Trystan Casey
Electric scooters are a popular mode of transportation in Canada, especially in major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. While they offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around, the question of their legality on public roads and sidewalks is a complex one. In Ontario, the use of electric scooters is governed by a pilot program with specific requirements, and the laws can vary depending on the municipality. So, are electric scooters street legal in Ontario?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Motor power | Must not exceed 500 watts |
| Speed limit | 32 km/h (20 mph) |
| Minimum age | 14 or 16 years old |
| Helmet | Mandatory for riders under 18 years old |
| Passengers | Not allowed |
| Cargo | Not allowed |
| Alcohol and drugs | Not allowed |
| Location | Roads, bike lanes, park trails, cycle tracks, multi-use paths |
| Location | Not allowed on highways and sidewalks |
| Pilot program | Started on January 1, 2020 |
| Pilot program | Ends on November 27, 2024 |
| Pilot program | May be extended until November 27, 2029 |
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What You'll Learn
Electric scooter pilot programs in Ontario
Electric scooters have become increasingly popular in Canada, particularly in major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. In recognition of this, the Ontario government launched a pilot program for electric kick scooters on January 1, 2020, which was due to end on November 27, 2024. However, the pilot has been extended for an additional five years, until November 27, 2029.
The pilot program allows municipalities to opt-in and create rules for the use of electric scooters within their boundaries. The program aims to understand where and how electric scooters should be used and gives municipalities the freedom to set their own laws. This includes decisions on the requirements for helmets, the minimum age of riders, and weight and speed restrictions.
As of 2024, 16 municipalities have opted into the program, including Ottawa, Mississauga, and Brampton. However, notably, the City of Toronto has declined to join the pilot, citing concerns raised by people with disabilities and seniors. Despite this, it is estimated that thousands of e-scooter riders are on Toronto's streets, and the number is growing daily.
The extension of the pilot has been met with criticism from disability advocacy groups, who argue that it endangers vulnerable people with disabilities and seniors. They claim that the government is avoiding public scrutiny and legalizing electric scooters without passing the necessary legislation or introducing new rules to protect vulnerable road users.
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Age, alcohol, and helmet requirements
The age requirements for riding electric scooters vary across Canada. In Ontario, riders must be at least 16 years old, while in Edmonton, the minimum age is 18. In some municipalities, the minimum age is 14 years old. It is important to check the local laws before riding an electric scooter, as the age requirements may vary depending on the province or municipality.
Alcohol is not permitted when operating an electric scooter in Ontario. This is a general requirement of the province's electric scooter pilot program, which aims to promote safety and reduce accidents.
Helmet requirements also vary across Canada. In Ontario, riders under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle helmet. In Edmonton, helmets are not mandatory but are highly recommended. In some municipalities, helmets are mandatory for riders under a certain age, typically under 18. When riding an electric scooter, it is important to prioritize safety and follow the local helmet requirements.
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Speed, weight, and power restrictions
The speed, weight, and power restrictions for electric scooters in Ontario are currently in a state of flux. This is due to a pilot program that was launched by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) on January 1, 2020, which permits electric kick-style scooters on Ontario roads until November 27, 2024. The pilot program is seeking to understand where and how electric kick scooters should be used, giving municipalities the freedom to set their own laws about their use. This means that different municipalities in Ontario will have different electric kick scooter laws.
At a provincial level, electric scooters are allowed to operate on roads, bike lanes, and park trails, with the exception of highways and sidewalks. The pilot program also sets out specific rules and conditions, including a ban on modifications. The current maximum speed limit for electric scooters in Ontario is 32 km/h (20 mph) and the motor power output must not exceed 500 watts.
In terms of weight restrictions, one source states that electric scooters in Ontario must have a maximum weight of 45 kg (99 lbs). However, it is unclear if this is a province-wide restriction or specific to the municipality mentioned.
It is important to note that the legal status of electric scooters in Ontario is subject to change as the pilot program is ongoing and may be extended beyond its original end date of November 27, 2024.
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Where you can ride
Electric scooters are a popular mode of transportation in Canada, with their use growing in several major cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. However, the laws surrounding their use vary across the country and are subject to change as pilot programs are implemented to test their integration with existing vehicles, pedestrians, and other road users.
In Ontario, there is currently a pilot program for electric kick scooters that will end on January 1, 2025. This program gives municipalities the freedom to set their own laws about the use of electric kick scooters, which means that the rules for riding electric scooters can vary from city to city within the province. For example, while they are legal to use on public roads in some cities, Toronto has maintained a ban on electric scooters.
To avoid any tickets or fines, it is recommended to follow the pilot guidelines and ride on the right side of streets, in cycle tracks, and on multi-use paths. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations of your municipality, as they may differ from other cities in Ontario.
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Where you can't ride
The use of electric scooters is governed by a patchwork of regulations in Canada, with different provinces and municipalities setting their own laws. In Ontario, electric scooters are allowed to operate on roads, bike lanes, and park trails, but are prohibited from highways and sidewalks.
In Toronto, the use of electric scooters is banned. The Toronto City Council's vote on May 5, 2021, reinforced the ban on electric scooters and other micromobility devices, except for electric bicycles with a power output of up to 500 watts. While there is little to no enforcement of this ban due to a lack of resources, riding an electric scooter in Toronto is technically illegal.
In other municipalities within Ontario, the rules may vary. For example, in Ottawa, the rules differ depending on whether you own an electric scooter or use the city's shared ones. For privately owned electric scooters, ensure they have a maximum speed of 32 km/h, lights, and brakes. These can be used on bike paths, cycling tracks, and calmer roads. For shared electric scooters, you must be 16 or older, wear a helmet if you're under 18, and park them in designated spots.
In general, it is recommended to follow the provincial e-scooter pilot program guidelines, which include requirements such as a minimum rider age of 16, the mandatory use of helmets for riders under 18, and no passengers or cargo allowed. Additionally, electric scooters should not be operated on sidewalks to prevent pedestrian accidents.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric scooters are permitted on roads, bike lanes, and park trails in Ontario, but not on highways and sidewalks. The minimum age to ride an electric scooter is 16, and riders under 18 must wear a helmet.
Yes, electric scooters in Ontario must not exceed a speed of 32 km/h (20 mph) and a power output of 500 watts.
No, a license or registration is not required to ride an electric scooter in Ontario. However, it is important to follow the local laws and regulations regarding the use of electric scooters, as they may vary across municipalities.
Yes, it is illegal to carry passengers or cargo on electric scooters in Ontario. The use of drugs or alcohol while operating an electric scooter is also prohibited. It is recommended to follow the pilot guidelines and ride on the right side of the streets, in cycle tracks, and multi-use paths to avoid tickets or fines.
