How To Import E-Bikes Into Canada
Your how-to guide on electric bicycle imports into Canada
If you are importing power-assisted bicycles, e-bikes, electric bikes, motorized bikes, and electric scooters into Canada, you must know what government parties are involved, what regulations must be followed, and the fundamental aspects of e-bike imports.
Parties Involved:
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Transport Canada
- Customs Broker
- Carrier
Main Regulations:
- Depending on the characteristics of the unit, different definitions are used to categorize motorized bicycles, and therefore different regulations must be followed:
- Certain power-assisted bicycles or e-bikes are considered non-regulated, making them exempt from the Motor Vehicle Safety Act based on the design characteristics.
- Power-assisted bicycles or e-bikes that do not meet Transport Canada’s definitions are considered regulated and must adhere to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
- Electric scooters (no pedals) would follow the same guidelines as power-assisted bicycles.
- An e-bike with four wheels touching the ground would not qualify as a power-assisted bicycle.
Import Fundamentals:
- You will be acting as the Importer of Record. Therefore, you are the party ultimately responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the import declaration; as well as, the payment of applicable duties and taxes into Canada
- Duty and tax must be paid upon importation into Canada.
- The rate of duty is determined by the tariff of the commodity being imported, the value of the goods and, the origin of the goods.
- Certain import documentation is required to be presented to the border services officer at the port of entry.
- Your import may be subject to a customs review, inspection or audit prior to, or after the importation. Additional fees may be levied by the Government of Canada for these services.
- You are required to keep your import records for six years following the date of import and can be audited by Customs at any point during this time.
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FAQ: E-Bike Imports
Transport Canada will regulate your e-bike if it:
- Can travel faster at speeds of 32 km/h / 20 miles/h or greater (power assisted)
- Is equipped with features that resemble on-road motorcycles or vehicles
E-Bikes are also regulated at the Provincial and Territory level, so it is good practice to check with your local government for regulations prior to importing or purchasing an e-bike.
In order for an e-bike to be non-regulated by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Transport Canada indicates that the e-bike must not be able to reach a speed of 32km/h.
If the electric bicycle can operate at over 32km/h it will be considered a regulated vehicle.
In order for an e-bike to be non-regulated by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Transport Canada indicates that e-bikes cannot resemble on-road vehicles of any sort. If the e-bike does it will be regulated by Transport Canada regardless of speed limitations.