About e-scooters

An electric kick-scooter (e-scooter) is a vehicle that has:

  • two wheels (one at the front and one at the back)
  • a platform to stand on
  • a handlebar for steering
  • an electric motor that does not exceed 500 watts
  • a maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface

E-scooters come in different styles, weights and speed capabilities.

About the pilot program

Ontario’s e-scooter pilot program allows municipalities to choose where and how e-scooters may be used.

The pilot is running from January 1, 2020 to November 27, 2024.

The pilot program sets out requirements for:

  • helmets
  • minimum age for riders
  • weight and speed restrictions

Municipalities that choose to allow e-scooters are responsible for:

  • where e-scooters may be operated (for example, on roads and bike paths, in parks and on trails)
  • where e-scooters may park
  • whether a business permit or licence is required for e-scooter companies
  • whether insurance is required (the type and coverage)
  • how people can give feedback on e-scooter use in their municipality
  • other considerations relevant to the use of e-scooters in the municipality

We will use the information gathered from municipalities during the pilot to help determine if e-scooters will be allowed permanently in Ontario and if so, what the rules will be regarding their operation.

Check with your municipality to find out whether e-scooters are allowed and if so, what the requirements are.

Municipalities

Municipalities that want to allow e-scooters to operate on their roads must pass bylaws to permit their use and set out specific requirements based on what is best for their communities.

The municipal guidelines outline best practices for municipalities participating in the pilot program.

Municipalities must inform the Ministry of Transportation that they are participating in the pilot, by contacting REO@ontario.ca. Municipalities are also required to investigate all collisions involving e-scooters on their roads and provide written reports, including the details of each collision, to the ministry.

Requirements

E-scooter requirements

E-scooters allowed under the pilot must have:

  • a maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface
  • a maximum weight of 45 kg
  • a maximum power output of 500 watts
  • two wheels and brakes
  • a horn or bell
  • at least one white light on front, one red light on rear and reflective material on sides
  • a maximum wheel diameter of 17 inches

E-scooters must not have:

  • pedals
  • a seat
  • a basket

Operator requirements

To operate an e-scooter under the terms of the pilot you must:

  • be at least 16 years old
  • stand at all times while riding
  • wear a bicycle helmet if under 18 years old

You are not permitted to:

  • carry passengers
  • carry cargo
  • operate an e-scooter on controlled access highways (for example, 400-series highways, QEW, etc.)

Other requirements

Similar to bicycles, all Highway Traffic Act rules of the road apply when riding e-scooters. Penalties will also apply to violations of the pilot regulation (fine of $250 to $2,500).

For the full list of pilot requirements, please see Ontario Regulation Electric Kick-Scooters.