ICBC Rules for Motor-assisted cycles

• What is a motor-assisted cycle (MAC)?
• Operating requirements for MACs
• Rules of the road for MAC riders
• Definition of a MAC
• How MACs differ from low-powered motorcycles and scooters

What is a Motor-assisted cycle (MAC)?

A MAC is a two-or three- wheeled cycle with a seat, pedals and an electric motor that is 500 watts or less. MACs cannot be gas-powered.

MACs can range widely in appearance: from a bicycle with a small-sized motor to a scooter with bike pedals.

Because of their appearance, some MACs can be easily confused with other types of motorized, two-wheeled vehicles, such as low-powered motorcycles or scooters.

It’s important to know for sure whether you are operating a MAC. That’s because MACs have unique licensing, insurance and operating requirements.

Operating requirements for MACs

To ride a MAC, you must:

• be 16 years of age or older, and
• wear a bicycle helmet

However, MAC riders are not required to:

• have a driver’s licence, or
• register, license or insure their MAC (though insurance may be available under your homeowner's policy - ask your local insurance broker to check for you)

Rules of the road for MAC riders

On the road, an operator of a MAC has many of the same rights and duties as an operator of a motor vehicle. As well, a MAC operator has additional responsibilities to ride in accordance with bicycle safety rules of the road. For example, a rider:

• should operate as close as safely practicable to the right hand side of a road
• must obey all traffic lights and traffic control devices
• can not operate a MAC on sidewalks, except where specifically directed by a sign or local bylaw
• must equip their MAC with appropriate bicycle lighting and reflectors if it is to be used between sunset and sunrise
• must operate a MAC in the same direction as other traffic (not against the flow of traffic)
• should use hand signals well in advance of any turn or stop

For more rules of the road, please refer to Section 183 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act’s “Rights and duties of operator of cycle”.

Detailed definition of a MAC

In order to qualify as a MAC, certain conditions must be met. For example:

• the electric motor must be 500 watts or less and be capable of propelling the cycle no faster than 32 km/h on level ground without pedalling
• it must be equipped with a mechanism that either:
  1. allows the driver to turn the motor on and off, or
  2. prevents the motor from turning on or engaging before the MAC attains a speed of 3 km/h
• the motor must disengage when the operator does at least one of the following:
  1. stops pedalling, or
  2. releases the accelerator, or
  3. applies a brake
• the motor cannot be gas-powered
• it must be capable of being propelled by muscular power using the pedals, but it is not necessary to always be pedalling
• it must meet any additional conditions set forth in the Motor Assisted Cycle Regulations (B.C. Reg 151/2002)

How MACs differ from low-powered motorcycles and scooters

Some MACs look similar to low-powered motorcycles and scooters.

Provincial regulations classify low-powered motorcycles and scooters as Limited Speed Motorcycles (LSMs).

While a MAC and an LSM may look similar, these vehicles have very different licensing, insurance and operating requirements.

What’s the difference between MACs and LSMs?

Description	MACs are cycles that combine the pedal power of bicycles with the power assistance of an electric motor.	LSMs are low-powered motorcycles or scooters. LSMs rely on motor power and are generally not equipped with bicycle-style pedals
Propulsion	Electric motor under 500 watts AND Bicycle-style pedals for manual propulsion	50 cc or less OR Electric motor under 1,500 watts
Maximum speed	32 km/h on level ground without pedalling	70 km/h on level ground.
Vehicle registration, licensing and insurance	None required	An LSM must be registered, licensed and insured as a motor vehicle
Driver requirements	No driver’s licence is required Operator must be at least 16 years of age	Operator must have a driver’s licence of any class (i.e. doesn’t have to be a motorcycle licence)
Helmet requirements	Must wear a bicycle helmet	Must wear a motorcycle helmet
Rules of the road	Subject to the same rights and duties of a motor vehicle, such as obeying all traffic lights and control devices. As well, an operator of a MAC should adhere to bicycle safety rules, such as riding as close as practicable to the right hand sand of the road and using hand signals in advance of any turn or stop.	Subject to the same rights and duties of a motor vehicle, such as obeying all traffic lights and control devices.
Labels	As a condition of initial sale, all commercially manufactured MACs must bear a permanently affixed label stating that the vehicle is a “power-assisted bicycle”.	As a condition of initial sale, all commercially manufactured LSMs must bear a permanently affixed compliance label. On this, or on another separate label, a statement must appear that the use of the vehicle may be restricted by provincial authorities to certain roads.

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ATV riding can be a lot of fun! It is also very important to understand that ATVs can also be hazardous to operate if not operated correctly. Beginner riders should receive instruction before they start riding.

For your safety, always wear:

• A helmet
• Eye protection
• Shoes or boots
• Protective clothing.

And remember:

• Never ride on paved surfaces or public roads
• Never carry passengers
• Never engage in stunt riding
• Avoid excessive speeds
• Be particularly careful on difficult terrain

For safety and training course information, see your local dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute (ASI) at 1-800-887-2887. Single copies of the publications are available free by contacting ASI.

Age Recommendations by model size
ATV Model Size	Age Guideline*	Weight Capacity
Viper 50M	4-6 years and older	90 Lbs
Viper 70cc	6-9 years and older	150 Lbs
Viper 90cc	9-14 years and older	150 Lbs
Vector 250cc	14 and up	300 Lbs

*Kids riding improperly sized machines can be dangerous.

Additional safety tips:

• Use antenna flags and wear bright clothing to increase conspicuity

• Use maps and compass if you are riding in an unfamiliar area. Make a mental note of landmarks; you may need them if you are stranded. If you are lost at night, do not move around. You will waste valuable fuel that you can use to ride safety in the daylight.

• Carry a first-aid pack with you.

• Your vehicle repair kit should include the manufacturer's tool kit as well as some wire, tape, elastic cords, and possibly locking pliers and a tow rope.

• Carry some snacks and a water supply with you.

• Don't let youngsters ride full-sized ATV's

• Pre-Ride Inspection - Inspecting the condition of your ATV before each ride is very important to minimize the chance of injury and maximize the enjoyment of your ride. It also helps ensures long term performance of your ATV. Follow the owners manual guide to inspection and maintenance of your ATV. A well maintained ATV will give you years of enjoyment. 

• Watch out for thin ice which may be camouflaged by snow.

• Remember, you can ride further in one hour than you can walk in an entire day.

For additional safety tips, check out the ATV Information and Education Group and to obtain a free copy of "Tips and Practice Guide for ATV Riders" call (949) 727-3727

Call the ATV Enrollment Express toll-free at 1-800-887-2887. They can tell you where the nearest RiderCourse® is and how you can enroll on the spot.

"Tread Lightly" on public and private land. Preserve your future riding opportunities by showing respect for the environment, local laws and the rights of others when you ride.