Ontario e-scooter pilot program: guidelines for municipalities
Read the pilot framework for permitting the use of electronic kick-style scooters (e-scooters) on Ontario roads.
Pass bylaws to allow e-scooters
Municipalities that want to allow e-scooters to operate on their roads must pass bylaws to permit their use and to determine what is best for their communities.
Municipalities should also let the Ministry of Transportation know that they are participating in the pilot by contacting REO@ontario.ca. Municipalities should monitor all collisions involving e-scooters on roads within the municipality and provide semi-annual written reports to the ministry.
Vehicle and safety requirements
- Must be electric
- No pedals or seat allowed
- Must have horn or bell
- Must have front and back light
- Must have 2 wheels and brakes
- Maximum wheel diameter 17 inches
- Maximum weight 45 kg
- Maximum power output 500W that can provide a maximum speed of 24 km/h
- Must be parked in municipally approved parking area(s)
Operator and safety requirements
- No drugs or alcohol permitted when operating an e-scooter (consequences under the Criminal Code may apply)
- Must be age 16 or older
- Bicycle helmet required for those under age 18
- Riders must stand at all times
- No passengers allowed
- No cargo can be carried
- No baskets
- Must not be operated on sidewalks
- Not for commercial use
Municipalities are required to remit incident/collision and injury-related data to the province upon request.
Municipal considerations
Municipalities that want to allow e-scooters to operate within their boundaries may wish to consider the points outlined below:
Parking
Municipalities should clearly define where e-scooters can park (for example, setting up designated parking locations, using corrals). This will help them from being left on the road, obstructing traffic or being a nuisance on private property. Designated parking locations provides control over their use and reduce interference with the public.
E-scooter parking locations should not block access to businesses, fire doors or be located outside of restaurants and bars, etc. This will help prevent a hazardous situation.
Municipalities should:
- establish overnight responsibility for e-scooter non-parking compliance
- decide who receives the penalty if e-scooter is not parked in a designated location or left stranded
- decide a penalty structure to apply if e-scooter is not returned to its parking location
Operating parameters
Based on experiences in other jurisdictions, municipalities should develop operating parameters for e-scooter companies and riders. E-scooters should not be allowed to operate on sidewalks — sidewalks are for pedestrians, including persons with disabilities. Municipalities should clearly communicate with companies about their expectations and requirements around contracts, permits, licences, operating agreements, etc.
Municipalities to decide:
- Should a permit be required for an e-scooter business? If yes, clearly define performance standards that companies must adhere to and violation terms.
- Where should e-scooters be allowed to travel (for example, bike paths, parks, trails, etc.)?
- Who is responsible for removing e-scooters that are left stranded, damaged or deemed unsafe?
- Should there be a limit on the number of e-scooters allowed in certain areas to combat congestion?
- How will e-scooters integrate with other road users (for example, pedestrians, cyclists and people using personal mobility devices)?
Interoperability/synergies
Municipalities should:
- establish overnight responsibility for e-scooter non-parking compliance
- decide who receives the penalty if e-scooter is not parked in a designated location or left stranded
- decide a penalty structure to apply if e-scooter is not returned to its parking location
Liability
Municipalities should:
- require e-scooter companies to indemnify the municipality and hold appropriate insurance requirements
- determine the appropriate insurance coverage – the type and coverage amounts
Offences
Similar to bicycles, Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA) rules of the road apply to the operation of e-scooters in Ontario. Penalties in HTA s. 228(8) also apply to violations of the pilot regulation (fine of $250 to $2,500). Bylaw offences may also apply. There are serious consequences for an e-scooter operator impaired by drugs, alcohol or both. Additional consequences under the Criminal Code may apply.
More information
This document is a guide only. For official purposes, please refer to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and its regulations. For more information, please visit the Ministry of Transportation. You may also refer to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ (AAMVA) Electric Dockless Scooters Whitepaper and the National Association of City Transportation Officials’ (NACTO) Guidelines for Regulating Shared Micromobility.