After a multi-year campaign spearheaded by the Electric Vehicle Council
of Ottawa (EVCO), the province of Ontario has agreed to establish a
pilot project under the auspices of the Ontario Ministry of
Transportation (MTO).
The pilot project permits any Ontario resident age sixteen years or
older to use an electric-assisted bike that meets the standards set out
by Transport Canada for Power Assist Bicycles. Operators are required
to wear a bicycle helmet. The pilot is expected to run for three years,
during which time MTO will monitor usage with a view to how well this
vehicle class blends into the existing vehicle mix in the province.
The recognition of e-bikes under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA)
due to the pilot project is expected to clear up the confusion in
Ontario that has required some Ontario residents to register their
e-bikes as mopeds (motor-assisted bicycles). The recently released 2006
MTO Cycling Skills booklet mentions the PAB pilot project. PABs have
been legal in most of the rest of Canada for several years.
EVCO is grateful for the support of Ontario Transportation Minister
Donna Cansfield, who only recently moved to this portfolio, for helping
make the pilot project a reality before the 2006 cycling season is over.
Phil McNeely, MPP for Ottawa-Orléans and Parliamentary Assistant to
Minister Cansfield has also been supportive of our initiative over the
years.
The standards for electric-assist bikes were established so that they
would be identical to conventional bicycles in performance and
operation. Due to their use of electric motors to provide assistance to
the cyclist, they are virtually silent and produce no emissions in
operation. The electric assist allows cyclists to extend their
operating range and climb hills, and enhances their confidence to take
on longer trips. The standards only permit the electric assist to
provide power up to speeds of 32 km/h, comparable to what many cyclists
can accomplish without assistance. Because the e-bikes are conventional
other than the addition of the electric-assist capability, they can be
used on bike paths, on bike carriers attached to transit vehicles, and
secured in standard bike racks.
Adding these zero-emissions vehicles to the Ontario road mix will allow
some motorists to leave their cars and trucks at home, reducing the
amount of air, water, noise and thermal pollution associated with their
use. Because the e-bikes encourage the rider to contribute human power
as well for longer range or higher speeds, health benefits will result
for the individuals as well from the opportunity to exercise that fits
into their current daily schedule.
Due to the efficiency of these machines that use about 1/100th of a kWh
per km - about $0.001 worth, the additional demand for electricity in
the province will be undetectable. For a 20 km trip, the e-bike will
use less electricity than a hair-dryer used for 10 minutes. Further,
most charging is expected to happen overnight, when the Ontario grid has
a surplus of generating capacity. By displacing a conventional car for
that 20 km trip, 4 to 6 kg of CO2 are kept out of the atmosphere. Of
course, emissions such as carbon monoxide, a poison; nitrogen oxides, a
smog pre-cursor; sulphur oxides, which cause acid rain; volatile organic
compounds, a smog pre-cursor; small particulates, which are respiratory
irritants; and, other toxins and carcinogens are also reduced
dramatically. Most importantly, these emissions are removed from our
urban areas at ground level, precisely where most of us are living and
breathing.
EVCO member Juergen Weichert deserves special credit for his steady
efforts to keep this issue moving forward, and attending a workshop in
Toronto to represent EVCO's position. Juergen's company, Acclivity
Solutions, markets electric bikes, conversion kits and components,
including Bionx and Crystalite products.
The Ontario government announcement can be seen here:
http://ogov.newswire.ca/ontario/GPOE/2006/10/04/c4982.html?lmatch=&lang=_e.html
The Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa Press Release =========
October 4, 2006 (Toronto)
For Immediate Release
The Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa (EVCO) applauds today's
announcement by Ontario Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield to
permit electric-assist bicycles on Ontario roadways under a pilot project.
Electric-assist bicycles (officially called Power Assisted Bicycles or
PABs) are bicycles with a small electric motor that are limited to a
maximum speed of 32km/h and a maximum power of 500 Watts. Electric
bicycles are zero-emission vehicles. Anyone in Ontario who is 16 years
of age or older may ride an electric bike during the pilot project which
is expected to last three years.
"Many Ontario citizens have been waiting eagerly to drive their electric
bicycles legally or to acquire one" notes Etienne Gibeault, EVCO
President. "We are thrilled that these electric vehicles are now legal."
Electric-assist bicycles are available, affordable and are as easy to
use as a standard bicycle. The electric motor and battery pack provide
cyclists with clean, quiet and non-polluting power -- ideal for hill
climbing, extending one's range, assisting those with mobility
impairments and reducing the effort associated with cycling (a bonus for
those without shower facilities at work). Electric bike riders can get
as much exercise as they choose without worrying about longer distances
or over-exertion. Electric bikes allow the rider to pedal as much as
desired while providing power-assist when required.
Electric bike riders are now able to do their part to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions, improve air quality, and stay fit without having to worry
about breaking the law. EVCO congratulates the Minister for taking this
step and looks forward to a time when a variety of electric vehicles are
legal on Ontario roads.
"Relatively inexpensive electric vehicles are now within reach of the
average consumer," says Etienne Gibeault. "This is a viable alternative
for Ontarians who want something more than the traditional means of
transportation."
****************************************
EVCO is a voluntary, non-profit organization that promotes the use of
electric vehicles in applications where they are appropriate. Electric
vehicles are viable transportation alternatives that are ecological,
economical, practical and available. EVCO has been campaigning for the
legalization of electric bicycles in Ontario for over 3 years.
Spokesperson: Juergen Weichert (613) 746-7685
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
The Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa
P.O.Box 4044, Station "E"
Ottawa, ON, Canada
K1S 5B1
www.evco.ca
=========================================================================
(Darryl McMahon is the President of Econogics, an e-bike owner, and a
member of EVCO, the EAA, and Electric Mobility Canada as well as a
long-time proponent and owner of zero-emissions electric-drive vehicles.)
--
Darryl McMahon http://www.econogics.com
It's your planet. If you won't look after it, who will?
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