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Motorized Transportation Information
Know the rules and regulations for your motorized modes of transportation, as per the Alberta Traffic Safety Act.
Quick Reference Guide:
E-bikes are also known as 'power bicycles' or 'power-assisted bicycles'. They are defined as:
- Has steering handlebars and pedals
- Is capable of being propelled by muscle power
- Has one or more electric motors that have, singly or in combination, the following characteristics:
- It has a total continuous power output rating, measured at the shaft of each motor, of 500 W or less
- If it is engaged by the use of muscular power, power assistance immediately ceases when the muscular power ceases
- Bears a label that is permanently affixed by the manufacturer and appears in a conspicuous location stating that the vehicle is a power-assisted bicycle
You must be equipped with the following gear when riding an E-bike: Headlamp, tail lamp, reflectors, brakes, and a horn.
E-bikes are permitted on pathways and trails if pedal assisted.
A 'moped' means a vehicle that:
- Is propelled by an electric motor or an engine that has a displacement of not more than 50 cubic centimetres (cc), and
- Is a limited-speed motorcycle under the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Canada), i.e. has a maximum speed of 70 km/h or less.
Some vehicles may appear to be mopeds, however if they exceed the engine size of 50 cc or have a top speed of more than 70 km/h then they do not fall into the moped classification and are, instead, considered motorcycles.
While using a moped, you must ride as far to the right side of a highway as practicable to the curb or edge of the roadway unless making a left-hand turn.
If you under the age of 16 you are prohibited from carrying any passengers on a moped.
Your moped must be equipped with the following gear: Headlamp, tail lamp, brake lamp, reflectors, brakes, horn, muffler, and mirror.
Mopeds are not permitted on highways, except when crossing.
A motorcycle means a motor vehicle, other than a moped, that is mounted on two or three wheels and includes those motor vehicles known in the automotive trade as motorcycles and scooters.
You must be at least 16 years of age before you begin to learn how to operate a motorcycle. A learner must hold a Class 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 licence.
A mobility aid is a device used to transport, in a normal seated position, a person with a physical disability.
An off-highway vehicle means any motorized mode of transportation built for cross-country travel on land, water, snow, ice, or marsh or swampland or on other natural terrain and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes, when specifically designed for such travel:
- 4-wheel drive vehicles
- Low pressure tire vehicles
- Motorcycles and related 2-wheel vehicles
- Amphibious vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles
- Miniature motor vehicles
- Snow vehicles
- Minibikes, and
- Any other means of transportation that is propelled by any power other than muscular or wind (but does not include motor boats)
OHVs are not permitted to be used in the Town of Hinton.
These vehicles are motor vehicles, as defined the Traffic Safety Act; however, they also meet the definition of 'miniature vehicles' which are not permitted on a highway in Alberta, including sidewalks alongside the roadway. Examples include:
- Electric scooter
- Pocketbike,
- Golf cart
- Motorized skateboard
- Go-kart
- Personal transporter
While many of these motorized vehicles will be used in a pedestrian-like manner, the operators of these vehicles do not meet the legal definition of 'pedestrian'.
Contact Us
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Bylaw Services
Email
Protective Services Building
184 Eaton Road
Hinton, AB T7V 1Y5
Ph: 780-865-6009
Fx: 780-865-3369
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.