E-Scooters and E-bikes

Learn about the regulations for e-scooters and e-bikes in Oakville.

What you need to know about e-scooters

A person riding an electric scooter.

An e-scooter is a two-wheeled, stand-up scooter equipped with handlebars, a floorboard for the rider to stand on, a rechargeable battery, and is powered by an electric motor. 

E-scooters are currently prohibited in Oakville

E-scooters are unregulated by the Town and not permitted on public rights-of-way under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) – this includes roads, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, multi-use trails and parks. E-scooter violations would be enforced under the HTA, by Halton Regional Police Service.

Municipal Enforcement Services does not currently enforce violations related to e-scooters. Municipal Enforcement officers cannot stop e-scooter riders to issue tickets.  

According to the HTA, Section 216 (1) and 218 (1), a police officer has the authority to require a driver of a vehicle to stop and provide identification. This authority does not include municipal by-law enforcement officers.  

Where possible, Municipal Enforcement officers will educate riders on the rules related to e-scooters and may enlist the assistance of Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS). 

Regulations developed as part of the Ontario E-Scooter Pilot Program allow municipalities who opt into the program to set local by-laws that would allow e-scooter usage. 

Oakville has not opted in to participate in the provincial e-scooter pilot project or passed any by-laws to regulate its use. As a result, e-scooters are not allowed in Oakville. This prohibition is by default and in line with the HTA. Oakville's Traffic By-law 1984-001 does not contain specific references to e-scooters within its definitions or permitted uses. As a result, under current Town by-laws or the HTA, e-scooters are not permitted on roads, sidewalks, multiuse trails, or parks within Oakville.

As part of the Town’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), recommendations include a phased approach to explore whether e-scooters should be permitted in Oakville. This work will involve reviewing which parts of the road and trail network could safely accommodate e-scooters and evaluating the Town’s potential participation in the Province’s e-scooter pilot program.

Key areas of review will include:

  • Identifying where e-scooters may be most useful, such as near schools, parks, transit connections and tourism destinations.
  • Assessing safety, enforcement and education requirements to support safe use.
  • Considering the costs and feasibility of implementing a local e-scooter pilot program.

What you need to know about e-bikes

A person sitting on an electric bicycle.

An e-bike is a bicycle that can run on electric power, as well as by pedaling. It has pedals that can be fully operated and powered by human effort, motor assistance, or a combination of both.

E-bikes are permitted on public roads but not on sidewalks, trails, or in parks in Oakville

  • You must wear a helmet while riding an e-bike. 
  • In Ontario, it is illegal for people under the age of 16 to ride on and operate an e-bike. 
  • The Town does not have the authority to regulate the sale of e-bikes, only what is operated in public spaces. When buying an e-bike, it is important for consumers to make sure it meets the provincial government standards.

Visit the Cycling Safety and Laws page for more information.

Contact

ServiceOakville
905-845-6601

service@oakville.ca