Effective July 1, 2009, Alberta amended the Use of Highway and Rules of
the Road Regulation adopting Transport Canada's definition of
power-assisted bicycle. At the same time we also amended the definition
of moped, adopting Transport Canada's definition of limited-speed
motorcycle. Adopting Transport Canada's power-assisted bicycle
definition only allows an Alberta power bicycle to have an electric
motor; the intention being power-assisted bicycles are to be operated as
bicycles with an electric assist.
Alberta relies upon Transport Canada to establish motor vehicle design
and engineering standards; including standards for noise and exhaust
emissions. Prior to July 1 of this year many Albertans were purchasing
Transport Canada power-assisted bicycles but, because they weighed more
than 35 kg, they were required to licence and insure them as mopeds
before they could be operated on a roadway in Alberta. Adopting
Transport Canada's definition eliminated this requirement, making these
green alternative vehicles street legal.
Since July 1 of this year an internal combustion engine driven bicycle
is defined as a moped. Mopeds must be licensed and insured, their
riders must wear a motorcycle helmet, and hold at least a class 7
driver's licence.
Considering engine driven bicycles to be a mopeds hasn't made them
illegal. There are no plans at this time to change Alberta's
definitions to allow for engine driven power bicycles.
You are correct, to register an internal combustion engine driven
bicycle as a moped requires an Alberta assigned Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). Obtaining an assigned VIN should not be difficult; an
Alberta's assigned VIN for an engine driven bicycle will cost $52.50
(including GST). For more information contact the Insurance Bureau of
Canada at 1-866 263-6240, or visit their Alberta assigned VIN webpage:
https://apps.ibc.ca/AlbertaReVin/Rev...tructions.aspx
After obtaining an assigned VIN the Alberta Registries agent will
require you to get an out-of-province safety inspection. This
inspection must be done by a certified and licensed motorcycle
technician an Alberta licensed facility. You will be responsible for
the cost of this inspection; please contact Gordon Byer, Manager Vehicle
Inspection Programs, by telephone at 780-427-8901, or by email at
Gordon.Byer@gov.ab.ca, to assist you in finding a suitable inspection
facility.
An engine driven bicycle must meet the vehicle equipment requirements
for a moped. A moped must have headlamps, tail lamps, signal lamps,
brake lamps, mirrors, and a side mirror. You may view the Vehicle
Equipment Regulation on the Queen's Printer's website at:
Alberta Queen's Printer:
=9780779743193
You can view Alberta's definitions for power bicycle and moped in the
Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation on Alberta's Queen's
Printer's website:
http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?pag...e=Regs&isbncln
=9780779743186
You can view Transport Canada's definitions of power-assisted bicycle
and limited-speed motorcycle on Transport Canada's website:
Short Title, Interpretation - Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1038) - List of Regulations - Acts and Regulations - Transport Canada
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