator is under 16 it is the duty of the operator’s parent or guardian to ensure that he/she wears a helmet. If the person is 16 or 17 it is his or her personal responsibility to wear a helmet.

No passengers are allowed if the bicycle is only meant for one person. When going slower than the rest of traffic, cyclists should stay as close to the right edge of the road as is practicable. Cyclists are allowed to safely use the full lane if staying close to the right edge of the road is unsafe.

Electrical Bicycles (“e-bikes”)

Can be operated on roads in Ontario.

From October 3, 2006 to October 3, 2009, the province of Ontario conducted a three-year pilot program to test the safe integration of electric power-assisted bikes (e-bikes) on Ontario roads.  Effective October 3, 2009, electric bikes (both those resembling conventional bicycles and those resembling motor scooters) are permanently allowed on roads and highways where conventional bicycles are currently permitted.  They must follow the same rules of the road as set out in the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) that currently apply to cyclists, with some exceptions.

In order to operate an e-bike:

  • Operators must be 16 years of age or older;
  • All operators must wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet at all times.

In addition:

  • No person who is the owner or is in possession or control of an e-bike shall permit a person who is under the age of 16 years to ride on, drive or operate the e-bike on a highway.
  • An e-bike must not be ridden on, driven or operated unless it is good working order.
  • Similar to bicycles and mopeds, power-assisted bicycles are prohibited from use on certain provincial controlled-access highways.
  • Any municipal by-law prohibiting bicycles from highways under their jurisdiction also apply to e-bikes. Municipalities may also pass by-laws specific to e-bikes that prohibit them from municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths, bike trails, and bike lanes under their jurisdiction.

To operate an e-bike on Ontario roads, an e-bike must meet the following equipment requirements:

  • Have a maximum unladen weight of 120 kg (includes the weight of vehicle and battery).
  • Must be equipped with at least two independent braking systems that applies force to each wheel and is capable of bringing the e-bike, while being operated at a speed of 30 km/h, to a full stop within 9 metres from the point at which the brakes were applied.
  • Must have wheels with a minimum diameter and width of 350 mm and 35 mm respectively.
  • Must have all electrical terminals completely insulated or covered and, along with the battery and motor, must be securely fastened to the bicycle to prevent them from moving while the bicycle is in motion.
  • No modifications to the motor of an e-bike to permit it to exceed the federal requirements for motor output or speed for an e-bike (500W and a speed greater than 32 km/h) are allowed.
  • Must meet the federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle (for the full definition, please see subsection 2(1) of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which includes:
    • Has steering handlebars and is equipped with pedals;
    • Is designed to travel on not more than three wheels;
    • Has an electric motor that has a power output rating of 500W or less. (Note: the motor is electric, and is incapable of propelling the cycle at speed of 32 km/h or greater on level ground, without pedaling) and
    • Bears a permanently affixed label by the manufacturer stating in both official languages that the vehicle conforms to the federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle (refer to image below).

Sample label

THIS VEHICLE IS A POWER
ASSISTED BICYCLE AND
MEETS ALL THE
REQUIREMENTS UNDER
SECTION 2(1) OF THE
CANADA MOTOR VEHICLE
SAFETY REGULATIONS.

CE VÉHICULE EST UNE BICYCLETTE
ASSISTÉE ET RECONTRE LA NORME 2(1)
DU RÈGLEMENT SUR LA SÉCURITÉ
DES VÉHICULES AUTOMOBILES DU CANADA.

 

……………………..

Enjoy your ride.  Follow the rules of the road and stay SAFE!

The above information is from the Ministry of Transportation website and gives safety information for Bicycles and E-Bikes.  For further information please see the Ministry of Transportation website at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/emerging/ 

]]> http://blog.brauns.com/2010/07/19/ministry-of-transportation-safety-information-for-bicycles-and-e-bikes/feed/ 1 E-BIKE RALLY and RIDE http://blog.brauns.com/2010/06/12/e-bike-rally-and-ride/ http://blog.brauns.com/2010/06/12/e-bike-rally-and-ride/#comments Sat, 12 Jun 2010 13:09:04 +0000 Kim http://blog.brauns.com/?p=1116 E-Bike owners or those interested in more information on E-Bikes may enjoy attending this event today at Victoria Park, Kitchener from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  There will be information on E-Bikes, demos and the opportunity to become involved with an E-Bike Club/Group.  For all the details see the Kijiji ad.
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E-Bike owners or those interested in more information on E-Bikes may enjoy attending this event today at Victoria Park, Kitchener from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

There will be information on E-Bikes, demos and the opportunity to become involved with an E-Bike Club/Group.  For all the details see the Kijiji ad.

