Electric scooters are becoming more common across Canada, but the rules governing them are not the same everywhere. An electric scooter that can legally be operated in one city may be prohibited on public roads, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, trails or pathways in another.
There is no single set of electric scooter laws in Canada that determines where every rider can operate. Provincial governments may establish pilot programs, vehicle requirements and rider rules, while municipalities decide whether electric scooters are permitted locally and where they may be used.
This guide explains current e-scooter laws in Toronto, Ontario’s electric scooter pilot, rules in other Canadian jurisdictions, electric scooter age limits, licence requirements, permitted riding areas and the factors that determine whether an electric scooter is street legal.
Because electric scooter regulations can change, always review current provincial and municipal guidance before riding, purchasing or booking an electric scooter rental.
Are Electric Scooters Legal in Canada?
Electric scooters are not universally legal or illegal across Canada. Their legal status depends on the province, municipality, vehicle design, and location where the scooter will be operated.
Important factors may include:
- The province or territory
- The municipality
- Whether a provincial or municipal pilot program exists
- The scooter’s motor power and maximum speed
- The weight and dimensions of the scooter
- Whether the scooter has a seat, pedals or basket
- The rider’s age
- Whether the scooter is privately owned or part of an approved rental program
- The type of road, pathway or property where it will be operated
Some provinces permit electric scooters only in municipalities participating in a pilot program. Other jurisdictions have created broader rules for electric scooters and similar personal mobility devices.
Certain cities also distinguish between privately owned scooters and scooters operated by approved shared-rental providers. The presence of a legal shared scooter program does not automatically mean privately owned scooters can be used in the same locations.
Before choosing a vehicle, review the different types of electric scooters and confirm how the intended model is classified in your province and municipality.
How Electric Scooter Laws Work in Canada
Electric scooter regulation generally involves both provincial and municipal rules.
Provincial Electric Scooter Rules
A provincial framework may establish:
- The legal definition of an electric kick scooter
- Maximum motor power
- Maximum assisted speed
- Maximum vehicle weight
- Minimum rider age
- Helmet requirements
- Required brakes, lights, reflectors and warning devices
- Whether seats, pedals, baskets or passengers are allowed
- General road rules and penalties
Municipal Electric Scooter Rules
A municipality may determine:
- Whether electric scooters are allowed locally
- Which roads may be used
- Whether bicycle lanes or multi-use pathways are permitted
- Whether sidewalk riding is prohibited
- Where electric scooters may be parked
- Whether private and shared scooters are treated differently
- Whether rental companies need permits
- Whether insurance is required for commercial operators
- What local fines or penalties apply
A scooter that meets provincial equipment requirements is not automatically legal in every city. The municipality must also allow its operation where a municipal opt-in or bylaw is required.
Electric Scooter Laws in Toronto
Electric kick scooters cannot currently be operated on Toronto public property.
The City of Toronto states that e-scooters are not permitted on:
- Public streets
- Sidewalks
- Bicycle lanes
- Cycle tracks
- Trails
- Paths
- Public parks
Electric kick scooters also cannot be left, stored or parked on Toronto public property.
Toronto has not joined Ontario’s electric scooter pilot program. Toronto City Council decided not to participate in May 2021 and again in May 2024. As a result, electric kick scooters cannot legally be operated in Toronto’s public spaces.
Review the official City of Toronto electric scooter rules before purchasing, renting, or transporting an e-scooter.
Riding carefully, following traffic signals, or wearing protective equipment does not make public electric scooter operation legal in Toronto.
Can Electric Scooters Be Sold or Rented in Toronto?
Yes. Electric scooters may still be sold or rented by Toronto businesses. The City’s restriction applies to their operation, parking, storage and use on public property.
The City of Toronto does not currently have authority to prohibit stores from selling electric scooters. The availability of an electric scooter from a retailer or rental provider does not mean that it can legally be ridden on Toronto public property.
