Fast E-Bikes in Canada: 35 mph and 40 mph Models, Laws, and What to Know Before You Buy

Fast e-bikes capable of 35 mph (56 km/h) to 40 mph (64 km/h) are available in Canada, but they are not legally classified as bicycles. Any e-bike that exceeds 32 km/h on motor power alone falls outside Canada's power-assisted bicycle definition. This guide explains what that means for your purchase, your insurance, and your ride.

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Speed Tier Overview

Canadian Speed Laws for E-Bikes

Canada's federal Motor Assisted Cycle Regulations set the e-bike speed limit at 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone. Above this speed, the motor must cut out. E-bikes that exceed this limit are classified as motor vehicles, not bicycles.

What this means in practice:

• An e-bike that tops out at 32 km/h on the motor is legal on roads and bike paths in every province.
• An e-bike that reaches 45 km/h or higher on motor power alone requires registration, insurance, and a driver's licence in most provinces.
• Most fast e-bikes sold in Canada have a "road mode" that limits speed to 32 km/h for legal use, with an "off-road mode" that unlocks full speed.

For province-by-province details, see our complete e-bike laws guide.

The 35 mph (56 km/h) Category

E-bikes in the 35 mph range typically use 1000W to 1500W motors with 48V or 52V battery systems. They ride like fast mopeds and demand corresponding safety gear and riding skill.

What to expect:

• Braking distance: At 56 km/h, stopping distance doubles compared to 32 km/h. Hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm+ rotors are essential. Mechanical disc brakes are not adequate at this speed.
• Tire requirements: Wider tires (2.5" minimum) provide better stability. Fat tires (4"+) are popular in this category for grip and shock absorption.
• Suspension: Front suspension fork is minimum. Full suspension (front and rear) is recommended for comfort and control on uneven surfaces.
• Weight: Most 35 mph e-bikes weigh 30-40 kg. Handling is noticeably different from a standard bicycle.

Common models available in Canada: Bikes in this speed tier include several fat-tire models from brands like Hiboy, Engwe, Addmotor, and Eahora. Most ship from Canadian warehouses with 5-10 business day delivery. Check our fat tire e-bike guide for specific models with Canadian pricing and availability.

The 40 mph (64 km/h) Category

At 40 mph, you are riding an electric motorcycle with pedals. These bikes use 1500W to 3000W motors, weigh 35-50 kg, and reach speeds that require motorcycle-level protective gear.

Critical safety requirements at 40 mph:

• Full-face helmet (not a bicycle helmet)
• Motorcycle-grade gloves
• Armoured jacket or at minimum a back protector
• Hydraulic disc brakes with dual-piston calipers
• Full suspension with 80mm+ travel

Insurance: At this speed, standard bicycle insurance will not cover you. You may need off-road vehicle insurance or motorcycle insurance depending on your province. See our Canadian e-bike laws guide for options.

Where to ride: Private property, designated off-road trails, and private tracks only. Using a 40 mph e-bike on public roads exposes you to traffic violations, insurance liability, and safety risk to yourself and others.

Should You Buy a Fast E-Bike?

Buy a 35 mph e-bike if:

• You have private land or access to off-road trails
• You want a moped-like experience without registration hassle (off-road use only)
• You commute on roads with a 32 km/h road mode and want extra power for hills
• You weigh over 100 kg and need the torque for a comfortable ride

Buy a 40 mph e-bike if:

• You specifically want an off-road electric vehicle
• You have experience riding motorcycles or mopeds
• You understand the insurance and legal implications

Skip the fast e-bike if:

• Your primary use is commuting on public roads (a 750W, 32 km/h bike is faster in practice due to legal compliance and lighter weight)
• You want to ride on bike paths (speed-limited paths will restrict you anyway)
• You are a new rider (master a 32 km/h e-bike first)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence for a fast e-bike in Canada?

If you ride it on public roads above 32 km/h, yes. Most provinces require a driver's licence, registration, and insurance for any motor vehicle exceeding the power-assisted bicycle speed limit. On private property, no licence is needed.

Can I set a speed limit on a fast e-bike?

Most fast e-bikes sold in Canada include programmable speed modes. A typical setup offers "Eco" (20 km/h), "Road" (32 km/h), and "Sport" or "Off-Road" (full speed). Some use a physical key or app lock to restrict access to higher speed modes.

How much range do fast e-bikes get?

At full speed, range drops 30-50% compared to riding at 25 km/h. A 48V 20Ah battery (960Wh) on a 1000W bike delivers roughly 40-50 km at 35 mph, or 60-80 km at 25 km/h. Riding at top speed continuously is the fastest way to drain a battery.

What is the fastest e-bike available in Canada?

Some dual-motor e-bikes exceed 70 km/h (43 mph). These are niche products primarily sold for off-road use. At these speeds, the bike must have motorcycle-grade components to be safe. The practical upper limit for most Canadian buyers is the 35 mph (56 km/h) category.