]]> http://blog.brauns.com/2010/06/12/e-bike-rally-and-ride/feed/ 0 New Electric Adult Trike from Belize http://blog.brauns.com/2010/04/19/new-electric-adult-trike-from-belize/ http://blog.brauns.com/2010/04/19/new-electric-adult-trike-from-belize/#comments Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:25:34 +0000 Robert Braun http://blog.brauns.com/?p=473 For the last few years we have needed to install  motor kits onto adult tricycles in order to provide an electric trike for our customers who wanted to remain active, wanted the stability of a tricycle and wanted that extra boost that a motor provides. For many adult tricycle riders electric assistance is a feature [...]
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For the last few years we have needed to install  motor kits onto adult tricycles in order to provide an electric trike for our customers who wanted to remain active, wanted the stability of a tricycle and wanted that extra boost that a motor provides.

For many adult tricycle riders electric assistance is a feature that they would like to have and will make them more mobile. 

Finally we have an all in one solution.  The new BELIZE Tri-Rider “Elek-trike” will meet their needs.  The rider will have the freedom to travel far further than on a regular trike and still be able to pedal for exercise. It cruises at 8-10mph and with some pedal assistance will go for over 20 miles.

Built very solidly it has a heavy duty 450 Watt – 24V rear drive system and long lasting 20 ampere sealed batteries. The Tri-Rider “Elek-trike” is not a kit but a complete high quality electric tricycle. Designed and built as a complete electrical unit.  Easy to maintain.

It comes equipped with fenders, basket, front and rear brakes, key switch, battery meter and smart charger. SIZE: W-30″, L-69″, H-42″ (H-38″ with handlebar rotated down).

Available in Red or Blue.  The rear motor is operated with a thumb throttle.  The included battery charger has a light indicator to let you know when it is fully recharged. Recharging the battery packs usually takes several hours depending upon how drained they become.

The BELIZE Tri-Rider Elek-trike is priced at $1699.98 Cdn – built ready to ride.  Also we ship stuff almost anywhere, so the trike is also available in a box to ship.  (of course, shipping and assembly at the receiving end will be extra)

An optional Backrest is available ($69.98 Cdn) which is made of all alloy construction, has easy installation and adjustability, high quality,sturdy and very comfortable, a great accessory for any adult trike.

]]> http://blog.brauns.com/2010/04/19/new-electric-adult-trike-from-belize/feed/ 2 Bionx Factory Tour – Feb 2010 http://blog.brauns.com/2010/03/06/bionx-factory-tour-feb-2010/ http://blog.brauns.com/2010/03/06/bionx-factory-tour-feb-2010/#comments Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:01:02 +0000 Pat http://blog.brauns.com/?p=103 Ever heard of an electric assisted bicycle that is Made in Canada? Electric assist kits consist of a battery and motor that are designed to assist a rider in the pedaling stroke.  It’s a pretty new technology that’s taking cycling to a whole new level.  Basically you can add this system to your existing bike, or [...]
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Ever heard of an electric assisted bicycle that is Made in Canada?

Electric assist kits consist of a battery and motor that are designed to assist a rider in the pedaling stroke.  It’s a pretty new technology that’s taking cycling to a whole new level.  Basically you can add this system to your existing bike, or purchase it already installed on a brand new bicycle.  I recently had the opportunity to go to the BionX factory in Aurora ON.  BionX is one of the largest manufacturers of electric assist kits in the world and is owned by automotive giant Magna International.

BionX produces an electric assist kit that is entirely made at the factory in Aurora, ON, Canada with the exception of the lithium manganese battery which is made by Sony in Japan and assembled in Germany.  The kit consists of 3 main components; the magnetic drive, the battery and, the handle bar mounted controller.  As I stated previously, your bike is propelled to a whole new level of fun using the magnetic drive motor that is laced to a new rear.  The new BionX wheel  replaces your stock wheel and mounts directly to your bike!  Here’s the clincher which I have always liked about BionX, it’s not modifying your bike at all, you will always have your stock bicycle to use.  Don’t want any assist,  just set it to bike mode on your console or simply turn the unit off to save power.

More to come on BionX with some more details on the individual models so stay tuned!

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