Waterloo Region: e-bikes, e-scooters, and safety rules you can rely on

November 07, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve ridden an e-scooter or e-bike in Waterloo Region—or if you’re just starting to explore micro-mobility after an injury—knowing the current rules helps you ride smarter and navigate liability if something goes wrong. Below is a practical, injury-focused guide that blends what’s required for both e-scooters and e-bikes, with clear, actionable tips for safer journeys.

Where you can ride in Waterloo Region

• Regional roads with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h or less. E-scooters and e-bikes are allowed here, as long as you follow traffic laws and ride predictably.
• Roads with bike lanes. If a regional road has a bike lane, you may ride there regardless of the speed limit.
• Multi-use paths and select paved trails. This includes boulevard paths adjacent to regional roads and trails like the Iron Horse Trail and Spur Line Trail. E-scooters and e-bikes can use these spaces where conventional bikes are allowed.
• On the roadway itself, if there is no bike lane or shoulder, ride on the right side of the roadway as close to the edge as possible to stay visible and predictable.

Where you cannot ride

• Sidewalks are off-limits for e-scooters and e-bikes.
• High-speed roadways that lack adjacent multi-use paths or bike lanes.
• Any road or path with a sign explicitly prohibiting e-scooters or e-bikes.

Riding requirements and restrictions (e-scooters and e-bikes)

• Age: E-scooters and e-bikes both require riders to be 16 years of age or older.
• Helmet: Helmets are mandatory for all riders, regardless of age.
• Passengers: For e-scooters, passengers are not allowed. For e-bikes, passengers are permitted only if the bike is designed with a separate seat for them; both rider and passenger must be age-appropriate and wear helmets.
• Impairment: Do not ride if you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Traffic laws: Obey all traffic signs, signals, and laws, including stopping at stop signs and red lights.
• Maximum speed: Shared e-scooters have a maximum speed of 25 km/h. E-bikes have their own limits (see below for specifics).
• Transit: E-scooters must be folded or carried when boarding buses and trains. E-scooters aren’t allowed to ride on public transit vehicles. Transit rules for e-bikes may differ; check current guidance if you plan to bring an e-bike on transit.

E-bike specifics (what makes an ebike legal in Waterloo Region)

• Pedals: The e-bike must have pedals; a pedal-less vehicle isn’t legal as an e-bike.
• Motor: The electric motor cannot exceed 500 watts.
• Assisted speed: The maximum assisted speed is 32 km/h.
• Weight: The total weight of the bike and battery must not exceed 120 kg.
• Modifications: It is illegal to modify the motor to exceed 32 km/h or 500 watts.
• Age and helmet: Minimum age is 16, and wearing an approved helmet is mandatory for all e-bike riders.
• Passengers (special case): Passengers are allowed only if the e-bike has a separate seat designed for them, and they must also be at least 16 and wear a helmet.
• Riding rules: E-bike riders must follow the same rules as conventional cyclists, including obeying all traffic laws.
• Where to ride: You can ride on roads, bike lanes, and multi-use trails where conventional bikes are allowed.
• Parking: Park shared e-bikes in designated areas and be considerate of pedestrians.
• Impaired riding: You can be charged with impaired driving while operating an e-bike.

Practical safety tips that reduce injury risk

• Visibility and predictability. Wear bright or reflective clothing, use front lights and rear lights after dark, and signal your intentions. Keep to a steady pace in mixed-use spaces to reduce surprises for pedestrians and drivers.
• Route planning. Favor bike lanes and multi-use paths when possible. On busy roads without bike lanes, stay as far right as safely possible and ride with traffic to improve predictability.
• Speed management. For e-scooters, stay under 25 km/h. For e-bikes, respect the 32 km/h assisted limit and avoid rapid acceleration in crowded areas.
• Pedestrian awareness. On shared paths, slow down when approaching pedestrians, use a bell or friendly call to announce your approach, and give pedestrians space when needed.
• Vehicle interactions. Watch for opening car doors, turn conflicts at intersections, and vehicles entering from driveways. Keep a safe following distance and scan for turning cars.
• Transit considerations. If you plan to use public transit with an e-bike, verify current rules and designated areas for loading or carrying the bike.

What to do after a collision or near-miss

• Prioritize safety and medical care. If there’s any injury, call emergency services.
• Document the scene. Take photos of injuries, road conditions, signage, and equipment damage. Gather contact information from others involved and any witnesses.
• Report as required. Follow local reporting rules; these records can support insurance claims and legal considerations.
• Seek professional guidance. If pursuing a personal-injury claim, consult with a lawyer who can help assemble evidence (injuries, medical treatment, scene conditions, and any rule violations) to support your case.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.