E-Scooters / Power Assist Bicycles

Q: What is an E-scooter ?

A: an “e-scooter” means a motor vehicle that is not a wheeled recreational device, and which falls within the definition of an “electric kick scooter” as defined in The Limited Speed Motor Vehicle Regulations. For greater certainty, an e-scooter, has:

• up to four wheels (430 mm in diameter or less and one wheel at the front in line with one wheel at the back or two wheels at the front, in line with two wheels at the back),
• a platform to stand on,
• a handlebar for steering,
• one or more electric motors 500 W or less,
• a maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface,
• a weight of 45 kg or less (including the motor and batteries),
• brakes that can bring it to a stop within 9 m of applying the brakes at full speed, and
• no seat or surface that could be used as a seat, pedals or any structures enclosing it.

Q: What is a power assisted bicycle ?

A: a “power-assisted bicycle” means a power-assisted bicycle that has pedals, is capable of being propelled by muscular power, and has an electronic motor which has a maximum power output of 500 watts;

Q: What rules do I have to follow if I want to ride my e-scooter or power assisted bicycle on city roads?

A: E-scooters and power assisted bicycles are permitted on municipal streets in the city subject to the regulations of The Limited Speed Motor Vehicle Regulations, 2022 and other regulations listed below. To clarify, these regulations include the following:

1. May be operated only on roads with a speed limit of 40 km/hr or less;
2. Max speed for operation is 24 km/hour;
3. Operators must be at least 16 years of age;
4. Operators are required to wear helmets regardless of age;
5. All operators must follow the rules of the road, ride to the right except when passing, comply with all traffic signs;
6. Impaired operation is strictly prohibited;
7. Operation is permitted on shared paths as along as the rules are followed.

Q: What rules do I have to follow to operate my e-scooter or power assisted bicycle on the shared path?

A: Anyone operating a device on the shared path will need to follow these nine rules:

1. Yield right of way to pedestrians;
2. Be equipped with a horn or bell with which to warn others when approaching from behind and prior to passing;
3. Move off the shared path when stopped;
4. Keep to the left when passing;
5. Keep to the right except when passing;
6. Comply with all traffic signs;
7. Travel at a reasonable rate of speed given the conditions of the area an operator is riding in;
8. Avoid stunting.
9. Don't carry a load that obstructs your vision or hampers the safe operation of your device.