Types of Micromobility, Rules and Regulations

Examples of power-assisted devices are pictured below.

 

 

Micro-mobility type

Features

Operating requirements, rules and regulations

e-bike*

(see note)

 

Power-assisted bicycle (e-bike)

Motor-assisted bicycle


Limited-speed motorcycle/moped


 

E-bikes are motorized bicycles that can look like conventional bicycles, scooters or limited-speed motorcycles. All e-bikes have:

  • steering handlebars
  • working pedals
  • an electric motor not exceeding 500 watts
  • a maximum assisted speed of 32 kilometres per hour
  • a maximum weight of 120 kilograms
  • a permanent label from the manufacturer in both English and French stating that the e-bike conforms to the federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle

Note: It is illegal to modify an e-bike's motor to make it more powerful or to increase the speed.

The definition of e-bikes are being reviewed and further refined.

Operating requirements:

Those operating an e-bike do not need a driver's licence, vehicle permit or licence plate to ride.

All e-bike riders must:

  • be at least 16 years of age
  • wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet
  • keep the e-bike in good working order
  • follow the same rules of the road as regular cyclists

What is permitted:

Those operating e-bikes can ride their e-bike on most roads and highways where conventional bikes are permitted, with some exceptions.

What is not permitted:

Those operating e-bikes cannot ride:

  • on certain provincial controlled access highways, such as the 400 series highways
  • on municipal roads, including sidewalks, where bicycles are banned under municipal by-laws

 

Cargo e-bike**


 

Cargo e-bikes are a type of electric-powered bike with a platform or box to carry larger items like packages and boxes for deliveries. All cargo e-bikes have:

  • a traditional bicycle design
  • an electric motor with a maximum power output of 1,000 watts
  • a maximum power-assisted speed of 32 kilometres per hour
  • pedals to propel the bicycle at all times
  • a platform, basket or container to carry cargo, parcels or goods
  • steering handlebars
  • a maximum width of 1.3 metres
  • a maximum length of 4 metres
  • a maximum height of 2.2 metres
  • wheels with a minimum width of 35 millimeters and a minimum diameter of 350 millimeters
  • two or three wheels
  • brakes
  • a horn or bell
  • one white light in front, one red light in rear and reflective material on the sides

 

Currently, cargo e-bikes are not permitted in Vaughan.

Municipalities that want to allow cargo e-bikes to operate on their roads must pass by-laws to permit their use and set out specific requirements based on what is best for their communities.

City of Vaughan is currently not participating in the cargo e-bike pilot.

 

e-scooter***


 

E-scooters have battery-powered motors with a platform for your feet and are steered with waist-high handlebars.

  • maximum speed of 24 kilometres per hour
  • maximum weight of 45 kilograms
  • maximum power output of 500 watts
  • no baskets allowed
  • no pedals or seat allowed
  • must have two wheels and brakes
  • must have horn or bell
  • must have one white light on front, one red light on rear and reflective material on sides
  • maximum wheel diameter of 431 millimeters

 

Operating requirements:

Those operating an e-scooter must:

  • be at least 16 years of age
  • not have any passengers
  • not carry any cargo
  • stand at all times
  • wear a helmet (under 18 years old)

What is permitted:

  • All Highway Traffic Act (HTA) rules of the road will apply to the operation of e-scooters like bicycles
  • Penalties in HTA s. 228(8) will also apply to violations of pilot regulation (fine of $250 to $2,500)

 

For the full list of requirements, please see Ontario Regulation Electric Kick-Scooters.

What is not permitted:

Those operating an e-scooter are not permitted to:

  • operate on controlled access highways

e-scooters are only allowed on public right of ways in municipalities that opt-into the provincial e-scooter pilot program and must pass a by-law to allow them on municipal roads.

Electric skateboard/hoverboard

 

 

 

Electric skateboards/hoverboards are only permitted on private property in Vaughan.

 

Unicycle

 

 

 

Unicycles are only permitted on private property in Vaughan.

 

Segway

 

 

Segways are only permitted on private property in Vaughan.

*According Ministry of Transportation Ontario

**Based on Ministry of Transportation Ontario Cargo e-bike pilot program.

***Based on Ministry of Transportation Ontario e-scooter pilot program