Many new vehicles and devices, such as go-peds limited-speed vehicles and Segway "Human Transporters" fall within the definition of a motor vehicle in Ontario's Highway Traffic Act (HTA). The HTA requires motor vehicles to be registered, have licence plates, and the operator to have a valid driver's licence and appropriate insurance. Anyone caught operating one of these vehicles/devices on Ontario's roads without complying with these requirements could face charges for driving an unlicensed and uninsured motor vehicle.
Also, certain vehicles/devices such as go-peds and pocket bikes cannot operate on public roads in Ontario because they do not meet:
- Provincial equipment safety standards for motor vehicles, such as standards regulating lighting, braking, seat belts, etc.
- Federal standards for motor vehicles used on public roads.
The province continues to review both existing and new vehicle types to determine whether they fit into the HTA or if a new vehicle definition is required. Road safety will be a key consideration in determining which new vehicles or devices may operate on Ontario's roads.
This information update is to be used as a guide only. For official purposes, please refer to the Highway Traffic Act.
Vehicles that CAN operate on roads
Limited-Speed Motorcycles
Limited-speed motorcycles can be operated on roads in Ontario.
A limited-speed motorcycle is:
- a motorcycle that:
- can attain a rate of speed of more than 32 km/hr on level ground within a distance of 1.6 kilometres from a standing start;
- has a maximum attainable speed of 70 km/h or less;
- has steering handlebars that are completely constrained from rotating in relation to the axle of only one wheel in contact with the ground;
- has a minimum seat height, when the vehicle is unladen, of 650 millimetres;
- has a minimum wheel rim diameter of 250 millimetres and a minimum wheelbase of 1016 millimetres;
- has a maximum engine displacement of 50 cubic centimetres or less; or,
b. if the motorcycle was manufactured on, or after, September 1, 1988, it must have affixed a compliance label required under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada) that identifies the motor vehicle as a limited-speed motorcycle.
A limited-speed motorcycle must meet vehicle requirements as defined under the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA). However, in order to use a limited-speed motorcycle, the driver must comply with the operating requirements of a motorcycle under provincial regulations. A limited-speed motorcycle has a maximum attainable speed of 70 km/h or less.
A restricted class M licence for limited-speed motorcycle (LSM) and moped drivers was introduced on November 28, 2005. This restricted class M licence has a condition that allows licence holders to drive limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds only.
To operate these vehicles on a roadway:
- the driver must hold a restricted class M licence for limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds (Class M2 with L condition or M with L condition or a valid motorcycle licence (Class M1, M2 or M);
- the vehicle must be insured, registered and have a valid LSM licence plate;
- the operator must wear an approved motorcycle helmet;
See also:
- Licensing Changes for Operators of Motor Scooters and Mopeds
- Frequently Asked Questions: Licensing Changes
Motor-Assisted Bicycles (Mopeds)
Like limited-speed motorcycles, mopeds can be operated on roads in Ontario.
You are no longer permitted to drive a moped on any driver's licence. New moped drivers are required to take road tests.
A restricted class M licence for limited-speed motorcycle (LSM) and moped drivers was introduced on November 28, 2005. This restricted class M licence has a condition that allows licence holders to drive limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds only.
A motor-assisted bicycle is a bicycle that:
- is fitted with pedals that are operable at all times to propel the bicycle;
- weighs not more than 55 kilograms;
- has no hand or foot operated clutch or gearbox driven by the motor and transferring power to the driven wheel;
- has a piston displacement of not more that 50 cubic centimetres; and,
- does not attain a speed greater than 50 km/h on level ground within a distance of 2 km from a standing start.
To operate these vehicles on
the roadway:
- driver must hold a restricted class M licence for limited-speed motorcycles/mopeds (Class M2 with L restriction or M with L restriction or a valid motorcycle licence (Class M1, M2 or M);
- approved motorcycle helmet is required;
- vehicle must be insured and registered and have a valid licence plate;
- no passengers allowed;
- they must meet federal safety standards for a limited speed motorcycle;
- motor-assisted bicycles are not allowed to travel on 400 series highways.
