E-bikes are permitted on public roads but not on sidewalks, trails or in parks in Burlington.
Cycling
A cycling culture within the City of Burlington is encouraged and achieved through the implementation of cycling facilities that allow all people to feel confident, comfortable, and safe using a bike as their mode of transportation.
Burlington, a bicycle-friendly community
In 2021, the City of Burlington became a bicycle-friendly community, receiving a silver rating by the Share the Road Cycling Coalition.
Currently, the city offers the following cycling infrastructure:
- 48 km of bike lanes
- 47.3 km of bike route streets
- 6.4 km of bike lane/sharrow streets
- 11.7 km of paved shoulders
- 52.5 km of multi-use paths adjacent to the road
- 31.6 km of paved off-road, multi-use paths
Cycling
We encourage bike riding and embrace a cycling culture in our city. We are working on this through our Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP) to add more paths, trails, bike lanes and other cycling facilities to make everyone feel confident, comfortable and safe using a bike as their mode of transportation.
E-bikes
E-bikes are becoming more popular and are allowed on public streets in Burlington.
An e-bike is the same as a bicycle as it has pedals and can be ridden using pedals. It also has a rechargeable battery and small motor so it can also run using electric power. E-bikes can be used in pedal assist mode (PAD), which can make pedaling easier and faster.
E-bike rules in Burlington
| Allowed | Not allowed/illegal |
|---|---|
|
Ride on public roads and streets |
Ride on sidewalks, trails or in parks |
|
Wear a helmet |
Ride without a helmet |
|
16+ years |
Under 16 years |
E-bike frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes, you must wear a helmet while riding an e-bike.
Is there a minimum age to be allowed to ride an e-bike?
In Ontario, you must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-bike. It is illegal for people under the age of 16 to ride on and operate an e-bike and parents are responsible for minors.
The City of Burlington does not have the authority to regulate the sale of e-bikes, only what is operated in public spaces. If you decide to buy an e-bike, make sure it meets the provincial government standards.
Where can I get more information on what’s allowed in Ontario?
For more information on e-bike regulations in Ontario, view the Riding an e-bike page on the Province of Ontario website.
Cycling Advisory Committee
Visit our Burlington Cycling Advisory Committee page to learn more about cycling routes, cycling events, road safety and more.
Cycling resources
View a list of cycling resources and groups so you find out where to go for more information on routes, safety tips, bike maintenance and more.
Cycling routes, events and infrastructure
View the city's cycling trails and lanes, including:
- Interactive Cycling Map
- Urban Cycling Map
- Rural Cycling Map
- City of Burlington Active Transportation Counts
Review the City's Cycling Plan, which presents a vision of a connected city with a spine network consisting of almost 130 km of facilities appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. It sets the stage for the City to make cycling a viable option for more people who are interested in more everyday trips made by bicycle.
The Halton Region Cycling Map features bike-friendly routes, ranging from 36 km to 100 km in length, as well as locations for:
- Bike storage facilities
- Healthy food options
- Access to washrooms, water and rest areas
- Other services for cyclists
The Government of Ontario provides a guide to getting around on your bike and making it easy to cycle in Ontario.
Envirocentre provides a handy Guide to Winter Cycling and winter cycling tips for families.
Discover more about how to stay safe while riding, including:
Our area features many great cycling clubs and groups. Clubs are welcoming new members and are a fabulous way to learn new skills from experienced riders, explore new routes, and make new friends and riding buddies!
Check out the Ontario Traffic Manual, which provides information and guidance for transportation users, and promotes uniformity of treatment in the design, application and operation of traffic control devices and systems across Ontario, including:
- Bikeway network planning
- Bicycle facility design and applications
- Implementing a bikeway network
- Support features
- Maintenance strategies for bicycle facilities