As electric-powered bikes become more popular, laws and bylaws haven't kept up with the new mode of transportation, which has both a motor and pedals.

But the confusion doesn't mean e-bikes are entirely above the law. At least two people have been arrested in Toronto in recent weeks for riding an e-bike while drunk.

On Wednesday afternoon, police saw a woman driving erratically on an e-bike in Liberty Village, near Wellington Street West and Strachan Avenue. The 27-year-old was charged with impaired driving.

Her arrest came one week after a man was charged with drunk driving while on an e-bike in Parkdale.

When it comes to drinking and driving laws, the two arrested e-bikers could get off lucky. An e-bike is not considered a motor vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act. This means that being caught drinking and driving an e-bike won't result in a suspended license and an impounded bike, as would happen with a car.

But, both of these individuals can still face charges in court that could result in jail time.

When it comes to e-bike bylaws, the confusion continues.

E-bikes are allowed on the same roads as bicycles, but they aren't allowed on Toronto bike paths.

And they're not allowed in designated bike lanes, unless the rider is using the pedals, and not the motor.

This is a concern for e-bike rider John Banning.

"I probably have to be in that real dangerous zone, which is sort of squeezed between the cars and trucks," said Banning.

Unlike motor bikes and scooters, e-bikes don't require insurance as long as the pedals remain attached to the bike.

Bylaws governing e-bike parking have yet to be introduced, so either the street or the sidewalk works.

For anyone considering an e-bike, following the rules of the road should be a main concern, said Toronto police Const. Clint Stibbe.

"I would suggest that anyone wanting to get one of these vehicles fully avail themselves to all the laws and to the repercussions of their actions, while operating this vehicle," he said.

One thing is for sure, drinking and then operating an e-bike is always a bad idea, said Banning.

"Don't do it, don't do it," he said.

With files from Tamara Cherry