See also:
- Licensing Changes for Operators of Motor Scooters and Mopeds
- Frequently Asked Questions: Licensing Changes
Power-Assisted/Electric Bicycles
Can be operated on roads in Ontario
Effective October 3, 2006, the Province of
Ontario began a three-year pilot project to evaluate the use of power-assisted
bicycles (also known as electric bikes or e-bikes) on roads and highways where
conventional bicycles are currently allowed. The pilot is open to all
Ontarians 16 years of age and older and will run for three years. For the
duration of the pilot, electric bicycles will be treated as bicycles and must
follow the same rules of the road as set out in the Highway Traffic Act that
currently apply to cyclists.
There are two exceptions:
- Operators must be 16 years of age or older, and
- All operators must wear an approved bicycle helmet
at all times.
| THIS VEHICLE IS A POWER ASSISTED BICYCLE AND MEETS ALL THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER SECTION 2(1) OF THE CANADA MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY REGULATIONS. CE VÉHICULE EST UNE BICYCLETTE ASSISTÉE ET RECONTRE LA NORME 2(1) DU RÈGLEMENT SUR LA SÉCURITÉ DES VÉHICULES AUTOMOBILES DU CANADA. |
During the pilot:
- No driver's licence is required,
- No written test is required,
- No vehicle registration or plate required,
- No requirement for motor vehicle liability insurance.
An e-bike is a bike that:
- has steering handlebars and is equipped with pedals;
- is designed to be propelled primarily by muscular power and to travel on not more than three wheels;
- has one or more electric motors that have, singly or in combination, a power output rating of 500W or less. (Note: the motor is electric, and is incapable of propelling the cycle at speed of 32 km/h or greater on level ground, without pedaling.) and
- bears a permanently affixed label by the manufacturer stating in both official languages that the vehicle conforms to the federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle.
The power-assisted bicycle pilot is authorized by Ontario Regulation 473/06. In this regulation, the legal definition of an e-bike refers to the federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle. For the full definition, please see subsection 2(1) of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
NOTE: A commitment has been made to evaluate the pilot prior to its three-year expiry. The intent of the ministry’s pilot was to allow e-bikes that look and operate like conventional bikes in order to promote a safe, healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to current transportation modes.
The ministry has become aware of scooter-style vehicles that technically meet the pilot’s e-bike definition, but not the intent, as they are not primarily operated by muscular power due to their heavy weight. Therefore, in addition to evaluating how safely the e-bike can integrate with other motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians, the emergence of the scooter-style e-bikes requires the ministry to also assess if the pilot’s original intent continues to be appropriate. The ministry may clarify its position on the original intent of the pilot when final legislation is drafted.
See also:
- Frequently Asked Questions: Power-Assisted Bicycle ("e-bike") Pilot Test
Low-Speed Vehicles
Can be operated by park employees who have a valid drivers licence on roads in provincial parks, municipal parks and conservation areas in Ontario.
Effective September 19, 2006, the Province
of Ontario began a five-year pilot project to evaluate the use of low-speed
vehicles (LSVs) on roads in provincial parks, municipal parks and conservation
areas.
During the pilot, low-speed vehicles must:
- meet definition and requirements of an LSV in the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations,
- operate on park roads with speed limit of 40 km/h or less,
- be driven by park employees who hold a valid driver's licence; and,
- have liability insurance.
A "low-speed vehicle" means a vehicle, other than an all-terrain vehicle, a truck or a vehicle imported temporarily for special purposes, that:
- is powered by an electric motor,
- creates no emissions,
- is designed to travel on four wheels,
- has an attainable speed in 1.6 km of more than 32 km/h but not more than 40 km/h, on a paved level surface; and,
- meets the Technical Document 500 standards for LSVs. (This means LSVs are required to have, at minimum, such equipment as headlamps, turn signals, parking brake, windshield, seatbelts, and exterior and interior mirrors).
