Large quadricycles

Large quadricycles are vehicles that can seat 12 or more people and are often used for tourism. They can be non-electric or electric-assisted.

About the pilot program

The large quadricycle pilot program:

  • allows electric-assisted large quadricycles on roads where permitted
  • aims to have a positive economic impact for municipalities by supporting tourism opportunities
  • lets municipalities choose where and how large quadricycles can be used

The pilot is running from April 2022 to April 2032.

There are requirements such as:

  • type of vehicle and safety features
  • who can operate and drive the large quadricycle
  • passengers
  • helmets
  • speed restrictions

We will use information gathered from municipalities during the pilot to evaluate the pilot program.

How to participate

Check with your municipality to find out whether large quadricycles are allowed. If they are, find out what rules and requirements apply.

Municipalities

Municipalities that want large quadricycles to operate on their roads must:

  • pass a by-law to allow their use
  • email the Ministry of Transportation to confirm their participation in the pilot at REO@ontario.ca
  • share a copy of their by-law

Each participating municipality must:

  • send the ministry an annual report on how the pilot program is working locally
  • follow municipal guidelines that outline best practices for the program

Requirements

Driver requirements

To drive large quadricycles under the pilot program, you must:

  • have a valid A, B, C, D, E, F or G licence
  • follow all rules of the road including impaired driving laws

Vehicle requirements

Large quadricycles can be electric or non-electric. Large quadricycles under the pilot must have:

  • at least 12 seats including a driver seat
  • pedals to provide propulsion power
  • a steering wheel or a handlebar for steering
  • working brakes
  • parking or emergency brakes
  • a horn
  • good-quality tires
  • turn signals
  • brake lights
  • reflectors

Large quadricycles must not:

  • be capable of going 17 km/h or faster on a level surface
  • tow other vehicles
  • carry any combustible fuel

Operating requirements

Large quadricycles allowed under the pilot must:

  • display a slow-moving vehicle sign mounted on the rear of the vehicle
  • only be allowed on roads with a speed limit of up to 80 km/h (local municipalities may choose to apply further restrictions)
  • operate in the lane furthest to the right, unless preparing to make a left turn
  • not allow more passengers than there are seats available
  • allow passengers of all ages as long as their feet can reach pedals and hands reach the bars
  • have passengers under age 18 wear a bicycle helmet
  • have adequate nighttime lighting during starting one half-hour before sunset and ending one half-hour after sunrise
  • not be used for a driver’s licence road test

Large quadricycles do not need to stop at railway crossings like other vehicles with more than 10 passengers.

Insurance and registration requirements

Car insurance, licence plates and provincial vehicle registration are not required under the pilot program.

Laws and penalties

All Highway Traffic Act rules of the road apply to large quadricycles under the pilot program. In addition, federal penalties for impaired driving under the Criminal Code apply.

If you violate pilot regulations or other applicable Highway Traffic Act regulations, you may face fines from $250 to $2,500.

For the full list of pilot requirements, please review Ontario Regulation 411/22: Pilot Project – Large Quadricycles.