Ontario is carrying out a 5-year pilot of personal and shared e-Scooters. The pilot dates from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2024 unless changed by the Province. Click here to read more about it.
FAQ
Legal
- What is the Ontario Provincial Government's position on e-Scooters?
- What are the regulations permitting e-Scooters?
- What is the minimum age to ride an e-Scooter?
- Where can I RIDE SCOOTY?
- The regulations mention "public right-of-way," what does this mean?
- Can I ride on sidewalks?
- What about riding on trails?
- How fast can I ride my e-Scooter?
- Which cities in Ontario can I ride SCOOTY in?
- What about other cities in Canada?
- If I buy an e-Scooter or electric bicycle in Ontario can I ride it in the United States?
What is the Ontario Provincial Government's position on e-Scooters?
What are the regulations permitting e-Scooters?
Ontario's e-Scooter regulations can be found at this link.
What is the minimum age to ride an e-Scooter?
You must be 16 years of age or older to ride an e-Scooter in Ontario.
Where can I RIDE SCOOTY?
Ride wherever allowed! Make sure that you are riding e-Scooters and electric bicycles as permitted in your town or city. You can ride e-Scooters on roads with a speed limit of 50km/h or below. Please ride in bike lanes or cycle tracks if they are available. Always ride safely and always wear a helmet!
If you are riding a non-motorized bicycle, please use bike lanes or cycle tracks if they are available.
Excellent local resources are available in your community. We appreciate the work of Cycle Toronto, Bike Brampton, Mississauga Bikes, City of Hamilton, and many other community cycling groups.
The regulations mention "public right-of-way," what does this mean?
The public right-of-way refers to an entire roadway...the road itself and the road shoulder and/or the boulevard on either side. The boulevard is the sidewalk/Multi-use trail/Multi-use path (if available).
Can I ride on sidewalks?
Some local governments may approve of riding on sidewalks, so please check and see what your local by-laws say. SCOOTY believes sidewalks are for pedestrians and vulnerable road users, not bicycles, e-Scooters or electric bicycles. We strongly encourage NO RIDING ON SIDEWALKS for safety and courtesy.
If you must use a sidewalk on your trip, get off and walk your bicycle, e-Scooter or electric bicycle. While moving an e-Scooter or electric bicycle do not press down on the throttle unless you are in full control of the vehicle.
What about riding on trails?
Not every trail or pathway will allow bicycles, e-Scooters or electric bicycles. Check for signage that permit or exclude these vehicles. If you are permitted to ride, make sure you follow the local speed limit for pathways. Always check with your local government.
How fast can I ride my e-Scooter?
The speed limit for e-Scooters in Ontario is 24km/h. Some cities may have lower speed limits. Check with your local government.
You can ride on roads with a speed limit of 50km/h or below.
Multi-use trails/Multi-use paths (in the boulevard, beside the road) generally have a speed limit of 8-12 km/h. Off-street and park trails generally have a limit between 15-20 km/h. Look for signage and check with your local government for local laws and always wear a helmet!
Which cities in Ontario can I ride SCOOTY in?
In Ontario you can legally ride personal e-Scooters in Mississauga, Windsor, St. Thomas, Ottawa and Hamilton.
You can ride shared e-Scooters in Ottawa and Windsor. Other cities studying e-Scooters include: Toronto, Brampton, and London. We will keep updating this list as more cities in Ontario approve e-Scooters.
What about other cities in Canada?
At the time of this posting you can ride e-Scooters in the following communities:
Alberta
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Calgary, Alberta
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Edmonton, Alberta
British Columbia
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Kelowna, British Columbia
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North Vancouver, British Columbia (in progress)
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Vancouver, British Columbia (in progress)
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Vernon, British Columbia (in progress)
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West Vancouver, British Columbia (in progress)
It is always good practice to check with local governments for specific laws, rules and regulations, and e-Scooter etiquette.
If I buy an e-Scooter or electric bicycle in Ontario can I ride it in the United States?
There are many state and local governments that permit e-Scooters and electric bicycles. Check with state and local governments for specific laws, rules and regulations, and e-Scooter etiquette.
Safety & Courtesy
- What is the best way to SCOOTY courteously?
- What is the best way to SCOOTY safely?
- Should I wear a helmet?
- What are the right clothes to wear?
- Should I wear protective padding?
- Should I wear a safety vest or other bright, reflective clothing/accessories?
- What are the best ways to avoid risks when riding?
- Rules for Riding Safely
- SCOOTY Safety Accessories
- How do I maintain my e-Scooter?
- Quick Pre-Ride Checklist
- Covid-19 and Public Health Guidelines
What is the best way to SCOOTY courteously?
COURTESY is the second SCOOTY value. Make sure you are familiar with the laws, rules and etiquette related to e-Scooters. Check with your local government for their expectations, or ask us. Follow the local laws, rules, regulations and etiquette.
Follow this maxim: "wheels give way to heels" which essentially means pedestrians and vulnerable road users have the right of way on pathways
Don't ride recklessly. Wear a helmet.
What is the best way to SCOOTY safely?
SAFETY is a SCOOTY value. Staying safe starts with following local laws, rules and regulations, wearing and carrying the right equipment, and riding safely.
- Wear closed toe shoes
- Wear a helmet whenever you ride
- Don't travel at excess speed
- Stand up while riding your e-Scooter
- Always keep your eyes moving and scanning for other road/pathway users
Make sure you are familiar with the laws, rules and etiquette related to e-Scooters. Check with your local government for their expectations, or ask us.