See also:
- Frequently Asked Questions: Low-Speed Vehicle Pilot Test
Personal Mobility Devices (Motorized Wheelchairs and Medical Scooters)
Do not require registration, licence plates, driver's licence or vehicle insurance
Persons operating motorized wheelchairs are
treated in the same way as pedestrians.
The expected behaviour of people who use wheelchairs to improve their mobility, is generally established by municipal by-laws. Operators should check with their local municipality to ensure by-laws permit their use on sidewalks.
A sidewalk should be the first choice for someone using a wheelchair or medical scooter. When there is no wheelchair accessible curb, the person should return to the sidewalk at the first available opportunity.
If there is no sidewalk available, people using wheelchairs or
personal mobility devices should travel, like pedestrians, along the left
shoulder of the roadway facing oncoming traffic.
Bicycles
Can be operated on roads in Ontario
In the HTA, the definition of bicycle includes tricycles and unicycles but not motor-assisted bicycles. You do not need a drivers licence to operate a bicycle in Ontario.
A bicycle is a vehicle that:
- has steering handlebars and is equipped with pedals
- is designed to be propelled by muscular power
- has no age restriction for operators
- can be operated on most roadways (e.g., not allowed to travel on 400 series highways)
- cannot be operated across a roadway within a pedestrian cross-over
An operator must wear a bicycle helmet if under 18 and operating the bicycle on the road. If the operator is under 16 it is the duty of the operator's parent or guardian to ensure that he/she wears a helmet. If the person is 16 or 17 it is his or her personal responsibility to wear a helmet.
No passengers are allowed if the bicycle is only meant for one person.
Bicycles that cannot keep up with traffic should drive as close to the right
edge of the road as possible and safe.
SegwayTM Human Transporter / Personal Transporter
Can be
operated on roads and sidewalks in Ontario by
individuals aged 14 and older with a disability that impairs their mobility,
Canada Post employees delivering mail door-to-door, and police
officers.
The Segway Human Transporter, also known as the Segway Personal Transporter (commonly referred to as a "Segway"), is a self-balancing, electric-powered transportation device able to turn in place and designed for one person, with a top speed of 20 km/h.
Effective October 19, 2006, the Province of Ontario began a five-year pilot project to evaluate the use of the Segway Human Transporter and the Segway Personal Transporter device on roads, sidewalks and paths.
During the pilot, the following requirements must be met:
- Helmet use for those under the age of 18
- Lights and bell required
- Pedestrian traffic rules apply when used on a sidewalk
- Bicycle traffic rules apply when used on roads or shoulders
- Restriction to walking speed when used on sidewalks (police exempt)
- Prohibited from highways where pedestrians and bicyclists are prohibited by provincial regulation and municipal by-law. (Eligible users should operate their device on the sidewalk, where a sidewalk is available. Where sidewalks are not provided or where the operation of Segways on sidewalks is prohibited by municipal by-law, a Segway can be operated on the shoulder of the road as close to the right edge of the shoulder or if there is no shoulde, on the right side of the roadway as close to the edge of the roadway as possible.)
- Segways may not be used on sidewalks where municipal by-laws prohibit the operation of motor vehicles.
Segways users will not be required to hold a driver's licence or have vehicle registration or liability insurance.
See also:
- Frequently Asked Questions: Segway Pilot Test
Vehicles that CANNOT operate on roads
Pocket Bikes
Cannot be operated on roads in Ontario
Pocket bikes are meant for closed circuit use only, not
roadways.
These bikes can be imported as "restricted-use motorcycles." However, in order to comply with federal standards, pocket bikes require 17-digit vehicle identification numbers, reflectors and warning labels that clearly state these bikes are intended for off-road use only.
The federal MVSA indicates pocket bikes are not intended for use on
public roads.
Electric and Motorized Scooters (Go-peds)
Cannot be operated on roads in Ontario
While these devices appear to fall within the definition of a motor
vehicle under Ontario's HTA, they do not meet the provincial equipment safety
standards for on-road use.
As such, these devices may only be operated where Ontario's HTA does not apply, such as on private property.
Anyone using a go-ped should contact their local municipalities for
by-laws pertaining to their use on sidewalks or bike paths.
