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.
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
How Do I Know If My E-bike Is Regulated By The Motor Vehicle Safety Act Or Not?
On February 4, 2021, Transport Canada repealed the previous definition of a power-assisted bicycle. Instead, Transport Canada will assess the design and speed of the e-bike in order to determine if it is regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations.
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
For E-bikes equipped with speed limiters, Transport Canada will first assess the e-bike based upon the untethered speed capacity to determine if the e-bike is regulated.
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.
What Is The Speed Limit Of 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.
Can I Import An E-bike That Looks Like A Motorcycle?
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.
FAQs
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.
Can I buy a bicycle in the US and bring it to Canada? ›
With bicycles, customs officials are looking to see if you purchased a new bike. In such cases the purchase may attract a duty and tax. The form(s) should travel with the item. If your camera is on your bike, keep the form with you.
What is the import duty on bikes into Canada? ›
All goods imported into Canada are subject to local GST/HST. Complete bikes are subject to an additional 13% import duty. Framesets are subject to an additional 5% import duty.
How do I ship an ebike across the country? ›
Power off your battery, remove any keys, and ensure that your battery cannot turn “on” during transit. Protect your e-bike and its battery by using lots of extra-dense foam padding. Pack your e-bike into a large and sturdy box rated for e-bikes such as the Bikeflights Bike Box Large (BBL).
Are 750W e-bikes legal in Canada? ›
Yes, 750W electric bikes are generally legal in Canada. The country follows a power limit of 750W for electric bicycles. As long as the electric bike meets this power limit and complies with other regulations, it is considered legal for use on public roads and pathways.
Is there tax on Ebikes in Canada? ›
Provincial/Territorial taxes are applicable on most items. Bikes and e-bikes are PST-exempt if bought and shipped within BC. Other tax exceptions may apply. Canadian taxes are not collected on orders shipped outside of Canada.
How much does it cost to ship a bike from the USA to Canada? ›
Ship your bike hassle free to any city in Canada from the continental USA. Rates starting at $179. Starting at $179 each way from any city within the continental USA, the Shipbikes.com 2-5 Days Canadian Air Service allows those visiting Canada with a bicycle to travel hassle free.
What is the import duty on bikes? ›
If you are a Indian resident then under normal condition you have to pay 36.05% of custom duty on estimated value of your product/cycle.
Can you cross the Canadian border on a bike? ›
Bicyclist Crossing Information
Pedestrians and bicyclists may cross the Peace Bridge at any time toll free.
How much are import fees to Canada? ›
Any item mailed to Canada may be subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or duty. Unless specifically exempted, you must pay the 5% GST on items you import into Canada by mail. The CBSA calculates any duties owing based on the value of the goods in Canadian funds.
You don't need a temporary import in advance to take your bike in to Canada, and as long as you keep a copy of the airline and customs clearance paperwork with you during your time there, then this – along with your original V5 or title document – is evidence that your bike is a temporary import.
What is the import allowance for Canada? ›
You can claim goods worth up to CAN$800. You must have tobacco products and alcoholic beverages in your possession when you enter Canada, but other goods may follow you by other means (such as courier or by post). However, all of the goods you are bringing back must be reported to the CBSA when you arrive.
How much does it cost to ship an e-bike? ›
Usually between $50 and $250. How quickly you need to get your bike from one place to another obviously has the single biggest bearing on price. If you can settle for 4-day shipping, you will get the best rates.
Can FedEx ship electric bikes? ›
Can I ship an e-bike? Yes, but you'll need follow our lithium battery guidelines when preparing your shipment. Lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods and can only be shipped via FedEx Express® services.
Will UPS ship an ebike? ›
UPS electric bike shipping
Ground shipment services may include an e-bike battery fee plus other fees. These costs can scale into the thousands and higher across your SKUs.
Is it legal to have an e-bike in Canada? ›
E-bikes with a power output of up to 500 watts and a top speed of 32 kph (20 mph) align with regular bicycles. However, those exceeding this power limit require a license since the speed limit for ebikes are 32kph or lower. It's worth noting that you do not need a license to ride an electric bicycle in Canada.
Does Lectric Ebikes ship to Canada? ›
Canada Shipping
All Canadian orders include a $200 (USD) fee per bike. This fee includes shipping, duties, and taxes so you won't need to worry about customs upon receiving your bike.