A scooter purchased or rented in Toronto may potentially be used:
- On private property with the property owner’s permission
- At an authorized private commercial or industrial location
- In an Ontario municipality participating in the provincial pilot
- In another province or jurisdiction where local regulations permit it
Customers considering temporary access can review Movin’s electric scooter rental options in Toronto and the available weekly and monthly scooter rental plans. The renter remains responsible for confirming that electric scooter use is permitted at the intended location.
Do You Need a Licence for an Electric Scooter in Toronto?
Because electric kick scooters cannot legally be operated on Toronto public property, there is no Toronto public-road framework under which having a driver’s licence makes their operation legal.
A driver’s licence does not override Toronto’s municipal prohibition.
Anyone searching for information about whether an electric scooter needs a licence should first determine:
- Whether electric scooters are permitted in the municipality
- Whether the vehicle qualifies under the provincial definition
- Whether the rules apply to private scooters or only approved shared devices
- Whether the vehicle is powerful or fast enough to fall into another legal category
How Toronto’s E-Scooter Rules Developed
Ontario introduced an electric kick-scooter pilot program in 2020. The program allows municipalities to decide whether electric scooters may be used locally and where they may operate.
Toronto reviewed participation but chose not to join the pilot. City Council declined participation in May 2021 and reaffirmed that decision in May 2024.
Toronto continues to take a safety-first approach based on accessibility, pedestrian safety, enforcement challenges and reported injuries.
The current rule remains clear: electric kick scooters cannot be operated on Toronto public roads, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, trails, paths or parks.
The fact that riders may still be seen operating electric scooters in Toronto does not change their legal status.
Ontario Electric Scooter Laws Outside Toronto
Ontario’s electric kick-scooter pilot currently runs until November 27, 2029.
The program allows individual municipalities to pass bylaws permitting electric scooter operation. Participating municipalities decide where scooters may operate, where they may be parked, and whether commercial providers require permits or insurance.
A municipality must opt into the provincial pilot and pass the necessary local bylaws before electric kick scooters may legally operate on municipal public property.
Review Ontario’s electric kick-style scooter requirements and then check the relevant municipal bylaws.
Ontario Electric Scooter Requirements
Under Ontario’s provincial pilot, a qualifying electric kick scooter must generally have:
- Two wheels
- A standing platform
- Steering handlebars
- A motor output of no more than 500 watts
- A maximum assisted speed of 24 km/h on a level surface
- A maximum weight of 45 kilograms
- Working brakes
- A horn or bell
- At least one white front light
- At least one red rear light
- Reflective material on the sides
- Wheels with a diameter no greater than 17 inches
A qualifying electric kick scooter must not have:
- Pedals
- A seat
- A basket
- A structure enclosing the rider
These requirements are important when determining whether a vehicle qualifies as an electric kick scooter under the Ontario pilot. A scooter with a seat does not meet the provincial pilot definition.
Ontario Electric Scooter Age Limit
Riders participating in Ontario’s pilot must be at least 16 years old.
Riders under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle helmet. Wearing an approved helmet is also recommended for adult riders.
Ontario E-Scooter Road Rules
Where a municipality permits electric scooters, riders must generally:
- Follow applicable Highway Traffic Act rules
- Remain standing while riding
- Ride without passengers
- Avoid carrying cargo
- Follow municipal rules governing roads, paths and parking
- Report collisions that cause injury or property damage
Electric scooters cannot be operated on controlled-access highways such as Ontario’s 400-series highways or the Queen Elizabeth Way.
Penalties for violating Ontario’s pilot regulation may range from $250 to $2,500. Municipalities may create additional restrictions and penalties.
Comparing Electric Scooter Laws Across Canada
The following examples show why e-scooter laws in Canada must be checked at both the provincial and local levels.
| Jurisdiction | General position | Minimum age | Maximum speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Public operation is prohibited. | Not applicable to public operation | Not applicable to public operation |
| Ontario pilot municipalities | Permitted only where the municipality has opted in and passed bylaws. | 16 | 24 km/h |
| Participating B.C. communities | Permitted under provincial pilot and local rules. | 16 | 25 km/h |
| Quebec | Permitted under the provincial personal-mobility-device pilot. | 14 | 25 km/h |
| Edmonton | Approved shared scooters are permitted; private scooters are prohibited on City property. | Shared providers require 18 | Shared devices are limited locally |
This table provides a general comparison only. Always check the latest official requirements for the exact municipality and vehicle.
