Here is everything you need to know to drive a scooter safely and in compliance with the law.
A scooter is…
Also known as a mopedA 2- or 3-wheel passenger vehicle equipped with an electric motor or a gasoline-powered engine with a cylinder capacity of no more than 50 cc and an automatic transmission.. A scooter's basic features are:
a gasoline-powered motor with a maximum cylinder capacity of 50 cc or an electric motor
a maximum speed of 70 km/h
an automatic transmission
a chassis with 2 or 3 wheels
Scooter or motorcycle?
What we call a scooter has a motor of no more than 50 cc (if it is gasoline powered). To drive one, you only need a Class 6D licence.
If the vehicle has an engine larger than 50 cc – or a maximum speed higher than 70 km/h or a manual transmission – it is not considered a scooter. In such cases, it automatically falls into the “motorcycle” category. To drive a motorcycle, you are required to hold a motorcycle driver's licence bearing Class 6A, 6B or 6C depending on the motor's cylinder capacity.
A scooter cannot be converted into a motorcycle.
To be allowed to drive a scooter, you must
be at least 14 years of age
AND
hold a Class 6D licence
If you already hold a valid passenger vehicle (Class 5) or motorcycle (Class 6A, 6B or 6C) driver's licence or probationary licence, you are authorized to drive a scooter.
If you are under age 18, you will need parental consent to obtain the licence.
To obtain a Class 6D driver's licence, you must:
have passed the Road Safety Education Program – Operating a Moped or Motorized Scooter driving course
Under age 16, you are not allowed to drive a scooter with a passenger!
Fine: $100
Zero alcohol and demerit points
If you have fewer than 5 years of driving experience
The zero alcohol rule applies to you.
You must also have fewer than 4 demerit points in your record.
If you have 5 years of driving experience or more
The zero alcohol rule applies to you until you reach the age of 22.
As for demerit points, the following brackets apply to you based on your age:
8 points: until age 23
12 points: at ages 23 and 24
15 points: at age 25 or older
Modified scooters: prohibited!
A scooter that has been modified, in particular to increase its speed, no longer meets the legal definition of a scooter and the Class 6D licence is no longer appropriate. Here are the risks:
fine: $200 to $600
seizure and impoundment of the scooter: 30 days, plus towing and impoundment fees
Asphalt bites – wear the right gear!
On a scooter, the only protection you can count on is your helmet – a helmet that meets standards is mandatory – and your clothing.
In the event of an accident or a fall, they help avoid or reduce the severity of injuries. It is important that you wear the right gear at all times, even in hot weather.
In addition, wearing a helmet (mandatory!) and clothing that are brightly coloured, or fluorescent, or equipped with reflective strips makes you more visible and from farther away.
Head injuries are often the most serious. Wearing a helmet that meets standards is mandatory for both scooter drivers and passengers. It must be a recent model, correctly worn and properly adjusted.
Scooters in brief…
To be allowed to drive a scooter, you must:
be at least 14 years of age and hold a Class 6D licence (or a driver's licence or probationary licence bearing Class 5, 6A, 6B or 6C)
have your scooter registered
pay the fees to be authorized to operate your scooter
not carry any passengers before age 16
wear a helmet and protective clothing
have insurance to cover property damage. It is not mandatory, but in case of a fender-bender or theft, it's worth it
In addition…
zero tolerance for alcohol for the first 5 years of driving if you're under age 22
