MOPEDS IN ONTARIO
A moped is classified by the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA) as a 'motor-assisted bicycle' .
The vehicle must meet the technical definition contained in the Act and the rider must have a valid Driver's License.
To ride a moped any type of license is acceptable. Unfortunately as of November 28 2005, M1 LICENCE IS REQUIRED in Ontario.
Mopeds are NOT allowed onto divided traffic highways (400-series, QEW, etc.).
Wearing a helmet (motorcycle-grade, or DOT) is mandatory, so is a license plate and insurance (minimum coverage is third party liability).
MOPEDS ARE EXEMPT FROM SAFETY CERTIFICATION, WHEN OWNERSHIP IS TRANSFERRED/SOLD. MOPEDS ARE EXEMPT FROM PERIODIC AIR-CLEAN INSPECTIONS.
A moped must have
- working pedals (so it can be driven by human power alone).
- mirror at least one (left side).
- automatic transmission, (no manual or foot shifting of gears is allowed).
- fuel shut-off valve.
- kill-switch (To shut-off engine).
A moped cannot:
- have an engine displacement over 50cc
- exceed a speed limit of 50 km/h (30 mph)
- carry two persons
SUMMARY OF 2004 CANADIAN LAWS
COMMON FEDERAL GUIDELINES
The Canadian regulatory system for all motorized vehicles is governed by the CMVSS (Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards), a Federal Statute. The Federal Government (through Transport Canada, Road Safety Group) regulates the manufacturing and/or importation and verifies compliance. Approval must be obtained by the manufacturer before commercial sales can begin.speed motorcycle (LSM), where the maximum speed is limited to 70 km/h. This class covers both scooters and mopeds; the 50cc engine size limit exempts the engines from having to meet more stringent emission controls.
Motorized vehicles 15 years or older are exempt from mandatory compliance.
The CMVSS has 2 sub-categories for motorcycles: the regular and the so- called limited
PROVINCIAL VARIANCES
Licensing of vehicles and drivers is a Provincial responsibility and those vary widely. Some Provinces have a special vehicle class for mopeds (Ontario) with broad exemptions, at the same time setting very strict criteria for what will qualify as one. Others limit the weight and speed, others again will simply copy the Federal LSM specs. Very important is the type of drivers licence needed to ride a moped; in most (but not all) Provinces a regular car licence will do. Motorcycle-grade (DOT) helmets and 3rd-party liability insurance is mandatory everywhere.
Home Bike Showroom (top) About Us Contact Us Parts and Service Pros and Cons