E-Scooters, E-Bikes and Youth Safety: Know the Rules in Richmond Hill
Electric scooters and electric bicycles are becoming increasingly popular throughout Richmond Hill and York Region, particularly among young people.
While these devices offer convenient, affordable and environmentally friendly transportation, there are growing concerns about unsafe riding, excessive speeds, sidewalk use and children operating motorized devices before they are legally old enough.
Many residents have also expressed concerns about electric dirt bikes, modified e-bikes and other high-powered devices being used on neighbourhood streets, sidewalks and public trails and parks.
The important message for parents, young riders and all residents is that not every electric-powered device is legal to operate in public, and both e-scooters and e-bikes have a minimum riding age of 16.
Here's what you need to know about the rules and what is being done to improve safety.
What are the rules in Richmond Hill?
In September 2025, Richmond Hill Council approved a new Micromobility Strategy and Active Transportation and Micromobility By-law 90-25.
The bylaw establishes where electric scooters and other micromobility devices may be operated and introduces enforceable safety requirements.
In Richmond Hill:
E-scooter riders must be at least 16 years old.
E-scooters are permitted on City roads with posted speed limits of 50 km/h or less and designated cycling facilities, including bicycle lanes, cycle tracks and in-boulevard multi-use paths.
E-scooters and e-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks.
E-scooters are not permitted in parks or on recreational trails.
Riders under 18 must wear a helmet when operating an e-scooter.
E-scooters must not exceed 24 km/h or have motors exceeding 500 watts.
Carrying passengers, dangerous riding and modifying an e-scooter to increase its speed are prohibited.
Traditional bicycles are treated differently. Children aged 14 and under are permitted to cycle on Richmond Hill sidewalks.
The City has also established administrative penalties for violations.
For example, operating an e-scooter under the age of 16 can result in a $100 penalty. Operating one in a prohibited area can also result in a $100 penalty, while modifying an e-scooter to exceed 24 km/h can result in a $250 penalty.
These rules are intended to protect riders, pedestrians and other road users while allowing appropriate use of electric transportation.
Learn more: Richmond Hill Micromobility Strategy
What about electric bicycles?
Legal e-bikes have different requirements from standing e-scooters.
Under Ontario's rules, a conventional power-assisted e-bike must have functioning pedals, a motor rated at no more than 500 watts and a maximum motor-assisted speed of 32 km/h.
Riders must be at least 16 years old and wear an approved helmet.
Removing the pedals, modifying the motor to increase power or speed, or operating a device that does not meet the legal definition of an e-bike can change how it is classified under provincial law.
This is particularly important for parents purchasing electric bikes for teenagers.
A device being marketed or sold as an e-bike does not automatically mean it is legal for a child to ride on public roads or trails.
Parents: Please check before you buy
An electric scooter or bicycle can look like an ordinary recreational device, but the legal requirements may be very different.
Before purchasing one for a child or teenager, make sure you understand:
Whether the rider meets the minimum legal age.
Whether the device meets Ontario's technical requirements.
Where the device may legally be ridden.
Whether a helmet, licence, registration or insurance is required.
Whether the device is intended for public roads or private-property use only.
It is also important to talk with young riders about pedestrian safety, traffic signals, intersections, speed limits and the serious consequences of dangerous riding.
What is York Regional Police doing?
York Regional Police has increased its focus on e-bike and e-scooter safety through public education and enforcement.
In September 2026, YRP launched a campaign addressing unsafe and illegal use as students returned to school.
Police confirmed that tickets were being issued for violations of provincial regulations and municipal bylaws.
Enforcement can address underage riding, helmet violations, unsafe operation and illegal motorized vehicles.
In July 2026, YRP also announced criminal charges against a youth following a dangerous e-bike incident in Georgina. Police reported that a passenger was injured after the e-bike was operated dangerously and the driver fled.
The incident illustrates how quickly unsafe riding can have serious consequences.
YRP is also reminding parents that they have an important role in ensuring young riders understand and follow the law.
In some circumstances, allowing a child under 16 to operate an e-bike can result in a $110 fine.
For more information, visit York Regional Police's E-Scooter and E-Bike Safety page.
What is the Province of Ontario doing?
Ontario establishes the provincial framework governing e-bikes, e-scooters and motorized vehicles.
The Province's e-scooter pilot program currently runs until November 27, 2029. Municipalities may choose whether to participate and determine where qualifying e-scooters may be used.
The provincial regulations establish minimum rider ages, vehicle specifications, speed restrictions, helmet requirements and other safety rules.
Municipalities participating in the pilot must also report annually to the Province on how their programs are operating.
These requirements allow the Province to evaluate e-scooter use and determine what permanent rules may be appropriate.
The provincial rules already provide enforcement mechanisms, although questions remain about whether further measures will be needed to address increasingly powerful devices, illegal modifications and underage riding.
Working together for safer neighbourhoods
Electric bicycles and scooters can be useful transportation options when operated responsibly and in accordance with the law.
However, public safety must remain the priority, particularly around schools, playgrounds, neighbourhood sidewalks, parks and busy intersections.
Richmond Hill now has a local regulatory framework, York Regional Police is conducting education and enforcement, York Region continues to incorporate micromobility into road safety planning, and Ontario establishes the provincial operating requirements.
Continued cooperation among these organizations, together with parents, schools and residents, will be important as electric-powered devices become more common.
Residents who encounter dangerous or illegal riding are encouraged to report concerns through the appropriate channels rather than confronting riders directly.
The goal is simple: safer streets, sidewalks and public spaces for everyone.
Where to Report
📞 York Regional Police Non-Emergency Line: 1-866-876-5423
💻 York Regional Police Online Reporting:
📧 Richmond Hill By-law: bylaw@richmondhill.ca
📞 Richmond Hill By-law After-Hours Hotline: 905-771-5458
