Did you know that electric scooters, electric unicycles and similar means of transport are allowed on public roads? To operate them legally, however, you need to follow certain rules.
Ongoing pilot project
The government is currently carrying out a pilot project on motorized personal mobility devices (MPMD), with the aim of establishing the mandatory characteristics of these devices, the equipment required and the rules for operating them.
Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) is currently conducting a research project to study the use of motorized personal mobility devices (MPMD).
These devices can be used on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less, and on certain bicycle paths. The maximum speed of these devices must be limited to 25 km/h or less.
In addition, MPMD users must be at least 14 years old, wear a helmet, and follow the same traffic rules as cyclists, such as never riding on the sidewalk.
Definition of an MPMD
A transport device that:
Is fitted with at least one wheel.
Is powered exclusively by electric motors.
Does not have a passenger compartment enclosed by a rigid or soft, transparent or opaque material.
Examples: electric scooter and electric unicycle.
Devices NOT considered as MPMDs: motorcycles and mopeds, assisted bicycles, motorized mobility aids, motorized toy vehicles and off-road vehicles are not motorized personal mobility devices covered by the pilot project.
Fines for non-compliance with rules
MPMD users who fail to follow the rules or have the mandatory equipment may be liable to a fine of up to $200.
For use on public roads, the device must:
Weigh no more than 36 kg, including the battery.
Have one or more wheels, each with a diameter of at least 190 mm.
When equipped with handlebars, allow at least one mechanical brake system to be operated by hand.
Be equipped with one or more electric motors with a maximum power of 500 W, whose drive effect ceases when the device reaches 25 km/h.
Be equipped with a brake on each wheel (a wheel fitted with an electric motor allowing the machine to be brought to a halt quickly and efficiently is considered to be fitted with a brake).
With the exception of an electric unicycle, be equipped with at least two braking systems operated by separate controls, one of which must be mechanical (e.g., a disc or drum brake).
Reflectors, headlights and lights
Reflectors and lights must be visible at all times from at least 150 m away. They must also be free of any obstructing matter that reduces their effectiveness.
The device must be equipped with reflectors or reflective material:
white at the front
red at the rear
red on each side, as far to the rear as possible
Exception: The device may be exempt if the user is wearing clothing or an accessory (e.g., backpack, helmet) with reflective material that is visible to other road users.
At night, headlights and lights must be on at all times. This means that the device must be equipped with:
a red taillight, which may be a flashing light
a white headlight or white light at the front, which may also be a flashing light
Exception: The device may be exempt if the user wears a light visible to other road users.
Rules for operating these devices on roads and on some bicycle paths
To ride on roads and some bike paths, you must be at least 14 years old and carry a document that can prove your age. You must wear a helmet that is correctly adjusted and firmly attached.
If you are using an electric unicycle or any other device without hand support, you must wear:
closed shoes
protective elbow pads
protective knee pads
gloves with full finger coverage
Traffic rules are similar to those for cyclists:
Ride as close as possible to the curb or right side of the roadway and in the same direction as traffic.
Ride on the shoulder in the same direction as traffic.
Do not use the sidewalk, except in exceptional circumstances.
Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
Follow the signs and signals for cyclists.
Restrictions
When operating an MPMD, you must not:
Wear headphones.
Pull a trailer.
Carry passengers.
Pull or push any other object or person.
Travel on a public road where the speed limit is greater than 50 km/h.
Use a display screen, cellular phone or any other portable device designed to transmit or receive information or to be used for entertainment purposes.
However, there are exceptions. You may use a screen or cell phone if:
The device is properly and securely installed on the MPMD and only broadcasts information necessary for your movement or related to the operation of the equipment.
You are stationary at the edge of the roadway or on the shoulder, in such a way as not to impede traffic.
Municipalities may, by means of the following signage, prohibit the circulation of MPMDs on a bikeway or public road.
For drivers of road vehicles and other road users
Act in the same way with MPMD users as you would with cyclists:
Reduce speed and keep a distance of at least one metre when passing in the same lane.
Before turning at the intersection, yield to the MPMD user when they wish to cross the roadway.
Information sheet
To find out more, download the information sheet on motorized personal mobility devices (in French only) (PDF 393 Kb).
Last update: January 16, 2026