E-Scooters in Toronto: Ultimate Guide

Want to go somewhere on a smooth, breezy, and easy ride? Electric scooters can be a great option. Whether you are going with friends, having a cool ride on the beach, or commuting to work, electric scooters offer you a comfortable, fast, and eco-friendly experience. 

In this blog, we’ll have a look at e-scooters, including their different types as well as the laws that you need to follow if you want to ride them in Toronto. So, let’s begin.

What are Electric Scooters?

Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are similar to the regular scooters we all have grown up seeing. The difference lies in the way e-scooters are powered – batteries that fire up an electric motor. 

Recently, there has been a surge in popularity of e-scooters and Toronto has also caught up in the frenzy. The excitement is understandable of course, as e-scooters offer a highly efficient and super convenient alternative to the typical personal mobility options. 

Electric Scooters: Pros and Cons

There are positives and negatives to every mode of travel… and electric scooters are no different. If you are interested in buying an e-scooter, the following table will help you decide where it’s suitable for you or not. 

Pros	Cons
Easy to handle and maintain	Increase risk of accident
Cost and energy efficient	Highly depreciable in value
No harmful emissions	Only suitable for short distances
Little to no noise pollution	Dangerous for children to ride
Great in escaping traffic	Battery needs to taken care of
Parking space is easy to find
Foldable and portable for easy storage

What Are the Different Types of E-Scooters?

There are many different types of e-scooters available in the market. These different types suit and appeal to different audiences and customers, as highlighted in the following table.

Type	Usage	Unique Feature
Kick Scooters	All-purpose, but mostly designed for smooth urban roads	Lightweight and small thus easily portable
Foldable Scooters	Commuting in congested urban cities	Folding frame, very portable and lightweight
Off-road Scooters	For the love off roading, these are ideal for bumpy terrains	Larger tires, powerful shock absorbers and heavier frame
Seated Scooters	Same usage and leisure as kick scooters but with a seat to sit on	More sturdy frames capable of handling heavier weights
Three Wheeled Scooters	Used by children but adult scooters are also available.	A third wheel for balancing making it safer

Electric Scooter Laws & Regulations in Toronto

Electric scooter laws & regulations are necessary for the safety of not just the riders, but also for pedestrians and fellow riders. 

In Toronto, Ontario, electric scooters cannot have more than 500W of power and cannot go faster than 32 km/hour on public roads. The Glide electric scooter meets both these conditions (as well as other user safety conditions mandated in Toronto). 

If an e-scooter exceeds the  above limits, it will be considered a motor vehicle and will be, therefore, subjected to different rules and regulations.

Furthermore, the electric scooters in Toronto can only be ridden on roads where the maximum speed limit is 50 km/hour or lower. They can also be ridden in bike lanes and multi-use paths, but are not allowed on pedestrian crosswalks or sidewalks. 

You also have to be at least 16 years old if you want to take your scooter out on the roads. Lastly, wearing a helmet is also legally required for riders less than 18 years old.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Electric Scooter?

In case you believe that the pros outweigh the cons and you want to join in on the fun, here are some of the things you need to look for when buying an e-scooter. 

But before that, you first need to figure out why you need an electric scooter and where you will be using it. After that, you should assess your budget and then move on to the specifications of the electric scooter you need. 

• Battery Capacity: Choose a battery capacity that fits your requirements. If you want a scooter with a high battery capacity and long range, you can consider the Movin’ Glide, which lets you travel up to 80km on a single charge.
• Motor Power: You should also consider the motor power, especially in accordance with where you plan to ride the scooter. For instance, you’ll require more power on inclined roads and for off-roading. 
• Braking System: Having a reliable braking system is very important for safety and preventing serious injuries. At Movin’, we have equipped the Glide with dual disc brakes to allow for efficient all-weather braking.
• Design and Frame: If you don’t have a secure parking place and have to move your scooter indoors, you should consider buying one with a folding frame. The Glide is not just foldable, but it’s also very lightweight.

How Much Does an Electric Scooter Cost?

Well, it depends on the specific model, as well as what specifications they have. The scooters with larger batteries and better safety features are usually more expensive. 

While you may get an e-scooter for as little as $400, a good electric scooter from a reputable brand may cost you anywhere from $800 to $1200. The Movin’ Glide e-scooter, for instance, is priced at $999.

How Much Does an E-Scooter Battery Cost?

The price range for a new electric scooter battery is $150-500. A lead-acid battery will cost you a tad over $100. If you want a nickel-metal hydride battery, that can cost you about $150. The best ones are the lithium-ion batteries and their price range is anywhere between $200-500. 

The price difference in lithium-ion batteries is due to different power ratings and different brands. If you buy a new battery for your e-scooter, please make sure you are getting a battery with the same power ratings as the one you had before. 

As far as the lifespan is concerned, the typical life for an electric scooter battery is between 1-3 years, giving you between 3000 to 10000 miles, depending on the type as well as how well you are able to maintain your scooter and its battery. 

Final Words

Electric scooters have changed the way people commute and travel in not only Toronto, but all over the world. They are compact, efficient, portable, and eco-friendly. But more importantly, they’re way too fun!

We hope this brief guide answered all the common questions surrounding electric scooters in Toronto. In case you are interested in buying an e-scooter, do have a look at our lineup here. Happy riding!