E-Bike Compliance Labels
Thunder Bay, Ontario
E-bike use along Memorial Ave, Red River Rd, and the Waterfront trail has grown as Thunder Bay residents adopt electric cycling for commuting and recreation. Thunder Bay Police Service enforces Ontario Regulation 369/09 on roads and trails throughout the city.
E-Bike Enforcement in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay Police Service enforces Ontario Regulation 369/09 on roads and trails throughout the city, including Memorial Ave and Red River Rd. Officers conduct regular checks to ensure e-bike riders comply with speed limits, helmet requirements, and age restrictions. The bilingual compliance label is checked during roadside inspections as a primary indicator of regulatory compliance.
Enforcement efforts extend to the Waterfront trail, a popular multi-use route for cyclists and pedestrians. Police monitor e-bike usage to ensure riders follow trail rules, including stopping for pedestrians and adhering to the 32 km/h speed limit. The Waterfront trail sees increased enforcement activity during summer months when trail traffic is highest.
Thunder Bay Police Service also conducts public education on e-bike regulations while enforcing compliance. Violations of Ontario Regulation 369/09 can result in fines and may include on-the-spot warnings or citations, particularly for riders operating without the required bilingual compliance label or exceeding motor output limits.
Local note: Enforcement is active on Memorial Ave as a major commuter corridor and along the Waterfront trail during summer. Riders without a compliant label on either route are subject to immediate inspection.
Thunder Bay Police Service Enforcement
An e-bike without a valid bilingual compliance label is not classified as a "power-assisted bicycle" under Ontario law — it defaults to classification as a motor vehicle. This means the rider requires a valid driver's licence, vehicle registration, and insurance.
- • Fines for riding without proper classification: $250–$2,000 (HTA)
- • Vehicle may be impounded at scene
- • Dealer liability for selling non-compliant units
Thunder Bay Dealer Compliance Checklist
Every e-bike sold by a Thunder Bay dealer must meet all requirements under Ontario Regulation 369/09 before it leaves the floor.
- ✓Motor output is 500 watts or less
- ✓Motor cuts out at 32 km/h or lower on level ground
- ✓Permanently affixed bilingual compliance label on frame
- ✓Label states "Power-Assisted Bicycle / Bicyclette à assistance électrique"
- ✓Unladen weight is 120 kg or less (including battery)
- ✓Two independent braking systems — stops in 9 metres from 30 km/h
- ✓Pedals are fully operable and functional
- ✓Rider is 16 years of age or older
- ✓Approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet worn
Ontario Regulatory Snapshot
| Specification | Requirement | Legal Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Output | 500 watts maximum | O. Reg 369/09 s.2(c) |
| Motor Speed | 32 km/h max (level ground) | O. Reg 369/09 s.2(d) |
| Compliance Label | Permanently affixed — bilingual English + French | O. Reg 369/09 s.2(f) |
| Unladen Weight | 120 kg maximum (includes battery) | O. Reg 369/09 s.2(a) |
| Rider Age | 16 years minimum | O. Reg 369/09 s.6 |
| Helmet | Approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet — all ages | HTA s. 104 |
Last verified: March 2026 | Source: CanLII — O. Reg 369/09 ↗
Ready to Ride Legal in Thunder Bay?
Our bilingual PAB compliance labels meet every requirement under Ontario Regulation 369/09. Same-day production from our Ontario facility. Thunder Bay dealers order single units to fleet quantities.
Serving Thunder Bay, Neebing, Oliver Paipoonge, Shuniah, and the surrounding Northwestern Ontario area.