e-scooters and e-bikes recently made their appearance in Quebec and the service is now being offered as a self-serve rental. But what about insurance in case of an accident?
What to know when it comes to insurance
Do you use an e-scooter or e-bike to get around? You’re not required to have auto insurance coverage, since they’re not authorized to be used on public roads and highways. However, as part of the Ministry of Transport’s pilot project, their use is authorized with a maximum speed limit of 20 km/h in Montreal and in Westmount on public roads of 50 km/h or less. Other pilot projects with different rules are also ongoing elsewhere in Quebec.
Civil liability insurance
You lose control of the e-scooter or e-bicycle and cause damage to a third party. You may then have to compensate the third party for damage that you may have unintentionally caused. In such a situation, you’d be covered under your home’s liability insurance policy.
Respecting safety rules
While you may not be required to have insurance, the use of an electronic scooter or electronic bicycle is governed by the Highway Safety Code, and certain regulations set out in the Ministry of Transport’s pilot project. Here are the main ones:
- Municipalities currently authorized: Montreal and Westmount
- Prohibited from riding on roads with a speed limit higher than 50km/h
- Age 18 or over, or if age 14 to 17, be licensed to drive a moped (Class 6D licence)
- Maximum speed set at 20 km/h
- Wearing of a helmet mandatory
- In case of an accident, call an agent of the peace if an individual is injured.
Know all the applicable rules (in French only):
- Electric scooters
- Bicycles
SAAQ projects elsewhere in Quebec
Various pilot projects are also underway in other cities and fall under the jurisdiction of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec. The rules regarding electric scooters are different with a maximum speed limit of 32 km/h. Find out more.
