E-Cargo Bike Pilot Program

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Consultation has concluded

The City of Hamilton is seeking public input on the potential use of power-assisted cargo bicycles, also known as e-cargo bikes.

The Province of Ontario passed Bill 282 Moving Ontarians More Safely Act in May 2021, and it received royal assent in June 2021. The bill defines power-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) based on the unladen weight of the bicycle (i.e. the weight when there is no cargo or passengers). All e-bikes that weigh more than 55 kilograms are now considered to be e-cargo bikes. The Ministry of Transportation Ontario has initiated a five-year pilot program to allow e-cargo bikes to be used for personal or commercial reasons. Uses may include moving people or goods, for personal or commercial reasons. E-cargo bikes are not to be confused with E-scooters (see images for clarification). Municipalities that want to participate in the e-cargo pilot program are required to implement a by-law to allow their use on local roadways.

Personal e-cargo bikes can help local families and households meet their daily needs without having to rely on a car, such as taking kids to school and grocery shopping. Commercial e-cargo bikes are a tool to replace some delivery trucks and vans, particularly in dense urban environments. E-cargo bikes support the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and provide an opportunity to reduce traffic and parking pressures on local roads.

Should Hamilton participate in the program?

The City of Hamilton is examining whether to participate in the program, pending public consultation and Council approval. Opting into the pilot would give residents and businesses the option to use e-cargo bikes to move people and goods. This supports the Transportation Master Plan’s objectives to improve the efficiency of goods movement and reduce the dependency on single occupant vehicles.

Project Update

Hamilton City Council approved by-laws on April 26, 2022 that opts Hamilton into the pilot program and regulates the use of cargo e-bikes within the city. These by-laws allow residents and businesses to use e-cargo bikes to move people and goods. This supports the Transportation Master Plan’s objectives to improve the efficiency of goods movement and reduce the dependency on single occupant vehicles.

Examples of E-Cargo Bikes

Personal e-cargo bikes
Commercial e-cargo bikes


Source: DHL
Source: K. Gebhardt

E-cargo bikes are NOT e-scooters


The City of Hamilton is seeking public input on the potential use of power-assisted cargo bicycles, also known as e-cargo bikes.

The Province of Ontario passed Bill 282 Moving Ontarians More Safely Act in May 2021, and it received royal assent in June 2021. The bill defines power-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) based on the unladen weight of the bicycle (i.e. the weight when there is no cargo or passengers). All e-bikes that weigh more than 55 kilograms are now considered to be e-cargo bikes. The Ministry of Transportation Ontario has initiated a five-year pilot program to allow e-cargo bikes to be used for personal or commercial reasons. Uses may include moving people or goods, for personal or commercial reasons. E-cargo bikes are not to be confused with E-scooters (see images for clarification). Municipalities that want to participate in the e-cargo pilot program are required to implement a by-law to allow their use on local roadways.

Personal e-cargo bikes can help local families and households meet their daily needs without having to rely on a car, such as taking kids to school and grocery shopping. Commercial e-cargo bikes are a tool to replace some delivery trucks and vans, particularly in dense urban environments. E-cargo bikes support the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and provide an opportunity to reduce traffic and parking pressures on local roads.

Should Hamilton participate in the program?

The City of Hamilton is examining whether to participate in the program, pending public consultation and Council approval. Opting into the pilot would give residents and businesses the option to use e-cargo bikes to move people and goods. This supports the Transportation Master Plan’s objectives to improve the efficiency of goods movement and reduce the dependency on single occupant vehicles.

Project Update

Hamilton City Council approved by-laws on April 26, 2022 that opts Hamilton into the pilot program and regulates the use of cargo e-bikes within the city. These by-laws allow residents and businesses to use e-cargo bikes to move people and goods. This supports the Transportation Master Plan’s objectives to improve the efficiency of goods movement and reduce the dependency on single occupant vehicles.

Examples of E-Cargo Bikes

Personal e-cargo bikes
Commercial e-cargo bikes


Source: DHL
Source: K. Gebhardt

E-cargo bikes are NOT e-scooters


  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Your input will help the City determine whether to join the Provincial five-year e-cargo bike pilot, and if yes, assist in the creation of the municipal by-law. City staff expect to bring a draft recommendation to City Council in 2022.

    Consultation has concluded
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