Electric Scooter Laws in Quebec: Rules, Speed Limits, and Fines

Electric scooters are legal in Quebec if the rider and device meet the province’s rules for motorized personal mobility devices. Riders must be at least 14 years old, wear a helmet, follow a 25 km/h speed limit, and use a compliant scooter.

This guide explains where you can ride, which requirements apply to riders and scooters, what fines you may face, and how the provincial rules apply in Montreal.

Quebec Electric Scooter Laws at a Glance

Quebec regulates electric scooters as motorized personal mobility devices, or MPMDs. The table below summarizes the main rules that apply to riders in Montreal and elsewhere in the province.

These requirements come from Quebec's provincial MPMD pilot project, which governs electric scooters and similar devices. 

How Does Quebec’s Electric Scooter Pilot Project Work? 

Quebec launched its current MPMD pilot project on July 20, 2023. It covers electric scooters, electric unicycles and some similar devices. Motorcycles, mopeds, power-assisted bicycles and motorized mobility aids fall under other legal categories.

The project allows compliant MPMDs on certain public roads and bikeways. It also applies on private roads open to public vehicle traffic, shopping-centre parking areas and other property where the public can travel.

Rental scooters also fall under the pilot project when they operate in Quebec.

What Changed in July 2026?

Quebec revised its motorized personal mobility device pilot project in July 2026. The amendment removed the previous 500 W motor power limit, extended the pilot project to July 20, 2028, and made 25 km/h the central speed standard for both the device and the rider.

The specific speed requirements are explained in the device requirements section below.

Are Electric Scooters Legal in Montreal?

Yes. Privately owned electric scooters can be used legally in Montreal if the rider, device and riding location comply with Quebec law. Montreal riders do not follow a separate citywide set of technical standards for electric scooters. Instead, Quebec’s provincial rules establish the main requirements.

Who Can Ride an Electric Scooter in Quebec?

Quebec applies the same rider requirements throughout the province. They cover Montreal residents, visitors and users of rental devices.

Minimum Age and Proof of Age

A rider must be at least 14 years old. The rider must carry a document that proves their age and show it to a peace officer when requested.

Helmet Requirements

Every electric scooter rider must wear a protective helmet with a rigid shell, padded interior and chin strap. It must fit correctly, remain firmly fastened and have no damage or modification that weakens its structure.

Driver’s Licence, Registration and Insurance

The current pilot project does not require an electric scooter rider to hold a driver’s licence. It also treats an MPMD separately from a road vehicle, so riders do not register the scooter or obtain a licence plate under these rules.

The pilot project does not list compulsory vehicle insurance as a condition of use. However, riders may still want to check whether their personal policy covers liability or property damage after a collision.

These rules apply only when the device qualifies as an MPMD. A moped, motorcycle or power-assisted bicycle may trigger different licence, registration and equipment requirements.

What Requirements Must an Electric Scooter Meet in Quebec?

A rider can follow every traffic rule and still violate the pilot project if the scooter itself does not comply. Therefore, device specifications matter as much as riding behaviour.

The 25 km/h Device Speed Limit

Quebec's electric scooter speed limit has two parts.  First, the motor’s propulsive effect must stop when the scooter reaches no more than 25 km/h. Second, the rider must not travel faster than 25 km/h.

These are related but separate requirements. Riding slowly does not automatically prove that a scooter meets the device standard. A model that can continue providing motor power above 25 km/h may remain non-compliant even when the rider selects a slower mode for one trip.

An app setting, Eco mode or dashboard selection does not by itself prove that the device meets this requirement.

Maximum Weight and Minimum Wheel Size

An electric scooter must weigh no more than 36 kg, including its battery. This figure refers to the device, not the combined weight of the scooter and rider.

Every wheel must have an overall diameter of at least 190 mm, or about 7.5 inches.

Brake System Requirements

Each wheel needs a brake that can stop the scooter quickly and effectively on a dry, paved and level road. An electric motor can count as a brake when it provides the required stopping performance.

Except for gyroscopic devices, an MPMD must have at least two braking systems operated by separate controls. At least one must be mechanical. On a scooter with handlebars, the rider must be able to activate a mechanical brake by hand.

Lights and Reflectors

An electric scooter needs white reflective material at the front, red reflective material at the rear and red reflective material on both sides near the rear. These reflectors must remain visible from at least 150 metres away.

At night, the scooter must also display a white headlight or white front light and a red taillight. Flashing lights are permitted. The lights must remain on, visible and free from dirt or anything else that blocks them.

