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e-Bikes in BC Parks

The following is BC Parks official ruling and classification for electrically assisted e-bikes (taken from BC Parks website). 

The full article can be viewed here.


Electric bicycles (e-bikes) in BC Parks

BC Parks follows current e-bike industry standards for the 3-class system. The variability of these e-bikes requires BC Parks to differentiate between classes to minimize possible impacts on wildlife, environmental, recreational and cultural values of the parks.

  • Class 1 e-bike use is allowed where cycling and mountain biking is already permitted, unless signage indicates that trail is closed to all e-bike access. Some areas have high environmental and wildlife values, and the increased e-bike speed and usage may increase wildlife conflict.
  • Class 2 and Class 3 e-bike use is only allowed where motorized use is currently permitted, such as park roadways and off road vehicle areas. In some parks, class 2 e-bikes are also allowed on active transportation designated trails, which are commuter pathways linking communities together like some sections of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. Refer to the specific park webpage for information about permitted e-bike usage.
  • Adaptive mountain bikes (aMTBs) are allowed in areas designated for Class 1 e-bike use, provided they meet the requirements below.
  • Some parks may further restrict e-bike use due to conservation concerns. Refer to the specific park webpage for information about permitted e-bike usage.


Class

Max Continuous Motor Wattage

Max Speed Before Motor Cut-off

Motor Actuator Method

Class 1

500 W

32 km/h

Pedal-assist only (no throttle)

Class 2

500W

32 km/h

Pedal assist and/or throttle actuated

Class 3

500W

45 km/h

Pedal assist and/or throttle actuated


Class 1 e-bikes are not considered motor vehicles under the Park, Conservancy and Recreation Area (PCRA) regulations and have the following capabilities:

  • Motor only provides assistance if rider is pedaling (pedal assist)
  • Has a motor with a continuous maximum output of 500 watts
  • May have a deactivated throttle actuator so that the motor is only controlled by pedal assist.


The e-bikes sold at Cyclepath Kelowna fall under this categorization. 


Class 2 e-bikes are considered as motor vehicles under the PCRA regulations and have the following capabilities:

  • Motor is capable of providing assistance in part or exclusively by throttle (throttle actuated)
  • Has a motor with a continuous maximum output of 500 watts
  • Motor must stop providing assistance once speeds reach or exceed 32km/hr

Class 3 e-bikes are considered as motor vehicles under the PCRA regulations and have the following capabilities:

  • Motor is capable of providing assistance in part or exclusively by throttle (throttle actuated)
  • Has a motor with a continuous maximum output of 500 watts
  • Motor must stop providing assistance once speeds reach or exceed 45km/hr

Adaptive mountain bikes (aMTB) are are not considered motor vehicles and must have:

  • Three or four wheels
  • Hand or foot cranks able to propel the aMTB without electric power
  • A motor with a maximum output of 800 watts
  • Either pedal assist or throttle actuated motor control