An electric kick-scooter (or e-scooter) is a stand-up scooter powered by an electric motor and built with a large deck in the centre which the rider stands on. It has a handlebar that includes both a brake and throttle. It is not a kick-scooter without electric assist, a personal assistive mobility device, or an e-bike.
They are legal in London for users age 16 and older. Riders aged 16 or 17 must wear a helmet when using an electric kick-scooter.
Electric kick-scooters provide an efficient transportation option and can be used for trips that don’t require a personal vehicle. Using an electric kick-scooter instead of a motor vehicle is one way individuals can take action to support London's Climate Emergency Action Plan and reduce their carbon footprint.
Provincial electric kick-scooter pilot program
The Province of Ontario launched an e-scooter pilot program on January 1, 2020. Originally a five-year program, the pilot has been extended until November 27, 2029. The program's purpose is to evaluate the use of both personal and shared e-scooters and determine whether existing provincial rules of the road are adequate.
As part of the pilot, Ontario municipalities can determine if and how e-scooters can be used in their community both for personal use and for e-scooter share services. In addition to deciding where e-scooters can be used, municipalities must also define where the scooters can be parked.
The City of London opted into the pilot program for personal, privately-owned e-scooters only. This meant that municipal by-laws were updated to reflect where and how personal e-scooters could be used. You can find London's bylaws (passed March 7, 2023) here.
The City did not opt into the e-scooter share portion of the provincial pilot. This means that e-scooter share companies will not be allowed to operate on public property in London for at least the duration of the provincial pilot.
Share your feedback on the electric kick-scooter pilot program
Where electric kick-scooters can be used
Electric kick-scooters can be ridden on roadways posted at 50 kilometers per hour or less, in bike lanes, and on multi-use pathways including the Thames Valley Parkway following posted speed limits.
Electric kick-scooters cannot be used on sidewalks, hiking trails or in Environmentally Significant Areas.
Under the pilot program, the speed limit of an electric kick-scooter is set at 24 kilometers per hour.
Electric kick-scooter riders cannot carry passengers or cargo.
You can review the City's e-scooter related by-laws:
- Traffic and Parking Bylaw
- Parks and Recreation Area Bylaw
- Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) Bylaw
- Electric Kick-scooter and Cargo Power-assisted Bicycle By-law
Parking an electric kick-scooter
Electric kick-scooters can be parked at bike racks like any bicycle.
Electric kick-scooters should not be left on the sidewalk where they become a tripping hazard and impede pedestrians.
Where you can ride e-scooters
- Roadways posted at 50km/hr or less
- Bike lanes and cycle tracks
- Multi-use pathways (including the Thames Valley Parkway)
You cannot ride e-scooters on sidewalks.