British Columbia
British Columbia operates an electric kick-scooter pilot in participating communities.
Riders must be at least 16 years old. A driver’s licence and insurance are not required, but an approved safety helmet is mandatory.
A qualifying electric kick scooter must generally:
- Have a standing platform and handlebars
- Have no seat, enclosure or sitting surface
- Weigh no more than 45 kilograms
- Have no more than 500 watts of continuous motor output
- Have a maximum speed capability of 25 km/h
- Include working brakes
- Include a bell or horn
- Include front and rear lights for low-light operation
Electric scooters may be used on public roads in participating communities, subject to provincial and municipal rules. They cannot generally be used on public roads within municipalities that are not participating.
Participating communities currently include Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond, Victoria, Kelowna and several other municipalities.
Review the official British Columbia electric kick-scooter rules and the rules of the participating municipality.
Quebec
Quebec permits electric scooters and other motorized personal mobility devices under a provincial pilot.
Riders must:
- Be at least 14 years old
- Carry proof of age
- Wear a properly fitted helmet
- Travel at no more than 25 km/h
- Follow traffic rules similar to cyclists
Qualifying devices may generally be operated on roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or less and on bikeways located along those roads.
Sidewalk operation is generally prohibited, except in limited circumstances. Municipalities may also prohibit electric scooters on certain roads or bikeways through local signage.
For public-road use, the device must generally weigh no more than 36 kilograms and meet requirements for brakes, lights, reflectors and wheel size.
Review the official Quebec electric scooter rules before riding.
Calgary
Calgary has established rules for permitted shared electric scooters and separate restrictions for privately owned devices.
Riders should not assume that rules applying to an approved scooter-share provider also apply to a privately owned electric scooter.
Permitted riding areas, pathway access and operating conditions may depend on the type of device and current City rules.
Check the City of Calgary electric scooter guidance before operating a shared or privately owned scooter.
Edmonton
Edmonton permits electric scooters operated by approved shared-mobility providers.
Approved shared scooters may be used on:
- Shared pathways
- Bicycle lanes
- Roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or lower
Shared e-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks or on park trails that are not maintained by the City.
Privately owned e-scooters are currently prohibited on City of Edmonton streets, bicycle lanes and sidewalks because Alberta’s provincial framework does not generally authorize their public use.
Approved shared-scooter providers currently require riders to be at least 18, although an operator’s licence is not required for those approved shared devices.
Review Edmonton’s shared micromobility rules before riding.
Electric Scooter Age Limits in Canada
There is no single Canada-wide electric scooter age limit.
Examples include:
- Ontario pilot municipalities: Minimum age 16
- British Columbia participating communities: Minimum age 16
- Quebec: Minimum age 14
- Toronto: Public operation is prohibited regardless of rider age
- Edmonton shared rentals: Approved providers currently require riders to be 18
Age requirements may come from provincial law, municipal bylaws or rental-company terms.
A scooter being advertised to children or young riders does not mean it may legally be operated on public property.
Do You Need a Licence for an Electric Scooter?
Whether a driver’s licence is required depends on the jurisdiction and the legal classification of the vehicle.
British Columbia’s electric kick-scooter pilot does not require a driver’s licence or insurance. Edmonton’s approved shared-scooter program also does not require an operator’s licence, although its providers require riders to be 18.
Ontario’s pilot focuses on rider age, vehicle requirements, helmets and municipal participation. Riders should still check the applicable municipal bylaw and rental agreement.
A faster, heavier or more powerful vehicle may not qualify as an electric kick scooter. It could instead be treated as a moped, limited-speed motorcycle or another motor vehicle that requires:
- A driver’s licence
- Registration
- Insurance
- A licence plate
- Safety certification
The marketed name of a vehicle does not determine its legal classification. Its design, speed, power, weight and equipment are what matter.
Where Can You Ride an Electric Scooter?
