Kingston Police Reminder: E-Scooters Rules in Ontario and Kingston

August 18, 2026

26-26122

Rider Arrested Following Traffic Stop

On August 1, 2026, at approximately 6:18 p.m., a member of the Kingston Police Traffic Safety Unit observed a male operating a motorized vehicle (in this case an e-scooter) in the marked bicycle lane in the area of Division Street and John Counter Boulevard. The vehicle was travelling at a high rate of speed and was measured at 77 km/h using a mobile radar unit.

The officer stopped the rider a short distance later. During the interaction, the individual failed to comply with police direction and was subsequently arrested.

Further investigation identified additional offences and outstanding matters.

The individual was transported to Kingston Police Headquarters, before being released on an undertaking. A 42-year-old Kingston resident was issued seven Part III summonses for the following offences:

• Drive While Under Suspension
• Owner Operate Motor Vehicle Without Insurance
• Drive Motor Vehicle Without Insurance
• Drive Motor Vehicle Without Licence Plates
• Drive Motor Vehicle Without a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Fail to Stop When Directed by a Police Officer
• Speeding (77 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone)

Kingston Police Reminder: E-Scooters Rules in Ontario and Kingston

The vehicle involved in this incident does not meet Ontario's definition of an electric kick-scooter under the pilot program. Under the provincial pilot regulation, a compliant electric kick-scooter has a maximum speed of 24 km/h. Devices exceeding this limit may be classified as motor vehicles under Ontario law and are required to have insurance, licence plates, a permit, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and a properly licensed driver. Failure to meet these requirements can result in substantial fines upon conviction.

Kingston Police remind the public that e-scooters are not currently permitted on municipal roads, sidewalks, trails, pathways, or other public spaces within the City of Kingston. Individuals who choose to operate e-scooters or similar devices that do not comply with provincial and municipal regulations may be subject to enforcement action, including charges, fines, vehicle impoundment, and other penalties where applicable. Riders are responsible for understanding and complying with all laws governing the operation of these devices.

Participation in the pilot program is a municipal decision, subject to provincial requirements and local regulations. The City of Kingston has not yet opted into the pilot program and is currently reviewing e-scooters and other micromobility options through a process that will bring forward recommendations for Council’s consideration. Currently, e-scooters are not permitted on municipal roads, sidewalks, trails, pathways, or other public spaces.

Kingston Police are committed to promoting road safety and will continue to enforce both provincial legislation and municipal bylaws related to e-scooters and other motorized devices. Riders should not assume that a device marketed as an e-scooter is legal to operate in Kingston or exempt from motor vehicle laws.

Before operating any e-scooter or similar device, individuals are encouraged to familiarize themselves with applicable provincial regulations and local restrictions. Compliance with these rules is essential for the safety of all road users and to avoid enforcement action.

For more information about Ontario's e-scooter pilot program, visit ontario.ca/escooters.
To learn more about the City's ongoing micromobility review and development of a Micromobility Regulations Strategy, please visit Get Involved Kingston.

This release has been developed in collaboration with the City of Kingston.