Last Updated: September 2026

Electric Bike & Electric Scooter Laws in Ontario

Before purchasing and riding an electric mobility product, it is your responsibility to understand the provincial laws and municipal bylaws governing their use. Below is a summary of the current regulations in Ontario.

1. E-Bikes (Power-Assisted Bicycles)

A power-assisted bicycle (e-bike) is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor, working pedals, and a steering handlebar. E-bikes must meet strict provincial requirements to be legally operated on public roads.

To legally operate an e-bike on public roads in Ontario, it must have:

• A maximum assisted speed of 32 km/h.
• A maximum weight of 120 kg (including the bike and battery).
• An electric motor not exceeding 500 Watts.
• Battery and electric motor securely fastened to the bicycle frame.
• Two independent braking systems capable of bringing the e-bike to a full stop within 9 metres from a speed of 30 km/h.
• A minimum wheel width of 35 mm and minimum diameter of 350 mm.

When riding a compliant e-bike, you must:

• Be 16 years of age or older.
• Wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet.
• Follow the same rules of the road as conventional cyclists.

Where you can ride:
You can ride a compliant e-bike on most roads and highways where conventional bicycles are permitted. You cannot ride an e-bike on 400-series controlled-access highways, or on municipal roads, sidewalks, and trails where local municipal bylaws explicitly ban them.

Modifications & Pedals:
It is illegal to modify an e-bike’s motor to exceed 500 Watts or increase the assisted speed beyond 32 km/h for public road use. Removing the pedals legally classifies the e-bike as a motor vehicle, which requires a license, insurance, and registration to operate.

2. Electric Kick-Scooters (E-Scooters)

An electric kick-scooter is a vehicle featuring two wheels, a standing platform, and a steering handlebar.

The Ontario Pilot Program:
Ontario is currently running a pilot program that allows municipalities to choose whether and how e-scooters may be used within their boundaries. The Ministry of Transportation has extended this pilot program to run until November 27, 2029 to gather additional safety data.

Under the provincial pilot, e-scooters must have:

• A maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface.
• A maximum power output of 500 Watts.
• A maximum weight of 45 kg and a maximum wheel diameter of 17 inches.
• Two wheels, brakes, and a horn or bell.
• A white light on the front, a red light on the rear, and reflective material on the sides.
• No pedals, no seat, and no basket.

To operate an e-scooter, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Stand at all times while riding (no passengers or cargo permitted).
• Wear a bicycle helmet if you are under 18 years old.

Important: Because the pilot allows municipalities to set their own rules, you must check with your specific city to find out whether e-scooters are permitted on local roads and trails, where they can be parked, and what local bylaws apply.

3. Official Resources & Penalties

Similar to conventional bicycles, all Highway Traffic Act rules of the road apply when riding e-bikes and e-scooters in Ontario. Penalties will apply to violations of the provincial regulations, including fines ranging from $250 to $2,500.

For further research, full legal text, and official government updates, please refer to the following provincial resources:

• Official Ontario Rules for Riding an E-Bike
• Ontario’s Electric Kick-Style Scooter Pilot Program
• Ontario Regulation 389/19: Pilot Project for Electric Kick-Scooters