This summer, e-bikes are everywhere. Before your child gets on one, there are legal facts every Ontario parent needs to understand.

E-bikes, scooters, and electric mopeds have become a regular part of summer for kids and teenagers across Ontario. They look low-stakes. They are not. These devices can travel nearly as fast as a car, and the legal consequences of an accident, including who can sue, who gets compensated, and who pays, depend on details most families have never thought about.

This guide breaks down what Ontario law actually says, what happens when someone is injured, and what steps parents should take.

Are E-Bikes Legal for Kids in Ontario?

Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, a rider must be at least 16 years old and wear an approved helmet to operate a low-speed electric bicycle. There is no requirement for a driver’s licence or insurance in certain circumstances.

That gap in regulation is exactly what makes e-bikes legally complicated.

Not All E-Bikes Are the Same: The Insurance Threshold

Whether an e-bike requires insurance depends on its specs. Ontario law treats an e-bike as a motor vehicle requiring insurance if it meets any of the following:

• Operates at over 500 watts
• Can reach speeds over 32 km/hr 
• Weighs more than 120 kg (roughly 265 lbs)

If the device meets those thresholds, the owner and rider are subject to the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act and the Highway Traffic Act. That means insurance is mandatory, just as it is for a car.

This matters more than most parents realize. Many e-bikes sold at regular retail outlets approach or exceed these thresholds. And if your child or teenager modifies the device (for example, by removing the pedals), it may be reclassified as a motor vehicle under Ontario law, triggering the insurance requirement.

What Happens If There Is No Insurance for an E-Bike?

This is where Ontario law has serious consequences for injured riders.

Under the Insurance Act, if a person operates a vehicle that legally requires insurance and does not have it, they may lose the right to sue for their injuries, even if the accident was not their fault.

That means a teenager riding an uninsured, over-threshold e-bike could be seriously hurt through no fault of their own and still be unable to recover damages from the at-fault driver.

What Benefits Are Available After an E-Bike Accident in Ontario?

If a motor vehicle is involved in the accident, Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) may apply. These no-fault benefits can include:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Attendant care
• Income replacement
• Other recovery-related support

Whether these benefits are available depends on whether the e-bike meets the definition of a motor vehicle and whether proper insurance was in place. This is a fact-specific analysis that requires legal review.

What If Your Child Was Hit by an E-Bike Rider Who Has No Insurance?

If your child was injured by an uninsured e-bike rider, options may still exist:

• Your own auto insurance policy may cover accident benefits even if your child was not in a vehicle at the time
• The Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund is a provincial fund that may respond in cases involving uninsured motor vehicles
• A direct lawsuit against the at-fault rider may be possible, and in some cases their homeowner’s or tenant’s insurance may respond to cover damages

These options are not automatic and require prompt legal advice to pursue effectively.

What the Injury Data Shows

The risk is not theoretical. A 2025 report from St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto documented a year-over-year doubling in e-bike and electric scooter injuries treated at the trauma centre. The injuries documented include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and open fractures. These are not minor incidents.

A Checklist for Ontario Parents This Summer

Before your child rides an e-bike this season:

1. Check the device specs: wattage, top speed, and weight
2. Confirm whether it legally requires insurance under Ontario law
3. Do not allow modifications that could reclassify the device
4. Ensure your own auto insurance policy is current
5. Make sure your child is wearing an approved helmet, regardless of device classification

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 14-year-old legally ride an e-bike in Ontario?

No. The minimum age is 16, and an approved helmet is required.

Does my teenager need a licence to ride an e-bike?

Not if the e-bike is below the insurance threshold. But if it meets the threshold for wattage, speed, or weight, it is treated as a motor vehicle and a licence and insurance are required.

If my child is injured on an e-bike, can we sue?

It depends on whether the e-bike was properly insured and classified. This is a legal determination that depends on the specific facts of the accident.

What if the at-fault e-bike rider has no insurance?

You may still have options through your own auto policy or the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund. A personal injury lawyer can assess what applies in your situation. Learn more about e-bike claims. 

Contact Campisi Law Injury Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, we’re here to help you understand your options and get the support you need. These cases can be more complicated than they look, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.  Contact our office for a free consultation. There is no cost to speak with us, and no obligation.

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Read More: Electric Scooter Accident: $1.1M Settlement Despite Being At Fault | Ontario