Should I wear a helmet?
Yes! Wearing a helmet is the best way to prevent the majority of riding injuries. In Ontario you must wear a helmet when riding an e-Scooter if you are under 18.
Get a SCOOTY helmet here
Your helmet that fits comfortably and meets safety standards. Check the inside of the helmet for stickers from one or more of the following organizations to confirm the helmet meets the standards:
- Canadian Standards Association CAN/CSA D113.2-M89 (Cycling Helmets).
- Snell Memorial Foundation B-95 (1995 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use with Bicycles).
- Snell Memorial Foundation B-90 (1990 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling).
- Snell Memorial Foundation B-90S (1994 Supplementary Standard for Protective Headgear for Use with Bicycles).
- American National Standards Institute ANSI Z90.4-1984 (American National Standard for Protective Headgear for Bicyclists).
- American Society for Testing and Materials ASTM F1447-94 (Standard Specification for Protective Headgear Used in Bicycling).
- British Standards Institute BS 6863:1989 (British Standard Specification for Pedal Cyclists’ Helmets).
- Standards Association of Australia AS 2063.2-1990 (Part 2: Helmets for Pedal Cyclists).
- Snell Memorial Foundation N-94 (1994 Standard for Protective Headgear: for Use in Non-Motorized Sports).
- United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 16 CFR Part 1203 Safety Standards for Bicycle Helmets. O. Reg. 411/95, s. 1; O. Reg. 38/03, s. 1 (1).
What are the right clothes to wear?
There is no special clothing needed for bicycles, e-Scooters or electric bicycles.
We encourage riders to be mindful of speed and conditions to judge what kind of clothing is appropriate.
For e-Scooters, because riders are standing, wearing closed-toe shoes with a solid base and grippy outsole (similar to skate shoes) may offer a more comfortable e-Scooter ride.
Should I wear protective padding?
Some riders may choose to wear elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards. If you choose to add safety equipment, make sure it keeps you safe and feels comfortable to wear.
Should I wear a safety vest or other bright, reflective clothing/accessories?
Visibility can help improve safety. If you feel a safety vest or other bright reflective clothing and/or accessories will improve your safety when riding, please consider them.
What are the best ways to avoid risks when riding?
You are a pioneer in a new form of mobility. Micromobility, electric bicycles and e-Scooters are a new mode of transport that not everyone is familiar with.
You can help reduce risks by riding safely and encouraging others to do the same.
You can help reduce risks by learning about e-Scooters and electric bicycles and the laws, rules, regulations and etiquette for riding them safely and courteously.
You can help reduce risks by wearing the proper clothing and safety equipment and encouraging others to do the same.
You can help reduce risks by wearing a helmet and encouraging others to do the same.
You can help reduce risks by talking to other road users about e-Scooters and the laws, rules, regulations and etiquette for riding them safely and courteously.
Excellent local resources are available in your community. We appreciate the work of Cycle Toronto, Bike Brampton, Mississauga Bikes, City of Hamilton, and many other community cycling groups.
Rules for Riding Safely
There may be congestion and unpredictable movement at intersections and crosswalks. It’s important to slow down and be very cautious
in these areas. Suggestions as follows:
- Stay focused on riding safely
- Always keep your eyes moving and scanning for other road users
- Your cell phone should be securely stored in a safe location
- Don't wear earbuds or headphones when riding
- Use two hands to operate the vehicle at all times
- Do not operate any vehicle if you have consumed alcohol
- Don't share the ride! These vehicles are built to hold only one passenger at time. Going over the recommended weight capacity increases the risk of injury to you or others and will also damage the vehicle
- When you’ve reached your destination, be sure to park and lock your vehicle in a safe place away from heavy foot traffic. Respect other cars, motorcycles, and bicycles that are already parked nearby
SCOOTY Safety Accessories
SCOOTY will have a collection of e-Scooter and bike safety/visibility accessories available for sale in the near future.
How do I maintain my e-Scooter?
Frequent e-Scooter maintanance improves safety. Please refer to the user manual that you’ll find in the product package. If you would like to read this online, please click here for Segway Products.
Quick Pre-Ride Checklist
- Check the brakes and brake cables to ensure brakes work properly
- Check tire tread for cuts and wear
- Check tire pressure
- Check battery for the charge level
Covid-19 and Public Health Guidelines
The coronavirus responsible for Covid-19 mainly spreads from person-to-person, and mainly in indoor spaces. Being outdoors helps a lot to reduce your risk of exposure and it can also improve your well-being.
Follow your local, provincial and federal Public Health guidelines. Reduce your exposure to others by wearing a mask and following physical distancing guidelines. Stay home if you are sick.
A few best practices to consider in order to protect yourself and those around you are as follows:
- Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol if you do not have access to soap and water.
- Clean and disinfect the surfaces around your home and work. Use hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol content if you cannot clean/disinfect.
- Wear a face mask in public spaces where physical distancing may be challenging.
- Watch out for "cold and flu" symptoms which may indicate exposure to a rhinovirus (common cold), influenza virus, or coronavirus.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Shipping
- How soon can I get my purchase?
How soon can I get my purchase?
As soon as we process the order, we ship out right away. You should be receiving it within 3-5 business days pending no delays on Canada Post or UPS. If you'd like it sooner, please email sales@ridescooty.com for an alternative arrangement.