Only e-bikes that meet specific standards and regulations should be allowed in bike lanes and paths.Laura Proctor/The Canadian Press

Electric bicycles have become a common sight on the streets in recent years as people seek out affordable alternatives to gas-fuelled cars. Yet they are causing conflicts in some bike lanes, where traditional cyclists ride along with e-bikes weighing as much as 120 kilograms and travelling at 50 kilometres an hour. The vehicles are also causing concerns by pulling up illegally onto sidewalks. In Toronto, complaints from pedestrians have spurred the city to seek new enforcement options.

While some e-bikes are pedal-powered bicycles with batteries to help their riders climb hills, others are powerful machines that are essentially unlicensed motorcycles. All jurisdictions should treat the more powerful e-bikes as motor vehicles, and require licensing and insurance.

Cars remain the biggest danger on the road, but it’s clear that e-bikes also pose risks for cyclists and pedestrians. However, the........

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