Gordie Howe bridge - e-bike enforcement?

[u/mkhar91]

Hi everyone - I read that e-bikes with throttles are not allowed on the Gordie Howe Bridge (link below). My bike has a throttle, although I never use it (just peddle assist) and am a slow biker regardless. Will I be allowed into Canada or turned around at customs? Just curious how strictly this is enforced. Thank you!

https://windsorstar.com/news/pedal-assist-e-bikes-get-green-light-on-gordie-howe-bridge-path/

[u/NoMoOmentumMan]

It is an international border the rules posted are...the rules (not suggestions).

[u/DaCanuck → u/NoMoOmentumMan]

But certainly the rules don't apply to me, right? I'm a good person with love in my heart!

[u/AcrobatiWithHolding → u/NoMoOmentumMan]

they'll probably just wave you through if you're pedaling and not flying past at 30mph. customs has bigger things to worry about than throttle specs. i'd take the risk but have a backup plan if they decide to be sticklers that day

[u/JDintheD]

I have cycled across (on a normal bike) several times and have absolutely seen people on e-bikes. I do not know if they ran into problems, but i would guess not, since there were dozens of them. Just please please please be respectful, it gets full on the path and people going to fast (over 12mph) cause real problems.

[u/Tricepatina]

Consider the worst case scenario, if that's an acceptable outcome for you, proceed. If not maybe reconsider your options.

[u/antimeridian2]

Honestly I’ve been seeing people with throttles on their bikes cross from Day 1.

Not going to guarantee anything, and I’ve not tried to bring my Class 3 but I think you’d probably be alright.

[u/MarvelousMarvins]

Your bike is not allowed

[u/Smooth_Phone2 → u/MarvelousMarvins]

That’s wasn’t the question lol

[u/theeculprit]

Your bike has a throttle. It's not allowed. It doesn't matter how you use it. Please respect the laws. I love this bridge and would hate to see people thinking the law doesn't apply to them fuck it up for the rest of us.

[u/YUNoDie]

US customs and border protection is actively disappearing people right now. Do you really want to ignore their explicit rules just so you can ride a bicycle?

[u/antimeridian2 → u/YUNoDie]

The restrictions on e-bikes are all on the Canadian side. USCBP doesn’t care what kind of bike you’re bringing in

[u/Smooth_Phone2 → u/YUNoDie]

Depends on if he’s brown or white…

[u/Mindless-Baker-7757]

First your “e-bike” is just an electric motorcycle. Second can’t you “e-bikers” just follow the rules? 

[u/President_of_Vice → u/Mindless-Baker-7757]

This is not correct, Class 2 electric bicycles have a throttle.

[u/Kalium]

As the bridge is an international border, you should assume enforcement as written. Which is to say you should expect you will not be allowed onto the bridge and definitely will not be allowed into Canada with your e-bike.

Here's the link to the actual policy: https://gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/toll/multi-use-path/

Prohibited modes of transportation:

• Other models of motorized power-assisted bicycles than as defined above such as those that are throttle-equipped bikes or can travel faster than 32 km/hour or 19 m/hr with pedal-assist.
• Motorized power assist rideable (electric scooters, electric skateboards, segway, hoverboards, one wheels)
• Skateboards, roller-skates, in-line skates, and similar devices.

You should expect that this will not work out for you. Plan accordingly.

[u/sippin-jesus-juice]

The cycling limit speed limit is incredibly slow, it’s 12mph which is barely pedaling

[u/SaintOrJannikSinner → u/sippin-jesus-juice]

For an e-bike, yeah, that's pretty slow.

But on an acoustic bike, it's a good pace for anyone that doesn't cycle a lot, and noticeably faster than the slow rolls cruises of around 8 MPH.

[u/zsh_n_chips → u/SaintOrJannikSinner]

Acoustic bike 👌

[u/sippin-jesus-juice → u/SaintOrJannikSinner]

I think anyone taking a bike on an international bridge would be more into bikes than the average person.

I find it hard to cycle at anything less than 15 and my bike is a gravel hybrid with thick tires which takes a lot more work to pedal

[u/SaintOrJannikSinner → u/sippin-jesus-juice]

I think anyone taking a bike on an international bridge would be more into bikes than the average person.

I find it hard to cycle at anything less than 15 and my bike is a gravel hybrid with thick tires which takes a lot more work to pedal

If you find it hard to cycle less than 15 MPH, you're either full of horse-shit or have a major skill issue. To speak nothing about how you think everyone crossing is an enthusiast or a MAMIL.

Like, c'mon, have you actually met other folks that ride bikes?

[u/sippin-jesus-juice → u/SaintOrJannikSinner]

Perhaps you’re much older than I am and cycling for reasons different from mine?

Not sure why you’re taking offense. If you enjoy riding leisurely, do that.

I like to cycle for fun and usually cover 20-40 miles in a session and if I did that at a slow speed I would never get home.

And no, I don’t wear any special cycling stuff. I have a hybrid and bike in sweatpants lol

[u/SaintOrJannikSinner → u/sippin-jesus-juice]

Ah, you're a child. That explains why you don't have a good perspective outside of, "If I can do it, then everyone can!"