Toronto has a love-hate relationship with e-scooters. They're everywhere – zipping through bike lanes, weaving through traffic, and occasionally buzzing down sidewalks. But here's the thing that catches most riders off guard: e-scooters are completely illegal on public property in Toronto .

From our experience in the e-scooter industry, Toronto is one of the most restrictive major cities in North America for micromobility. Yet, despite the ban, thousands of riders use them daily. In this guide, we break down 6 critical things you need to know about riding e-scooters in Toronto – from the legal reality to safety risks, enforcement trends, and practical advice for riders.

For context on how Toronto compares to other jurisdictions, see our guide on electric scooter laws in California.

1. Legal Status: E-Scooters Are Illegal on Public Roads

Ontario launched an e-scooter pilot program in 2020, allowing municipalities to opt in and regulate e-scooter use . Toronto chose not to participate. As a result, riding an e-scooter on any public road, sidewalk, bike lane, or trail is prohibited .

The only place you can legally ride an e-scooter in Toronto is on private property with the owner's permission . That's it.

In most professional situations, we recommend checking with local authorities before purchasing an e-scooter if you plan to ride in Toronto. Many riders are unaware of the ban and assume it's legal because they see others riding. However, ignorance of the law is not a defense.

Ontario's Pilot Program: Opt-In Only

Under Ontario Regulation 389/19, municipalities that opt in can allow e-scooters under specific rules . These include:

• Riders must be at least 16 years old.
• Helmets are required for riders under 18.
• Maximum speed of 24 km/h.
• No passengers or towing.
• E-scooters must have a horn or bell and lights for night riding.

Toronto has not adopted these rules, so they don't apply within city limits. However, nearby cities like Mississauga, Oshawa, and Ottawa have opted in and have legal e-scooter programs .

Wondering about e-scooter rules elsewhere? Read our guide on do you need a license for an electric scooter.

2. Enforcement Is Weak – But That's Changing Fast

Despite the ban, e-scooters are a common sight in Toronto. The city's current enforcement strategy relies on education and warnings, but that's shifting .

In 2025, Toronto police issued 3,500 tickets in just three weeks during a targeted enforcement blitz . Fines can reach up to $400 for violations, including $90 for riding on sidewalks and $60 for unauthorized use of bike lanes .

City councillors have proposed giving police the authority to seize e-scooters from riders caught on sidewalks . While this measure hasn't been fully implemented yet, it's under active consideration. The city's transportation manager is expected to report back on enforcement options in 2026, pending provincial direction .

From our experience, the risk of enforcement is growing. If you ride in Toronto, you should be prepared for potential fines and, eventually, seizure of your scooter.

3. Injury Rates Are Soaring – Especially Among Kids

One of the main reasons Toronto has resisted e-scooters is safety. Data from hospitals shows a dramatic rise in e-scooter-related injuries .

• At St. Michael's Hospital, e-scooter injuries rose 600% between 2020 and 2024 .
• At SickKids Hospital, e-scooter collisions increased from 1 in 2020 to 107 in 2025 – a more than 100-fold increase .
• Nationally, e-scooter injuries have been increasing by about 18% annually since 2011 .

These aren't minor scrapes. Dr. Steve Lin, chief of St. Michael's ER, notes that many injuries are "life-altering" – broken bones, head trauma, and severe lacerations .

Under Ontario law, riders under 16 are not allowed to operate e-scooters in pilot municipalities, but enforcement is inconsistent. Toronto's ban applies to all ages, but children are still riding and getting hurt.

For safety tips, see our guide on are electric scooters easily stolen and how to protect your investment.

4. Basic Rules for Other Micromobility (E-Bikes, Mopeds)

While e-scooters are banned, other electric vehicles have specific rules in Toronto:

For e-bikes, the rules are stricter than many riders realize. A pedal-assisted e-bike is allowed in cycle tracks, but if it can operate without pedaling (throttle-only) or weighs over 40 kg, it's not permitted in physically separated bike lanes .

Helmets are mandatory for all e-bike riders in Ontario .

Interested in off-road riding? Check out can electric scooters go off road.

5. GTA Comparison: Where Are E-Scooters Legal?

If you want to legally ride an e-scooter in the Greater Toronto Area, you need to leave Toronto. Here's a quick comparison:

In Mississauga, e-scooters are allowed on roads with speed limits up to 50 km/h, but they must stay off sidewalks and yield to pedestrians .

If you're commuting from Mississauga to Toronto, note that crossing the city boundary means your scooter becomes illegal the moment you enter Toronto.

For a broader look at restrictions, see where electric scooters are not allowed.

6. Buying Considerations: Should You Buy an E-Scooter in Toronto?

Given the legal landscape, you might wonder if it's worth buying an e-scooter if you live in Toronto. Here's our take.

From our experience, the best approach for Torontonians is to wait for the provincial framework to stabilize. The province is actively exploring stricter regulations, which could include licensing and new rules for e-scooters . A clear set of rules is expected in the coming years.

For performance-focused riders, check out our list of fast electric scooters for adults – but remember, they're not legal on Toronto roads.

Pros & Cons: Riding E-Scooters in Toronto

About TopRiding – Since 2015, TopRiding has been a globally recognized brand specializing in electric scooters and electric bikes. With a strong foundation in B2B and a shift to consumer markets in 2024, TopRiding delivers high-quality, eco-friendly mobility solutions to riders worldwide. Our sub-brands – including ZSNAKE, ARICH, and FOHOLO – are trusted across Europe and North America for urban commuting, long-distance travel, and extreme sports .

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