The rules allow limited alternatives when the rider wears visible reflective material or replacement lights.

Where Can You Ride an Electric Scooter in Quebec? 

Quebec’s electric scooter rules apply throughout the province, including Montreal. Where you can ride depends on the road’s speed limit, the type of route, and any posted restrictions. 

Roads with Speed Limits of 50 km/h or Less

You can ride an electric scooter on public roads where the posted speed limit is 50 km/h or less. Keep close to the curb or right side of the road and travel in the same direction as traffic.

You cannot ride on roads with a speed limit above 50 km/h. The rules also apply to private roads open to public traffic, shopping centre parking lots, and similar public-access areas.

Bike Lanes and Shared Paths

Electric scooters can use eligible bikeways located along roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less. Riders must follow the signs, traffic signals, and pavement markings that apply to cyclists.

However, access is not automatic. Municipalities and other road authorities may prohibit electric scooters on specific bike paths or roads through posted signs.

Sidewalks and Prohibited Roads

You cannot ride an electric scooter on a sidewalk unless signs expressly permit it. If your route requires sidewalk travel, dismount and walk the scooter.

You must also avoid roads with speed limits above 50 km/h and any road or bikeway marked with an electric scooter prohibition sign. Montreal follows these Quebec-wide rules, but riders should still check local signs before entering a specific route.

What Rules Must Electric Scooter Riders Follow?

Once on an eligible route, electric scooter riders follow traffic rules similar to those for cyclists. Several MPMD-specific restrictions also apply.

Passengers, Cargo and Towing

An electric scooter may carry only its rider. Passengers are not allowed, even when the deck appears large enough for two people.

The rider may not pull a trailer or pull or push another person or object. An animal, bag or other item must not block the rider’s view or interfere with steering, braking or control.

Phones, Earphones and Other Distractions

Riders may not wear earphones or headphones. They may not hold or use a phone, entertainment device or other portable information device while moving.

A securely mounted screen may display trip or scooter information if it does not block the rider’s view or controls. Riders may also use a device after stopping safely without obstructing traffic.

Traffic Signals and Other Road Users

Electric scooter riders must obey the road signs, traffic lights and pavement markings that apply to cyclists. They must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and signal before turning when they can do so safely.

Bike-lane access does not give a scooter rider absolute priority over pedestrians, cyclists or turning vehicles.

What Are the Fines for Breaking Quebec Electric Scooter Laws?

A rider who breaks the pilot-project rules may receive a $100 or $200 fine. The amount depends on the provision involved.

The amounts above reflect the typical fines under the pilot-project rules. However, an incident may also involve other Highway Safety Code provisions, so the final charge depends on the facts and the section enforced. 

Conclusion

Electric scooters are legal in Montreal under Quebec’s pilot-project rules. Riders must be at least 14, carry proof of age, wear a helmet and stay at or below 25 km/h. They may generally use roads limited to 50 km/h or less and eligible bike lanes, but not sidewalks or prohibited routes.

Rules may change before the pilot project ends in July 2028. Check the latest provincial guidance or read our overview of electric scooter laws across Canada.

FAQs About Electric Scooter Laws in Quebec 

Can a 10 Year Old Have an Electric Scooter?

A 10-year-old cannot legally ride an electric scooter on Quebec public roads or permitted bike paths. Riders must be at least 14 years old and carry proof of age. The rule restricts where the child may ride rather than ownership itself.

What Is the Maximum CC Scooter in Quebec?

Electric scooters do not have a CC rating because they use electric motors. For a gas-powered moped or motor scooter, Quebec places the category limit at 50 cc. A scooter with an engine above 50 cc is treated as a motorcycle and requires the appropriate motorcycle licence.

Is It Illegal for a 14 Year Old to Ride an Electric Scooter?

No. A 14-year-old can legally ride a compliant electric scooter in Quebec. The rider must carry proof of age, wear a correctly fastened helmet and follow the provincial equipment, speed and traffic rules.

How Much Is a Scooter License in Quebec?

The cost depends on the type of scooter.
For standing electric scooters: No driver’s licence is required under Quebec’s MPMD rules, so there is no licence fee.
For mopeds or motor scooters: A Class 6D licence costs $13.50 for the knowledge test and $46.50 per year for the licence. The mandatory driving course costs extra.

Do You Need a License for an Electric Scooter in Quebec?

No. You do not need a driver’s licence to ride a compliant electric scooter under Quebec’s MPMD pilot project. However, you must be at least 14, carry proof of age, wear a helmet and follow all equipment and traffic requirements.