Hey there, fellow Canadians!
So, you’ve got an electric scooter—or maybe you’re thinking about getting one—but before you hit the road, do you know your local regulations?
E-scooters have skyrocketed in popularity since 2019, offering an alternative to cars, public transit, and, let’s be honest, sitting in traffic. As more riders take to the streets, governments have responded by implementing regulations to ensure safety. While e-scooters are gradually gaining legal acceptance, the rules vary widely across provinces and cities.
For example, Montreal only legalized electric scooters about a year ago, and Ontario’s pilot program continues to evolve. With laws constantly changing, it’s important to stay up to date—because the last thing you want is a fine or, worse, having your scooter confiscated.
So, what do you need to know in 2025 about riding an e-scooter in Canada? Let’s break it down by province and city.
Provincial & City-Specific E-Scooter Laws
British Columbia
B.C.’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project has been renewed for four more years, starting April 5, 2024. The key rules include:
✅ Riders must be 16 or older
✅ Helmets are mandatory
✅ E-scooters are allowed on roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or less and in designated bike lanes
Learn more: here
Vancouver
As part of the pilot project, Vancouver allows e-scooters on local streets and protected bike lanes, but not on sidewalks, major roads, or the Seawall. Other key rules:
🚦 Max speed: 25 km/h
🛑 Helmet required
🔦 Working brakes and lights for nighttime riding
Learn more: here
Ontario
Ontario launched its E-Scooter Pilot Program on January 1, 2020, and it’s now proposed to extend until November 27, 2029. The current rules include:
✅ Riders must be 16+ years old
✅ Max speed: 24 km/h
✅ Helmets required for riders under 18
Learn more: here
Toronto
Unfortunately, Toronto remains a no-go for e-scooters on public roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks. Right now, they can only be ridden on private property. However, some municipalities in Ontario do allow e-scooters, so be sure to check your local bylaws!
Learn more: here
Ottawa
Ottawa allows both personal and rental e-scooters, but there are strict rules:
🚴 Ride on multi-use pathways, cycling lanes, and roads (50 km/h or lower)
🚫 No riding on sidewalks or NCC pathways
⚡ Max speed: 20 km/h
🚷 Only one rider per scooter
💰 Fines for breaking these rules start at $150 for sidewalk riding
Learn more: here
Quebec
Quebec is running a pilot program for e-scooters until 2026, allowing them on bike paths and roads with a 50 km/h limit.
Learn more: here
Montreal
Montreal has some of the most detailed e-scooter regulations:
✅ 14+ years old to ride
✅ Helmets are mandatory
✅ Max speed: 25 km/h
✅ Night riding? You need a front white light, a red rear light, and working brakes
💰 Fines of up to $200 for breaking the rules
Alberta
Calgary
Calgary permits e-scooters on bike lanes, pathways, and some quieter sidewalks, but not on major roads. Key rules:
✅ 18+ years old
✅ Helmet strongly recommended
✅ Max speed: 20 km/h (some areas limited to 15 km/h)
🚨 Fines: $75 for carrying passengers, up to $400 for reckless riding
Learn more: here
Edmonton
Edmonton allows e-scooters through approved shared programs, but privately owned e-scooters are not permitted on public property.
✅ 18+ years old
✅ Helmets recommended but not required
✅ E-scooters allowed only on cycle paths and roads (50 km/h or lower)
Stay Legal & Ride Smart
E-scooter laws in Canada are constantly evolving, with different rules for every city and province. Whether you're commuting, running errands, or just cruising for fun, staying informed is key to a smooth (and legal) ride.
⚡ Check local regulations frequently, as they can change!
⚡ Apollo’s app lets you adjust your scooter’s speed to stay within legal limits, keeping you safe and compliant.
⚡ Follow the rules, ride responsibly, and keep the e-scooter movement growing!
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Safe riding, and see you on the road! 🛴💨
