Electric scooters are not only a great way to get from one place to another without having to use a motor vehicle, they are also really fun! You might be planning to hop aboard an electric scooter as an alternative to your car for traveling short distances. Whether it’s to work or school and back or to a friend’s house or the local coffee shop, it’s important to know the regulations in Canada for riding one. Yes, even though it’s a scooter, since they have a motor and use electric power, they qualify as a vehicle. This means you must adhere to specific rules, which can vary from one province, even one municipality, to another.
Are electric scooters legal in Canada?
The first thing to note is that most provinces in Canada deem electric scooters legal for use. So, we can get that concern out of the way. In most cases, and with standard low-speed electric scooters that can go as fast as 24 km/hr, you don’t require a license to ride one. But when it comes to higher-powered, faster, more premium electric scooters for adults, you might need a license.
In every province, electric scooters cannot exceed 500 watts of power. Where approved, they are are for single riders only. They are almost always approved for use on private property. When it comes to public property, the rules are different depending on where you want to ride. And rules can be ever-changing based on bylaws and amendments.
Learn more about electric scooters in our electric scooters buying guide. This comprehensive guide will help you find the right model to suit your style, needs, and comfort. Before deciding which one to get, however, let’s take a look at the rules.
Electric scooter laws by province
Not sure what the legislation is in your province? Here’s a breakdown by province of the last known legislation for electric scooters. This is, of course, subject to change. It can also vary depending on your specific municipality. So, while this is a handy guide, it is best to check local regulations before riding.
Ontario
Electric scooters are legal in Ontario, but they must be two-wheeled devices with a platform and handlebar. They cannot go faster than 24 km/hr on a flat surface. There’s a maximum weight requirement of 45 kg. Riders must be at least 16 years old and anyone under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle approved helmet. The scooter must have at least one white light on the front, one red on the rear, and reflective materials on the sides. Law states a maximum wheel diameter of 17 inches, and the scooter must have a horn or bell. You can ride an electric scooter on roads, bike lanes, and park trails in Ontario. But they are not permitted on sidewalks or highways.
Ontario is running a pilot program through November 27, 2029 that is considering giving municipalities the option to set their own laws. This could pertain to minimum age, helmets, and weight and speed restrictions. Keep an eye out for decisions that may be coming soon. Already, for example, you can ride an electric scooter on public roads in the city of Mississauga but that’s not allowed in Toronto. Municipalities may also add requirements for licensing and insurance. As with every province, check with your local area first.
Alberta
Ride a rental e-scooter in a bike lane, shared path, shared street, and park wherever the speed limit is 50 km/hr or under in this province. You can do the same with a personal electric scooter with a provincial exemption. Some municipalities forbid them on sidewalks, park trails, and closed roads with patios, like Edmonton. Meanwhile, Edmonton permits riding on a road where the speed limit is under 50 km/hr. But Calgary does not, unless there’s an exclusive bike lane. Riders must be at least 18 years of age and wear a bicycle approved helmet with a chinstrap. The e-scooter’s maximum speed must be 25 km/hr on level ground. Rules also require one headlight, rear taillight, and rear reflector (ideally two of each) and a working bell or horn.
British Columbia
In B.C. the first phase of a pilot program has completed, and is extended through 2028. Based on the current regulations, an e-scooter cannot go faster than 25 km/hr. You can ride it on city streets using the roadway, greenways, bikeways, bike lanes, and Seawall and park paths where bikes are permitted. Don’t ride on the sidewalk, major street, or Seawall (where not explicitly stated). Rules vary by municipality and some communities have specific bylaws. Riders must be at least 16 years of age. You also need to wear a bicycle approved helmet with chinstrap, and have lights if operating the e-scooter before sunlight or after sunset.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, municipalities have the freedom to determine their own legislation. So, depending on where you live, you might be allowed to ride one. Some, for example, permit riding for those who are 16 or older and wearing an approved helmet. You can only ride on roads with 50 km/hr or less speed limits. If your specific municipality does not have bylaws for electric scooters, however, they are technically illegal to ride outside of on your own private property.
Manitoba
Manitoba approved Bill 21 in March 2022, which permits the use of micromobility devices, including electric scooters, on local roads. The idea is to promote green energy usage, and the province has been running various pilot programs since. However, since the legality of usage and details have not yet been ironed out, the use of e-scooters technically remains prohibited in Manitoba. Your best bet is to check local municipal regulations.
Nova Scotia
You’re able to ride electric scooters in Nova Scotia, but they cannot exceed 32 km/hr and cannot go on highways. Riders who are at least 14 years of age can operate one on roads, bike lanes, sidewalks, and shared sidewalks, depending on the municipality. Specific municipalities may lower the speed limits, so check for your location to see if this has been done. You must wear a helmet, and the bike needs a front lamp and bell or horn.
Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, electric scooters are classified as mopeds and fall under the same laws. Ride one on local roads with a posted speed limit of 50 km/hr or under as well as bike lanes and park trails. Newfoundland and Labrador is the only region that permits a faster speed and higher power at under 50 km/hr and a maximum power output of 1,500 watts. The electric scooter cannot be heavier than 55 kg. Riders need to be between 14 and 17 with permission from authorities or over 18 with registration of a license to operate an e-scooter. All riders, regardless of age, must wear an approved bicycle helmet and the scooter needs to have front and rear lights, light reflectors on either side, an accelerator and a brake, and a bell or horn.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island’s provincial government set legislation for electric scooters in June 2022, giving them a similar classification as electric bicycles. The maximum speed is 24 km/hr while the weight must be 45 kg or under. Measure the wheels of an electric scooter to confirm that they are no more than 430mm in diameter. The motor cannot propel the electric scooter forward once the accelerator is released or the brakes have been applied.
