ARE E-SCOOTERS ILLEGAL IN TORONTO?E-SCOOTER PROHIBITION: Here's What You Need to Know

As electric scooters (e-scooters) become increasingly popular across Ontario, many people assume they can legally ride them anywhere they would ride a bicycle. That assumption, however, could lead to an unpleasant surprise in Toronto.

Despite their widespread availability and growing popularity, e-scooters remain prohibited on public property throughout the City of Toronto. Many residents and visitors are unaware of this restriction and may unknowingly expose themselves to fines and other enforcement measures.

Here's what you need to know before riding an e-scooter in Toronto.

What Is an E-Scooter?

Under Ontario's regulatory framework, an electric scooter (e-scooter) is generally defined as a vehicle that:

• has two wheels, one at the front and one at the rear;

• features a platform designed for a standing rider;

• is equipped with handlebars for steering; and

• is powered by an electric motor with a maximum output of 500 watts and a maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface.

Are E-Scooters Illegal in Toronto?

The use and operation of e-scooters on public property is prohibited in Toronto.

This prohibition applies to virtually all public spaces, including:

• sidewalks;

• bicycle lanes;

• cycle tracks;

• multi-use trails and pathways;

• parks; and

• other public rights-of-way.

The prohibition extends beyond simply riding the vehicle. E-scooters cannot be left, stored, or parked on public property. This means, for example, that you cannot lock your e-scooter to a public bike rack while you stop at a store.

Understanding Toronto's E-Scooter Operation Ban

In 2020, the Province of Ontario launched a pilot program allowing municipalities to decide whether to permit e-scooters within their jurisdictions. Participating municipalities were responsible for evaluating whether e-scooters were appropriate based on their own social, economic, and geographic conditions and for establishing local operating requirements.

Toronto chose not to participate; in May 2021, Toronto City Council declined to join the provincial pilot program. The City reaffirmed that decision again in 2024, choosing not to opt into the program and maintaining its existing prohibition on e-scooters in public spaces.

This is not a new restriction. Toronto's approach predates the provincial pilot and can be traced back to 2019, when the City adopted several by-laws regulating the use of e-scooters.

Among other provisions:

• Chapter 950 of the Toronto Municipal Code prohibits operating, parking, or storing e-scooters on highways and sidewalks;

• By-law 1405-2019 prohibits riding e-scooters on pedestrian ways; and

• Chapter 608 of the Toronto Municipal Code prohibits their use in parks.

Can You Buy or Sell an E-Scooter in Toronto?

The City of Toronto does not prohibit the purchase or sale of e-scooters.

The City's authority is limited to regulating how and where e-scooters may be operated on public property. As a result, buying, selling, or owning an e-scooter is perfectly legal. In other words, the e-scooter itself is not illegal, its use on public property is.

Can Police Confiscate or Seize My E-Scooter?

Toronto Police generally do not have the authority to permanently seize your e-scooter simply because you were riding it.

However, under § 950-1200C of the Toronto Municipal Code, a police officer, police cadet, municipal law enforcement officer, constable, or an officer appointed under the Highway Traffic Act may cause an e-scooter that has been left or parked on public property to be removed and stored at the owner's expense.

Accordingly, while you may not lose ownership, you could still incur removal and storage costs.

What Are the Penalties?

Operating an e-scooter in violation of Chapter 950 of the Toronto Municipal Code may result in administrative penalties, such as tickets, or an offence subject to a fine issued under the Provincial Offences Act.

Can I Keep an E-Scooter in My Apartment or Condominium?

Toronto's prohibition applies to public spaces, not private property. There is nothing preventing you from owning an e-scooter or keeping it inside your home.

Similarly, using an e-scooter on private property is generally not prohibited by the City's by-laws.

That said, landlords and condominium corporations may establish reasonable rules governing the use, storage, or charging of e-scooters in common areas where necessary to protect the safety of residents or to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Will Toronto Eventually Allow E-Scooters?

The City continues to evaluate how its transportation policies should evolve alongside emerging technologies and changing patterns of urban mobility.

Supporters of legalization argue that e-scooters provide an environmentally friendly alternative to cars and note that many bicycles legally travel at speeds exceeding those of many e-scooters. They suggest that designated infrastructure or shared use of bicycle lanes could safely accommodate these vehicles.

Opponents, on the other hand, argue that e-scooters offer less stability and maneuverability than bicycles, creating additional risks for pedestrians and other road users. They also point to concerns about inexperienced riders, particularly younger users, and the increased potential for collisions in busy urban environments.

Regardless of where one stands in the debate, the current legal framework is clear: e-scooters remain prohibited on public space in Toronto.

Understanding the law before purchasing or riding an e-scooter can help you avoid unnecessary fines, enforcement actions, and frustration.

We Are Here For You

Whether you are seeking to understand Toronto's e-scooter regulations, have received a ticket, or are facing administrative or legal proceedings related to the use of an e-scooter, the team at AJ Murray Law is here to help.

We believe that informed decisions begin with understanding the law. Our team provides practical advice, preventative legal guidance, and effective representation when disputes arise.

Before you take your e-scooter out this summer, make sure you know the rules. Many people in Toronto simply assume that riding or using an e-scooters in the City is legal because they are sold in stores. Unfortunately, that assumption can be costly.