Understand the rules of the road for e-scooters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 28, 2021   12:10pm

(Ottawa) – E-scooters are expected to double in volume on our roadways this year to approximately 1500 operators as more people either purchase one for personal use or rent one from the City of Ottawa’s pilot e-scooter program that launched on May 28^th.

It’s important that both users and drivers understand the rules of the road for e-scooters to ensure the safe use of these devices and to remember to share the road.

“We get a lot of questions about how to operate an e-scooter. The best rule of thumb is that you operate an e-scooter the same way you would ride a bicycle,” said Traffic Unit Sergeant Robert Cairns. “Be safe, wear safety equipment and watch out for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and children.”

This includes riding in bike lanes or on the shoulder of a roadway and not on sidewalks. Riders who are found using their e-scooters on sidewalks are subject to a $150 fine.

Additionally, the following rules apply: 

• You must be at least 16 years old to use an e-scooter, and if you are under 18-years-old you must wear a helmet. All riders are encouraged to wear helmets and bright clothing so that drivers can see them.
• Your e-scooter must have a bell or a horn, as well as a white lamp on the front of the e-scooter and a red one on the rear of the device (to be turned on at dusk).
• You cannot ride an e-scooter with a passenger.
• E-scooters are not permitted on NCC cycling paths or in the ByWard Market (excluding York Street).

Drivers should note that they should use the same 1-metre distancing rule for e-scooters as they are required to do for cyclists.

You can rent an e-scooter from the City at multiple areas citywide. For an overview of coverage, please review this map.

“I have made it a point to educate our officers on the rules and associated fines, so that we are protecting the safety of both riders and pedestrians,” said Sgt. Cairns. “We want people to enjoy these new scooters, but we want you to know that we will also be out there enforcing the laws.”

If you have a complaint about someone dangerously using an e-scooter, you can file a Traffic Complaint online at www.ottawapolice.ca/onlinereporting.

For more information, please visit our E-Scooter web page.

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