Types of Micromobility, Rules and Regulations

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.