The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding residents to understand local municipal regulations before operating electric scooters (e-scooters) and similar motorized devices. As the new school year begins, officers have observed an increase in e-scooter use by youth travelling to and from school. The OPP is reminding riders and parents that e-scooter use is subject to municipal by-laws and provincial regulations, and that these devices may not be permitted in all communities.
Ontario’s e-scooter pilot program requires municipalities to opt in and establish local regulations governing their use. Currently, no municipalities in Renfrew/Arnprior jurisdiction are participating in the provincial e-scooter pilot program, meaning e-scooters are not permitted for use on public roads, streets, or sidewalks within those municipalities. Residents are encouraged to check with their local municipality if they reside outside the Renfrew/Arnprior jurisdiction or are unsure whether they fall within it before operating an e-scooter, as regulations vary from one community to another.
Where e-scooters are permitted through municipal by-law, riders must comply with provincial requirements, including:
- Riders must be at least 16 years of age.
- Riders under 18 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet.
- Passengers and cargo are not permitted.
- E-scooters cannot be operated on sidewalks.
- Riders must obey applicable rules of the road.
For more information about Ontario’s e-scooter pilot program, visit Ontario.ca/eScooters. For information regarding local municipal by-laws, contact your municipality directly.
Hunt,T.,OPP Renfrew Detachment(2026,Sept.14) E-SCOOTERS ONLY PERMITTED WHERE MUNICIPAL BY-LAWS ALLOW [media release]
Photo: X.com/OPP East Region