Permitted riding areas vary substantially between provinces and municipalities.
Depending on the jurisdiction, electric scooters may be allowed on:
- Roads with lower speed limits
- Bicycle lanes
- Cycle tracks
- Multi-use pathways
- Designated trails
- Municipal pathway systems
- Private property with permission
Electric scooters may be prohibited on:
- Sidewalks
- High-speed roads
- Controlled-access highways
- Pedestrian-only areas
- Parks
- Trails
- Public transit property
- Roads outside a participating municipality
Never assume that electric scooter road rules are identical to bicycle rules.
Before riding, check:
- Provincial regulations
- Municipal bylaws
- Posted signs
- Rental-provider requirements
- Property-owner rules
What Makes an Electric Scooter Street Legal?
There is no universal definition of a street legal electric scooter in Canada.
A scooter may need to meet requirements covering:
- Motor power
- Maximum speed
- Vehicle weight
- Wheel size
- Brakes
- Lights
- Reflectors
- Bell or horn
- Standing platform
- Handlebar design
- Seat restrictions
- Passenger restrictions
Even when a scooter meets all provincial technical requirements, it is only street legal where the municipality permits its operation.
For example, a scooter that meets Ontario’s 500-watt and 24 km/h pilot limits is still not legal on Toronto public roads because Toronto has not joined the pilot.
Private Scooters vs Shared Rental Scooters
Some Canadian cities treat privately owned and shared electric scooters differently.
Approved shared-rental programs may be permitted because operators:
- Hold municipal permits
- Carry required insurance
- Limit scooter speeds
- Use geofencing
- Restrict riding and parking areas
- Inspect and maintain their fleets
- Remove damaged or incorrectly parked scooters
- Provide in-app rider education
Privately owned scooters may not receive the same legal exemption.
Before riding a personal scooter, confirm that the rules apply to privately owned devices and not only scooters operated by approved rental companies.
Penalties for Breaking E-Scooter Laws
Penalties depend on the jurisdiction and the type of violation.
Possible consequences may include:
- Municipal fines
- Provincial offence tickets
- Device impoundment
- Penalties for impaired operation
- Penalties for reckless riding
- Sidewalk-riding fines
- Passenger or cargo violations
- Parking penalties
- Penalties for operating an unqualified motor vehicle
Ontario’s pilot regulation provides for fines ranging from $250 to $2,500. British Columbia states that violations may result in tickets, impoundment or other penalties.
In Toronto, police and municipal enforcement officers may enforce applicable provincial laws and municipal bylaws when an infraction is observed.
Electric Scooter Safety Requirements and Good Practices
Legal permission does not remove the need for safe operation.
Before riding, check:
- Tire condition and pressure
- Front and rear brakes
- The folding mechanism
- Steering components
- Throttle response
- Battery condition
- Front and rear lights
- Bell or horn
- Reflectors
- Charger condition
Riders should also:
- Wear an approved helmet
- Ride without passengers
- Avoid carrying unsecured cargo
- Follow signs and traffic signals
- Avoid using a mobile phone while moving
- Never ride while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Reduce speed around pedestrians
- Use lights in low-visibility conditions
- Avoid modifying speed or motor-power settings
- Use the correct charger
- Store and charge the scooter away from blocked exits and combustible materials
For information about charging, storage, capacity and battery warning signs, read Movin’s electric scooter battery guide.
Buying or Renting an Electric Scooter in Canada
Before purchasing or renting an electric scooter, confirm:
- Whether electric scooters are allowed where you live
- Whether privately owned scooters are permitted
- Whether only approved shared scooters are allowed
- The maximum permitted motor power
- The maximum permitted speed
- The minimum rider age
- Helmet requirements
- Permitted roads and pathways
- Whether a seat is allowed
- Whether the scooter requires safety certification
- Where the scooter may be parked or stored
- Whether insurance is required
- Whether a rental may be transported to another municipality
Customers considering temporary access can review Movin’s electric scooter rental plans, but the scooter must only be operated where applicable laws permit its use.
Customers who need transportation on Toronto public roads should compare electric scooters vs e-bikes and consider Movin’s Toronto e-bike rental plans instead.
