Canada has no single national law for riding electric scooters. Each province decides whether e-scooters are allowed on public roads, and in most provinces each city then decides whether to opt in. That means an e-scooter can be legal in one city and banned in the next. Here is how the rules work across Canada in 2026, with city guides for Ontario.
How e-scooter rules work in Canada
- Provinces set the basic rules: minimum age, helmets, top speed, motor power and which roads are allowed.
- Municipalities often decide whether e-scooters can be used at all, and can add stricter rules such as lower speed limits, no-ride zones and parking rules.
- Privately owned and rental scooters are sometimes treated differently, so a city with shared rental scooters does not always allow personal ones.
Ontario
Ontario allows e-scooters through a provincial pilot program that began on January 1, 2020 and runs to November 27, 2029. Riders must be at least 16, riders under 18 must wear a helmet, and e-scooters are limited to 24 km/h and a 500W motor. Each municipality must pass a bylaw before e-scooters can be ridden on its roads. Read our full guide: Are e-scooters legal in Ontario?
Ontario city guides
- Electric scooters in Toronto: Toronto does not take part in the pilot, so e-scooters cannot be ridden or parked on public property in the city.
- Electric scooters in Hamilton: personal e-scooters are allowed on roads of 50 km/h or less, cycling facilities and signed multi-use paths.
- Electric scooters in Ottawa: personal and shared e-scooters are allowed under the city's own bylaw, with a 20 km/h limit.
British Columbia
British Columbia launched a four-year electric kick scooter pilot on April 5, 2024. E-scooters can be ridden on public roads only in participating communities, which include Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Richmond and dozens more. Riders must be at least 16, and no licence or insurance is needed. Local governments can add their own rules.
Quebec
Quebec allows e-scooters under a provincial pilot project that was extended in 2026. Riders can use roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less and bike lanes, must wear a helmet, and must meet the minimum age set by the pilot. Cities such as Montreal and Quebec City add their own rules, including on sidewalks.
Alberta
Alberta's Traffic Safety Act does not generally allow privately owned e-scooters on public roads. Cities such as Calgary and Edmonton run shared rental scooter programs under provincial exemptions, with their own speed limits and riding areas.
Other provinces and territories
Rules elsewhere in Canada vary and are changing quickly as provinces review e-scooter use. Before riding, check your provincial transportation ministry and your city's bylaws.
Before you ride anywhere in Canada
- Confirm that both your province and your city allow e-scooters.
- Compare your scooter's top speed and motor power with local limits.
- Wear a helmet, use lights at night and never ride on the sidewalk unless a sign allows it.
Hazel Studios ships the HAZEL 1.0 folding electric scooter across Canada. For rules in other countries, see our guides to e-scooter laws in the United States and e-scooter laws in the UK.
This guide is a general summary, not legal advice. Rules can change, so always confirm the current requirements with your province and municipality.