Overview

Emerging vehicle technologies are changing how people and goods move across Ontario. They create opportunities for Ontario’s automotive sector to grow, innovate and create jobs.

These technologies can help:

  • reduce emissions
  • support more efficient travel
  • strengthen the commercial supply chain
  • make transportation cleaner and more sustainable

Some of these technologies are already in use on Ontario’s transportation network. Others are being tested through pilot programs to learn how they work with existing roads, laws and infrastructure.

Micromobility

Smaller vehicles and vehicles designed for shorter trips are an area of frequent innovation. They can include:

  • electric scooters (e-scooters)
  • electric bikes (e-bikes)

Electric bikes

In Ontario, a power-assisted bicycle (e-bike) is considered a bicycle, not a motor vehicle, under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). When riding an e-bike, you must follow all the rules of the road as if you were on a bicycle and meet some additional requirements.

Learn more about riding an e-bike in Ontario.

Micromobility pilot programs

Cargo e-bikes

Cargo e-bikes are larger power-assisted bicycles used to make deliveries and transport larger items.

To participate in Ontario’s cargo e-bike pilot, municipalities must:

  • pass a by-law
  • determine where cargo e-bikes can be operated

The pilot runs until March 1, 2031.

Learn more about the cargo e-bike pilot program.

Electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters)

Ontario’s e-scooter pilot program allows municipalities to pass a by-law to decide where and how e-scooters may be used within their jurisdiction.

The pilot runs until November 27, 2029.

Learn more about the electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters).

Other pilot programs

Since 2005, Ontario has conducted pilot projects to test and evaluate new and emerging vehicles. The pilot projects can operate for a maximum of 12 years.

To find out where pilot vehicles are allowed in Ontario, review the requirements for the program for that vehicle.

Three-wheeled vehicles

Under Ontario’s three-wheeled vehicle pilot, licensed drivers can operate federally approved three-wheeled vehicles made for on-road use on all roads in Ontario.

The pilot runs until February 12, 2028.

Learn more about the three-wheeled vehicles pilot.

Golf carts

Under Ontario’s golf cart pilot program, licensed drivers can drive golf carts on municipal roads in 5 locations:

  • Township of Pelee Island
  • Municipality of Huron-Kinloss
  • Municipality of Lakeshore (specifically within the Lighthouse Cove community)
  • Township of Amherstburg (specifically within Bois Blanc Island)
  • Municipality of Chatham-Kent (specifically within the Village of Erieau).

The pilot runs until June 3, 2031.

Learn more about the golf cart pilot program.

Low-speed vehicles

Ontario’s low-speed vehicle pilot program allows municipalities to pass by-laws permitting low-speed vehicles. Drivers operating within approved locations must ensure their vehicles meet federal standards and have a compliance label.

The pilot runs until June 29, 2027.

Learn more about the low-speed vehicle pilot program.

Large quadricycles

Under Ontario’s large quadricycles pilot, municipalities may pass a by-law to participate in the pilot. It includes non-electric or electric-assisted bicycles that can seat 12 or more people and are often used for tourism.

The pilot runs until April 21, 2032.

Learn about the large quadricycle pilot program.

Automated vehicles

Automated vehicles (AVs), also called driverless vehicles or autonomous vehicles, use onboard systems to gather information and make driving decisions, including braking, steering and accelerating.

The Automated Vehicle Pilot Program allows AVs to be tested on Ontario’s roads under strict conditions.

The pilot runs until October 13, 2027.

Learn more about the Automated Vehicle Pilot Program.

Connected vehicles

Connected vehicles (CVs) can collect and share real-time information with:

  • other vehicles
  • digital applications
  • traffic lights
  • smart signs
  • other road and roadside systems

The information helps support safer and more efficient driving.

Unlike automated vehicles (AVs), connected vehicle technology does not control the vehicle’s operation.

Learn more about connected and automated vehicles:

Low-carbon vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs)

Low carbon vehicles produce low or zero tailpipe emissions. They include electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Learn more:

Commercial vehicles and trucks

Some commercial vehicles, such as Long Combination Vehicles (LCVs), use new configurations or technologies and have additional safety requirements.

Learn more about special commercial vehicle configurations.

Advanced air mobility

Advanced air mobility technologies are types of aircraft that include:

  • drones — aircraft that do not have a pilot onboard
  • eVTOLs — low-carbon aircraft that can take off and land without a runway
  • airships — lighter-than-air craft that are self-propelled and usually filled with hydrogen or helium

Learn more about advanced air mobility technologies.