Considering an electric scooter rental?
Review current rental pricing, pickup information and permitted-use guidance before making a booking.
Electric Scooter Laws Canada FAQs
Are electric scooters legal in Canada?
Electric scooters are legal in some provinces and municipalities under specific rules. Other cities prohibit them on public property or permit only approved shared-rental scooters. Always check both provincial and municipal requirements.
Are electric scooters legal in Toronto?
No. Electric kick scooters cannot legally be operated, parked, stored or left on Toronto public streets, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, trails, paths or parks.
Can I buy or rent an electric scooter in Toronto?
Yes. Toronto businesses may sell or rent electric scooters. The restriction applies to public operation and storage, not the retail sale or rental transaction itself.
Can an electric scooter be used on private property in Toronto?
An electric scooter may be used on private property with the property owner’s permission, subject to the rental agreement and any other applicable property or safety requirements.
Do you need a licence for an electric scooter in Canada?
It depends on the jurisdiction and vehicle classification. Some provincial pilots do not require a standard driver’s licence. Faster, heavier or more powerful vehicles may fall into a motor-vehicle category requiring licensing, registration and insurance.
What is the electric scooter age limit in Ontario?
Riders in Ontario municipalities participating in the provincial pilot must be at least 16 years old. Riders under 18 must wear a bicycle helmet.
Can you ride an electric scooter in a Toronto bike lane?
No. Electric kick scooters are not permitted in Toronto bicycle lanes or cycle tracks.
Can you ride an electric scooter on a sidewalk?
This depends on local rules. Toronto prohibits e-scooters on sidewalks. British Columbia generally prohibits sidewalk riding unless a traffic-control device permits it. Quebec also generally prohibits sidewalk operation except in limited circumstances.
What is the maximum legal e-scooter speed in Ontario?
Ontario’s electric kick-scooter pilot limits qualifying scooters to a maximum assisted speed of 24 km/h on a level surface.
Can an electric scooter have a seat in Ontario?
A scooter with a seat does not meet Ontario’s pilot definition of an electric kick scooter. Its legal classification may therefore be different.
Are privately owned e-scooters legal in Edmonton?
Privately owned e-scooters are currently prohibited on Edmonton streets, bicycle lanes and sidewalks. Approved shared-rental scooters operate under a separate exemption.
Are electric scooters legal in British Columbia?
Electric kick scooters are permitted under the provincial pilot in participating communities and certain limited locations outside municipal boundaries. Riders must be at least 16, wear an approved helmet and follow provincial and local rules.
Are electric scooters legal in Quebec?
Quebec permits qualifying electric scooters and other motorized personal mobility devices under a provincial pilot. Riders must be at least 14, wear a helmet and travel at no more than 25 km/h.
Can a Toronto scooter rental be transported elsewhere?
Ask the rental provider before transporting the scooter. You must also confirm that electric scooter operation is permitted in the destination municipality or on the private property where it will be used.
Final Thoughts on Electric Scooter Laws in Canada
Electric scooter laws in Canada vary significantly between provinces, municipalities, vehicle types and ownership models.
Toronto prohibits electric kick scooters on public roads, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, trails, paths and parks. Ontario municipalities participating in the provincial pilot may permit qualifying scooters under local bylaws.
British Columbia permits qualifying electric kick scooters in participating communities, while Quebec has a broader provincial pilot with its own age, helmet, speed and equipment requirements. Alberta cities may treat private and approved shared scooters differently.
Do not rely solely on a scooter’s product name, marketing description or advertised specifications. A vehicle that meets provincial motor-power and speed limits may still be illegal in a municipality that has not approved its use.
Before riding, purchasing or renting an electric scooter:
- Check provincial regulations
- Check municipal bylaws
- Confirm whether privately owned scooters are permitted
- Review age and helmet requirements
- Confirm permitted roads and pathways
- Verify that the vehicle meets the required legal classification
- Follow all rental and property-use conditions
Electric scooter regulations continue to change, so review the latest official guidance before every purchase, rental, or trip.