Ontario has an electric scooter pilot program that sets out various general requirements for the use of electric scooters. For example, users of e-scooters must be age 16 or older and anyone under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle helmet. No passengers or cargo are allowed on e-scooters and e-scooters should not be operated on sidewalk. Likewise, no drugs or alcohol is permitted when operating an e-scooter. For an overview of the general requirements of Ontario’s e-scooter pilot program, click here.

In addition to Ontario’s general requirements for e-scooter operators, each municipality will have different rules regarding the operation and parking of e-scooters within their jurisdiction. Some municipalities do not permit e-scooters at all. It is important to familiarize yourself with the rules of your specific municipality, which you can do by googling your city’s by-laws on scooters.

For example, in Hamilton, e-scooters are permitted on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/hr or less, and on roads with cycling facilities. They are not permitted on sidewalks, unpaved recreational multi-use trails, or on highways. E-scooters are permitted to park in the same location as a bike, but they cannot be parked at Hamilton Bike Share stations. Likewise, parked e-scooters cannot obstruct pedestrian or vehicle movement.

If you have been charged with a crime related to electric scooter use, you should contact our lawyers immediately. Call us at (905) 541-2228 or fill out a free consultation form to get connected with us.