Ban on non-compliant mopeds makes Montreal bike paths safer, advocates say

Since Quebec banned certain types of motorcycles and mopeds that do not meet federal safety standards this summer, the situation has improved on Montreal bike paths, cyclist advocates say.  

"Now it seems to be a much more comfortable situation on our bike paths. It's noticeable," said Louis Lalonde, a spokesperson for Vélo Québec, which had lobbied for the ban over safety concerns.  

These often electrically powered vehicles could be seen zipping down bike paths, roads and sidewalks, but they were non-compliant with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).

"These vehicles pose a safety risk to vulnerable users of sidewalks and bike paths due to their high weight and the speeds they can reach," said Quebec's auto insurance board, Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), in a July news release.  

Also, the SAAQ said, it's a matter of fairness to the owners of compliant motorcycles and mopeds who must register their vehicles and hold the correct class of driver's licence to drive them on the road network.  

The board prohibited these two- or three-wheeled motorized vehicles that, with or without pedals, have characteristics such as footrests or can reach speeds of more than 32 km/h. These vehicles are not allowed if they have a nominal power — average power output under normal conditions — greater than 500 watts.  

Since the ministerial order came into effect on July 30, 244 tickets have been issued for mopeds or motorcycles operating on public roads without a CMVSS certification mark, said a spokesperson for the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM).  

Police and Vélo Québec also worked to get the word out, informing the public about the change, Lalonde said. Before the July 30 ban, the number of these vehicles on bike paths had been growing and cyclists were worried, he said.  

The biggest concerns were the speed of these devices, their size and their weight. Lalonde said they also sometimes carried multiple passengers.  

"They pose a risk just for the regular cyclists who are going at a slower pace," said Jason Savard, a spokesperson for the Association of Pedestrians and Cyclists of NDG.

He acknowledged these devices are likely better for the environment than cars but said they don't belong on bike paths.  

However, Pascal Robert said the province's restrictions have consequences for the growing electric unicycle industry, which has hundreds of safety-minded users in Quebec. 

He said most riders wear full protective gear and practise responsible riding behaviours.  

But the current legislation does not fully reflect the operational realities of electric unicycles, he explained, as the 500-watt power limit is insufficient for braking and safe operation, especially given the weight of these devices due to their batteries, he said.