The eco-friendly, lightweight travel of electric scooters and e-bikes has become the mobility tool of choice for most people. However, street regulations for these electric scooters are different in all Canadian regions, with each province having different riding and speed limits.
In this Blog, we'll answer your questions about street-legal e-scooters, so you'll be prepared before you buy an e-scooter!
Are Electric Scooters Legal on Canadian Streets?
The short answer is: It depends on where you are. There is no uniform national law regulating electric scooters in Canada. Instead, each province and municipality has its own rules. Some provinces have legalized them through specific regulations, while others restrict or ban their use on public roads. In general:
- Legal compliance: Ontario, British Columbia (pilot areas), Alberta, Quebec (pilot areas), Saskatchewan (at the discretion of municipalities).
- Illegal on public roads: Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Restricted regulated use: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island.
To fully understand the situation, let's look at the legal framework in the different provinces.
National and Provincial Regulations for Electric Scooters in Canada
Canada does not have a single nationwide law regulating electric scooters. Instead, their legality depends on provincial and municipal regulations. While some provinces have embraced e-scooters with pilot programs and specific rules, others have imposed strict restrictions or outright bans.
1. Ontario
Ontario launched a five-year e-scooter pilot program in 2020, allowing municipalities to set their own rules regarding their use. According to Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation:
- E-scooters must have a maximum speed of 24 km/h.
- Riders must be at least 16 years old.
- Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18.
- E-scooters cannot be used on sidewalks but may be allowed on roads and bike lanes if permitted by local bylaws.
- Municipalities such as Toronto have prohibited their use on public streets, while cities like Ottawa and Windsor have embraced shared e-scooter programs.
2. British Columbia
In British Columbia, e-scooters are generally not street-legal unless a municipality participates in a provincial pilot program. Cities like Vancouver and Kelowna have allowed e-scooter rentals under strict regulations, including helmet requirements and designated riding areas.
3. Alberta
Calgary and Edmonton have integrated e-scooters into their urban transportation networks through shared rental programs. E-scooters are permitted on bike lanes and certain roads but are not allowed on sidewalks. Helmet use is encouraged but not mandatory for adult riders.
4. Quebec
Quebec has taken a cautious approach, allowing e-scooter use only in certain pilot areas. Riders must wear helmets, and scooters must be equipped with lights and reflectors. The province has also implemented weight and power restrictions to ensure safety.
5. Other Provinces
- Manitoba: E-scooters are not currently legal for street use but may be allowed in some areas under future pilot programs.
- Saskatchewan: Municipalities such as Regina and Saskatoon have permitted e-scooter rentals, subject to local rules.
- Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island: Regulations vary, but most provinces require e-scooters to comply with bicycle laws, including helmet mandates and road restrictions.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: E-scooters are not currently legal on public roads.
Where Can You Ride an E-Scooter?
Even in provinces where e-scooters are legal, riders must follow specific rules regarding where they can operate. Generally:
- Sidewalks: Most provinces and cities prohibit e-scooters on sidewalks to protect pedestrians.
- Bike Lanes: Many municipalities allow e-scooters in designated bike lanes.
- Roads: Some provinces permit e-scooters on low-speed roads (typically with speed limits of 50 km/h or less).
- Trails and Parks: Depending on local bylaws, e-scooters may be allowed on multi-use paths and recreational trails.
Safety and Equipment Requirements
To ensure safe riding, most provinces impose equipment and safety requirements, including:
- A maximum speed limit (typically 24-32 km/h)
- Front and rear lights for nighttime use
- Reflectors for visibility
- A bell or horn
- Functional brakes
- Helmet requirements, especially for younger riders
The Future of E-Scooters in Canada
As cities seek to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable transportation, e-scooters are likely to play a growing role in urban mobility. Some trends to watch include:
- Expansion of Pilot Programs: Many provinces are testing e-scooter regulations before making permanent legal changes.
- Integration with Public Transit: Cities may adopt e-scooters as a "last-mile" solution, connecting users to bus and train stations.
- Improved Infrastructure: More dedicated bike lanes and multi-use paths could make e-scooters a safer and more practical option.
- Stronger Regulations: As usage grows, stricter enforcement of helmet laws, parking rules, and speed limits may be introduced.
Conclusion
Electric scooters are not universally road-legal in Canada. The street legality of electric scooters in Canada depends on regulations that vary from province to province. However, it is an environmentally friendly and convenient means of mobility and transportation, just like an electric bicycle, so many people still choose to purchase it.
If you're considering using an electric scooter Canada, remember to check the local laws where you live ahead of time to ensure compliance. As regulations evolve, electric scooters may become a more common and accepted form of transportation across the country.
FAQ
1. Do I Need a Driver's License to Drive an Electric Scooter in Canada?
In most provinces, you do not need a driver's license to drive an electric scooter. However, there may be age restrictions, such as a minimum age of 16.
2. Do I Need to Wear a Helmet to Ride an Electric Scooter?
Some provinces require riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet, and in some provinces, adult riders may be encouraged to wear a helmet for personal protection. However, they are not required to do so by law.
3. Can I Ride an Electric Scooter at Night?
Yes, but most provinces require electric scooters to be equipped with front and rear lights, reflectors, bells, or horns to ensure visibility and safety.
4. What Happens if I Ride an E-Scooter in a Prohibited Area?
If you ride an electric scooter in an area where it is not allowed on the street, you may face a fine or confiscation. Be sure to check your local regulations before riding.
7. Is a 750-watt E-Bike Legal in Canada?
In Canada, under federal law, an electric bicycle (e-bike) must have a motor power of 500 watts or less to be classified as an “assisted bicycle”.
A 750-watt e-bike exceeds this limit and may be considered a motorized vehicle, requiring registration and insurance in some provinces. Always check provincial laws before riding a 750-watt e-bike.
Related reading: What is the fastest legal e-bike in Canada?