Electric scooters can only operate on roads that have a speed limit of 50 km/hr or less and while the rider, who needs to be at least 16, is wearing a helmet. Ride one in a dedicated bicycle lane on a highway where the maximum posted speed is 60 km/hr or less. If there’s no bike lane, ride on the shoulder or far right side as close to the edge. But you can’t ride an electric scooter on municipal roads where they are specifically banned nor on sidewalks.
Along with the requirement of a bell or horn is a white or amber light on the front. Turned the light on a half hour before sunset or after sunrise and make sure it’s visible from at least 150 metres away. The local government also notes that an electric scooter cannot be modified in any way after manufacture.
Quebec
Legal since the summer of 2023, you can electric scooters on roads in Quebec with posted speed limits of 50 km/hr or less and that have designated bike paths. But don’t ride on sidewalks unless there is express permission to do so. The electric scooter cannot go faster than 25 km/hr. It cannot weigh more than 36 kg, and must have at least one electric and one mechanical brake. Riders should be at least 14 years old and wear a helmet with a chinstrap. You cannot wear headphones or earbuds while riding either. If the scooter does not have a handle, you must also wear elbow and knee pads, gloves that cover the full length of the fingers, and closed shoes.
Street legal scooters in Canada: what to know
As you navigate the specific laws in your province and municipality, you’ll find some differentiation but a lot that is the same.
What makes an e-scooter street legal?
No matter where you ride it, an electric scooter needs to have certain components that make it legal. First is a flat surface on which to stand along with two wheels, a handlebar, and brakes. They should have lights, reflectors, and a horn in the same way any motor vehicle should. The motor can’t be more powerful than 500 watts or else you are getting into different territory where a license may be required. When it comes to speed, an electric scooter should not travel more than 50 km/hr. In fact, many provinces only permit up to 32 km/hr, some even slower.
Differences between e-bikes and e-scooters in regulation
In many provinces, electric scooters and electric bikes are treated similarly when it comes to regulations. They both help you get from one place to another faster than on foot but not as fast as a motor vehicle. But by and large, you need to follow the same rules with both. This includes not only where you can ride them but also following the same road rules cyclists need to follow, both with electric and non-electric bikes.
Park an electric scooter the same way you would an electric bike. This includes in bike racks and other marked parking zones. Make sure there’s proper clearance for accessibility. Also, place them in an upright position.
Do you need a license or insurance for an electric scooter in Canada?
The only cases where you need a license to operate an electric scooter is with those that go faster than the regulations indicate, and that are designed to be ridden on roads where this is permitted. In these cases, however, you are entering a different classification than the traditional electric scooter, likely falling closer into the territory of moped or motorcycle regulations.
Further, in many provinces like Prince Edward Island, if your driver’s license has been suspended, you cannot ride an electric scooter even though that mobility device itself does not require a license.
You do not require insurance to ride an electric scooter, but all road rules apply. So, you need to be mindful of those as well as how your province and municipality treats injuries sustained by electric scooters.
Electric scooter speed limits in Canada
As noted, the maximum speed limit for riding an electric scooter varies by province. Enforcement varies based on how strict the province is about its laws. But it will also come down to municipalities. Here’s a breakdown refresher by province.
- Ontario: 24km/hr max
- Alberta: 25km/hr max
- British Columbia: 25 km/hr max
- Saskatchewan: Varies by municipality
- Manitoba: Varies by municipality
- Nova Scotia: 32km/hr max
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 50km/hr max
- Prince Edward Island: 24km/hr max
- Quebec: 25km/hr max
Fines and penalties for breaking e-scooter laws
As with any other motor vehicle violation, or even non-motor-vehicle violation, you can receive a fine or penalty if you break the rules when it comes to riding an electric scooter. These are outlined in the Highway Traffic Act, which you must follow.
Serious violations and fines
Fines in areas like Toronto can range from $250 all the way up to $2,500 for different violations. If you are caught riding an electric scooter faster than the posted limit, for example, the city may classify it as a motorcycle and penalize you for that. That means you could be ticketed for not having the required registration and license. If you’re riding an electric scooter that far exceeds the speed limit, the fines could reach as high as $25,000. You could also see a license suspension and the electric scooter impounded, just as you could with a motor vehicle.
It’s worth noting that you may incur serious fines for riding an electric scooter while under the influence. Just like you should not drink while driving, do not drink while riding either. The same goes for cell phone and headphones use.
Common violations and associated fines
If you fail to obey the basic rules of the road, it can lead to fines. This can include running a stop sign or a red light, riding recklessly or in an area you aren’t supposed to, or failing to signal when turning. Fines can be dolled out as well for failing to wear a helmet. You’re also breaking the rules if you’re not of age to ride.
Ride safely and have fun!
Before you invest in an electric scooter, it’s important to know the regulations not only for your province but also your specific municipality. Most consumer-level electric scooters meet the required regulations for motor power and speed limits. But verify this first. Ensure that the electric scooter you choose has all the elements needed. If not, invest in third-party accessories. This might include rear reflectors, a horn or bell, and of course, a bicycle approved helmet. For electric scooters for kids, make sure the child is of the age of majority in your province before getting them a fancy new electric scooter as a gift. Consider the necessity for charging and storage as well.
Once you know the local laws and have chosen the right electric scooter for you along with the needed accessories, don’t forget to have fun! Electric scooters are a great way to travel short distances. You might love it for commuting to and from work or school when the weather is nice. Maybe you’ll love running errands in a busy city or rural area. They’re great for fresh air and exercise, too. The best part is that you can leave your car at home. This helps reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and help the environment in the process.
Check out a wide variety of electric scooters at Best Buy Canada.
